‘I Can’t Watch This’: Japanese Dog Refuses to Leave Injured Buddy’s Side
- Posted on March 16, 2011 at 11:08pm by
Meredith Jessup
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The Blaze has been happy to bring you reports of the Japanese peoples’ resilient spirit and will to stick together and survive. With all of the human despair and destruction facing Japan following the country’s massive earthquake and tsunami, it would be easy to overlook the struggles of some smaller residents.
Undoubtedly, hundreds if not thousands of house pets perished as the tsunami swept ashore and people made their way to higher ground. But as we reported yesterday, some pets are finding ways to beat the odds.
Add two more to that list.
Japanese film crews captured these images of a shivering and disoriented dog sticking by his injured canine companion, waiting for help to arrive for the both of them.
These two dogs have captured the world’s attention. Both CNN and the UK Telegraph have both reported that the dogs have been rescued since the footage aired. Both are now receiving veterinary care.
Here‘s an English translation of the camera crew’s words upon discovering the pair (h/t Yahoo):
We are in Arahama area. Looks like there is a dog. There is a dog. He looks tired and dirty. He must have been caught in the tsunami. He looks very dirty.
He has a collar. He must be someone’s pet. He has a silver collar. He is shaking. He seems very afraid.
Oh, there is another dog. I wonder if he is dead.
Where?
Right there. There is another dog right next to the one sitting down. He is not moving. I wonder. I wonder if he is alright.
The dog is protecting him.
Yes. He is protecting the dog. That is why he did not want us to approach them. He was trying to keep us at bay.
I can’t watch this. This is a very difficult to watch.
Oh. Look. He is moving. He is alive. I am so happy to see that he is alive.
Yes! Yes! He is alive.
He looks to be weakened. We need to them to be rescued soon. We really want them rescued soon.
Oh good. He’s getting up.





















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Comments (201)
hughglass
Posted on March 17, 2011 at 12:46amA Brittainy and an English Setter. Great dogs. They also have a loving owner waiting somewhere, (I hope), who obviously took very good care of them. They’re both a little chubby, which probably helped them through the ordeal.
Report Post »JohnyBgood
Posted on March 17, 2011 at 12:30amIf the aid situation doesnt improve quickly, those dogs are gonna be dinner..thats the truth
Report Post »awizard
Posted on March 17, 2011 at 8:25am@johny; Despite my disagreement to your comment (you should get out of your Mothers basement for awhile, every day).The bright side of your argument would be; They saved “fresh meat’ for a couple of days.
[read with dripping sarcasm]
I owe my life to a “Dog”, my friend (the dog) … he moved to the next life at the ripe old age if 15, I still honor his grave. (you want details ask, or don’t bother, it’s a personal thing) This is a story of loyalty, if he/she could have found it‘s Master I’m sure it would have been a “Dog saves owners life”
Oh by the way, “they” don’t eat Dog in Japan …
Report Post »JohnyBgood
Posted on March 17, 2011 at 9:52am@ Awizard, yea, we all love our dogs I love our family dog too.. I was just pointing out that those dogs arent safe quite yet… as for the japaneese not eating dogs.. they sure will IF THE AID DOESNT SHOW UP.. which was my point..
Report Post »frankieguy
Posted on March 17, 2011 at 12:26amGod couldn’t be here in person, so he sent dog.
Report Post »smamere
Posted on March 17, 2011 at 1:04amThat is pure poetry.
Report Post »kickagrandma
Posted on March 17, 2011 at 6:26am@FRANKIEGUY ~~
Thank you! Nice thought and way true. GOD bless!
Report Post »In a Bunker
Posted on March 17, 2011 at 11:10amThank you, beautiful comment.
Report Post »SilentReader
Posted on March 17, 2011 at 12:09amWhat a wonderful story! This made my day.
Report Post »amerbur
Posted on March 17, 2011 at 12:04amThis again gives me some hope for humanity. The Japanese people have shown themselves to be compassionate and brave. They have my humble admiration.
Report Post »amerbur
Posted on March 17, 2011 at 12:02amJapan again gains my humble admiration when I see them show compassion for these dogs.
