Bal Bal the dog is a fixture at a remote country bus station in South Korea. Daily commuters expect to see him waiting by the road, watching passing buses as if he is looking for a special person. But agony crosses his face each time someone climbs down any bus except the one he is looking for. He has been coming here all day- rain or snow, snow or shine- but over the day, his eyes swell up in tears as the person he anticipates doesn’t arrive. Meet Bal Bal, this is his story!
Image Story/Source Credit: YouTube Video
It turns out, Bal Bal’s actions are actually a daily ritual to greet his elderly caretaker grandma who arrives by the bus, who he loves and worships with all of his heart. It all began when Grandma found Bal Bal after he was hit by the car. He had no movement and was on the verge of death, but Grandma didn’t give up on him and nursed him back to life.
Image Story/Source Credit: YouTube Video
After overcoming a trauma, Bal Bal transformed into his savior’s loyal protector who would stick by her side like glue at all times. He refused to leave the lonely Grandma’s house and promised to look after her when no one else did. Whenever she was out of his sight, he would go ballistic and wouldn’t stop crying until he was hugged again.
Image Story/Source Credit: YouTube Video
Bal Bal is shown with gratitude to Grandma in the way he follows her around. His love for her is ethereal. Though, she hates to see him waiting at the bus station because there are many dangerous places where he can get hurt. She’s tried locking him up in the greenhouse when she travels to stop him from being anxious, but Bal Bal just rips open that plastic to follow his human.
Toledo, United States.