Report Post »clearasabellnow
Posted on March 17, 2011 at 10:36amI have been blessed to interact with Japanese families here in America and have learned that their culture embraces some very positive character traits that Americans might do well to adopt. They have superb core values, high expectations, and truly care about one another. They are very resourceful and kind. I truly believe that they have learned lessons of love and loyalty displayed by this dog in the video. May God hold them close as they deal with all of the issues with which they are faced.
Report Post »TheRealElvis
Posted on March 16, 2011 at 11:41pmBrings new meaning to “Heartbreak Hotel”
Report Post »EZDOZIT
Posted on March 16, 2011 at 11:39pmYou can tell the character of a people by the way they treat dogs.These dogs were taken care of by loving owners.I hope they keep them together.
Report Post »dontbotherme
Posted on March 16, 2011 at 11:35pmOh, God bless the people in Japan. They have such kind & loving hearts towards each other & all living creatures. These men found a living miracle amongst all the devastation. It was heartbreaking to watch till I (and they) realized that the one dog’s buddy was also alive. I’m so glad the animals were rescued.
Report Post »There are other amazing miracles… rescuers have been finding people alive in their cars & in what’s left of some homes. God bless them all. I pray that the people get help soon. Come on World… react! We must share our food & water. I want to help so badly but I don’t know what to do.
CaptainSpaulding
Posted on March 16, 2011 at 11:31pmWow.
Dog is more loyal than some people.
Report Post »YouGottaProblemWithThat
Posted on March 16, 2011 at 11:25pmI had a britney spaniel just like that one and he was the best dog. He was a loyal friend and companion for 13 years. I am not surprised at this dogs loyalty and brains. I couldn’t watch the whole clip. I am praying for him/her and the other dog to be saved and reunited with their owners.
Report Post »LadyLibertykicksASS
Posted on March 16, 2011 at 11:24pmI am so glad that they were able to help the dogs…..If animals can be so noble…why do some people find it so hard to do???
Report Post »chips1
Posted on March 16, 2011 at 11:46pmAsk Obummer. He’s muslim!!!
Report Post »Cherynn
Posted on March 16, 2011 at 11:21pmThe dog is waiting for his free stuff from FEMA
Report Post »CanteenBoy
Posted on March 16, 2011 at 11:26pmNot funny.
These two dogs are earning everything.
Report Post »Ghandi was a Republican
Posted on March 16, 2011 at 11:28pmYes- He will wait till another one hits and find a good roof to hang out on and blame Bush for not sending a limo..
Report Post »CanteenBoy
Posted on March 16, 2011 at 11:32pmDogs can sense the good and the bad people. This dog guarding the other would CHOMP a FEMA rep!
Report Post »Marylou7
Posted on March 17, 2011 at 4:55amCanteenBoy
Posted on March 16, 2011 at 11:32pm
Dogs can sense the good and the bad people. This dog guarding the other would CHOMP a FEMA rep!
____________
Report Post »ROFLMBO You got it!!
MidWestMom
Posted on March 17, 2011 at 8:55am- Cherynn & Ghandi
Report Post »Your lives must be so dismal & pathetic ….
Perhaps these dogs could teach you a thing or two?
Cherynn
Posted on March 18, 2011 at 12:43am@midwestmom,
I do have a normal happy life. My comment on the dog and FEMA was pretty much some otngue in cheek thinking about the horrible aftermath of Katrina. The looting and crime and waiting around for hand outs. I dont see any of that type of behavior over in Japan. Japan seems to have character and strength and unity. Too bad we didnt see very much of that after Katrina. The Japanese have carried on in the wake of thier tragedy, Alot of Americans waited around like the 2 unfortunate dogs,,,,,waiting to be saved and to get a hand out. The dogs just reminded me of somethings, sorry to ruffle your feathers.
Report Post »LIBERALSBEDAMNED
Posted on March 16, 2011 at 11:20pmhttp://www.thetrumpet.com/?q=8087.6723.0.0
Report Post »CanteenBoy
Posted on March 16, 2011 at 11:20pmI love dogs, I can tolerate people.
Report Post »CatB
Posted on March 16, 2011 at 11:24pmDitto!
Report Post »Conservative New Yorker
Posted on March 16, 2011 at 11:37pmDitto, ditto! I just gave my two Keeshonds a BIG hug and kiss.
Report Post »Canuck GB Fan
Posted on March 17, 2011 at 12:32amLol! So true!!
Report Post »iwantmycountryback
Posted on March 17, 2011 at 1:30amI love dogs!!! Don’t know if I can tolerate people!! haha!!!!
Report Post »kickagrandma
Posted on March 17, 2011 at 6:24am@CANTEENBOY ~~~ Yep! I’d be real happy to have dogs around when I get HOME! People? Not so much!
I love the dog=GOD … good time to be dyslexic!
Report Post »Chilloften
Posted on March 16, 2011 at 11:20pmSweetness & loyalty. Good doggy.
Report Post »ProudInfidel
Posted on March 16, 2011 at 11:20pmDogs RULE ! ! !
Report Post »TumbleBumble
Posted on March 16, 2011 at 11:24pmSure do!!
Report Post »neverending
Posted on March 16, 2011 at 11:19pmOh my gosh – I am sitting here crying like a baby!!! More care then many humans.
Report Post »NancyBee
Posted on March 17, 2011 at 7:55amI loved the way he put is paw on his friend…. I’m glad someone helped them…
Report Post »Ibanez6
Posted on March 17, 2011 at 12:44pmDog‘s don’t have any self-centeredness like people do. Loyalty is in their nature unlike human nature that cares primarily about self-preservation. We have to choose to be loyal companions, they just are.
Report Post »duffer319
Posted on March 16, 2011 at 11:19pmWOW that was sad. hope they both make it.
Report Post »pattybbb1
Posted on March 17, 2011 at 12:34amthat was so sad. I also hope they are doing much better. that was true loyalty.
Report Post »shortdog24
Posted on March 16, 2011 at 11:18pmA lesson in loyalty…
Report Post »TumbleBumble
Posted on March 16, 2011 at 11:24pmI sure do love dogs. Every time I see either a clip like this or of dogs being abused, I have to give mine a treat and hug on them while they eat it. I thank God for sending us such loyal companions.
Report Post »hersey10
Posted on March 16, 2011 at 11:17pmI’m speechless . My personal thanks to those who are caring for them .
Report Post »banjarmon
Posted on March 16, 2011 at 11:17pmDog spelled backwards…God…
Report Post »My Sacred Honor
Posted on March 17, 2011 at 2:41amA loving and loyal dog who looks into your eyes with unquestioning love…. There is no equal.
God=Dog, no doubt.
God gave us dogs so that we have a first-hand knowledge about His love.
Both are pure, both are above reproach.
Carl1
Posted on March 17, 2011 at 9:16amYep…. And God And Dog is the only 2 that gives unconditional love.
Report Post »VRW Conspirator
Posted on March 17, 2011 at 10:30amthey say that a Dog is Man’s best friend….maybe whoever came up with that saying was a little dyslexic….God is Man’s best friend…and given God’s infinite wisdom and grace…He decided to make it come true…
yes…God = Dog without a doubt….unconditional love for the family unit, always loyal, always on guard and protecting, always there with love to give in times of strife or stress, delighting in the “litlle things” like throwing a ball or chasing a stick….
i have always had dogs as long as i can remember…back to even when i was 4…now i have a
Report Post »St Bernard – 9
Beagle – 3
the Beagle likes to sleep on top of the St Bernard…and she just lays there snoring as he uses her for a bed….LOL
katiefrankie
Posted on April 1, 2011 at 7:17pmAnd then there is Cat…. As a cat lover, though, I can tell you that when one of my beloved cats was hit and killed by a car, the other cat (her best friend and constant companion) waited at the window for days, looking for her. It shattered my already broken heart to see that. Animals really do reflect the love of God. Except snakes. They don’t.
Report Post »iwantmydamncountryback
Posted on March 16, 2011 at 11:17pmi have 2 dogs and if something like this happened id be so heartbroken. these 2 dogs are exactly why. they are so loyal. thank God they survived.
Report Post »Robert-CA
Posted on March 17, 2011 at 12:05amYep it’s a happy ending , I have 1 dog & 3 cats & all of them are rescue .
Report Post »Also I like to salute the heroes @ the Japanese nuclear plant , they’re doing a great heroic job despite the danger .
TrueGrit
Posted on March 17, 2011 at 6:09amA lesson to be learned about loyalty, devotion, dedication and love.
Maybe someone should ask our very beloved President about his feelings on this.
Oh, wait, we can’t. He’s on his way to Rio for the party.
Wolverine
Report Post »TruthTalker
Posted on March 16, 2011 at 11:16pmMost dogs are vey cool.
Report Post »Bluebonnet
Posted on March 17, 2011 at 10:27amI’m almost ashamed to admit it, but: I tear up more about dog stories and their loyalty. No, the Japanese won’t starve because of this sweet story, the Japanese are loyal to each other too and will help each other (so unlike what‘s happened here in America where it’s all about “ME”, best example, look at Katrina and how those people acted) it’s time to stop a moment and appreciate loyal, loving, wonderful companions, the animals who return our affection.
Report Post »cheezwhiz
Posted on March 16, 2011 at 11:15pmIf y’all ever get a chance, watch the movie
Report Post »“ Hachi” .
CatB
Posted on March 16, 2011 at 11:23pmI understand from a posting earlier on Facebook the injured dog is being treated and his friend the hero dog is being taken care of also …. I LOVE DOGS!
Report Post »Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
Posted on March 16, 2011 at 11:28pmI will look for the movie, and its good the dog is getting taken care of.
I love the positive news coming out, unlike our American news screaming their agenda across the board on the basis of never waste a good emergency.
Report Post »A Doctors Labor Is Not My Right
Posted on March 16, 2011 at 11:37pmPlease understand that I’m not trying to be crass when I say this.
But the animals are the very least important things to Japan right now. In fact, they had a lot of their farm land destroyed, so the really need to think about rounding up some of these animals for food.
People are far more important than animals, and people are probably going to starve to death.
edcoil
Posted on March 16, 2011 at 11:39pmI think they needed to stop filming and help the dogs sooner.
Report Post »GONESURFING
Posted on March 16, 2011 at 11:45pmWhat a heart wrenching video and story. Even the dogs in Japan are acting with dignity. Very glad they are being taken care of.
Report Post »AzDebi
Posted on March 16, 2011 at 11:50pmI love my dogs! Thank God for giving us such wonderful companions!
Report Post »ottodiedacktick
Posted on March 17, 2011 at 12:17amIt is obvious that the dog was trained to never leave his buried bone, even if the neighbor’s dog is lying on top of it. Just kidding. ;-) Fight on little fellas, so the rescuers will be inspired by your determination. God bless.
Report Post »Outside Looking In
Posted on March 17, 2011 at 12:29am@A Doctors Labor Is Not My Right:
With all due respect, I live in Japan and trust me, no one in the stricken areas will be starving to death.
Report Post »It is the nature of the Japanese as a people to come together and help each other out in times of disaster like this.
Canuck GB Fan
Posted on March 17, 2011 at 12:29amAwww, so glad this ended on a positive note! Dogs freakin’ rock!!! :)
Report Post »LockeStep
Posted on March 17, 2011 at 12:40am@A Doctors Labor Is Not My Right
Report Post »You said “But the animals are the very least important things to Japan right now…”
While on one level I agree with you, I think you underestimate the value pets and dogs play in times of grief. For example after 9/11 among the SAR dogs at the WTC there were therapy dogs for the rescue workers. They helped keep moral up and provide something intangible that only a dog can.
Showtime
Posted on March 17, 2011 at 12:44am@CatB ~
Report Post »Thanks! I would have worried about him when trying to go to sleep. Now I will be able to sleep without worrying.
sweetchristi
Posted on March 17, 2011 at 12:47amLoved that movie!! So sad though….
Report Post »rattler1958
Posted on March 17, 2011 at 12:59amI have seen it. The people of Japan are all about following rules, duty,respect,and honor. They will not starve and resort to eating someones dog. Study their history!!!! NO LOOTING. If that happened here we would have CHAOS!!!!!!!!! Look at “KATRINA”.
Report Post »PATTY HENRY
Posted on March 17, 2011 at 1:08amDogs remind me of what GOD meant PEOPLE to be. Thanks for this story. I’m thrilled they are okay.
Report Post »thepatriotdave
Posted on March 17, 2011 at 1:09amCatB
Posted on March 16, 2011 at 11:23pm
I LOVE DOGS!
——————————————————-
Amen!
Cats are useless, Dogs are amazing! Ok, I’m just kidding about Cats.
http://tinyurl.com/4rv8xsm
Report Post »HUGGINGMYBABIES
Posted on March 17, 2011 at 1:19amHachi!!!! Is alive and his spirit lives on in his doggy friends. So happy the got help.
Report Post »iwantmycountryback
Posted on March 17, 2011 at 1:27amOMG … I just happened upon that movie yesterday! It broke my heart! I cried … it was crazy!
Report Post »The Noodle Fish
Posted on March 17, 2011 at 1:45amsay it with me: “awww…. awww… aww………!!!”
Report Post »RepubliCorp
Posted on March 17, 2011 at 2:24amI hope in heaven there is a doggy door
Report Post »My Sacred Honor
Posted on March 17, 2011 at 2:27amJapanese to English translation: “Old Dan and Lil Ann…..”
And this ole country boy is crying his eyes out right now…
Report Post »My Sacred Honor
Posted on March 17, 2011 at 2:34amLockeStep
Posted on March 17, 2011 at 12:40am
@A Doctors Labor Is Not My Right
You said “But the animals are the very least important things to Japan right now…”
While on one level I agree with you, I think you underestimate the value pets and dogs play in times of grief. For example after 9/11 among the SAR dogs at the WTC there were therapy dogs for the rescue workers. They helped keep moral up and provide something intangible that only a dog can.
The very sad part about 9/11 and the SAR dogs is that the dogs found no one. After a while, the handlers started planting live bodies for the dogs to find because the SAR dogs were becoming severely depressed. They KNEW there were no live bodies to find. They had to hearten the dogs in the only way they knew, by giving them successes.
Report Post »DOCTOR….I understand what you are saying, but never discount even a sliver of good news that touches your heart in any given situation. As humans, we are able to multi-task. We can feel the tragity of millions while at the same time, feel the heroism and triumph of an animal.
Mee the People
Posted on March 17, 2011 at 4:39amobummer and his friends can learn something from this
Report Post »SlimnRanger
Posted on March 17, 2011 at 7:19amI saw that movie Cheez,and it was a great movie brings tears to a grown mans eyes
Report Post »grandmaof5
Posted on March 17, 2011 at 7:34amI just love stories with happy endings!
Report Post »HeavenlyMinded
Posted on March 17, 2011 at 7:55amExcellent movie….definitely worth owning. Make sure you have a box of Kleenex handy.
Report Post »dmforman
Posted on March 17, 2011 at 8:13am@ A Doctors Labor Is Not My Right In a time like this with so many people missing and unaccounted for, this gives people hope that they could find their loved ones alive, too. For that I see a huge value in this.
Report Post »VApatriot2
Posted on March 17, 2011 at 8:42amGrab a box of tissues. Absolutely soul stirring and heart breaking!!
Report Post »cessna152
Posted on March 17, 2011 at 8:53amStill crying… must stop…WAH!
Report Post »Pocono Countryboy
Posted on March 17, 2011 at 10:12amA Doctors Labor Is Not My Right
You try to kill my dogs for food and you better have a pocket full of corks to plug up the holes I put in your sorry ass.
Report Post »Gold Coin & Economic News
Posted on March 17, 2011 at 10:29amThis is heartbreaking to watch, but it’s good news to hear the pooches are getting vet care now. Had pets all my life and just love the little critters.
Report Post »LookTowardsTheLight
Posted on March 17, 2011 at 10:35am@Pocono Countryboy
You will have to go through me first before you get to the good “doctor” sir. Your a typical Dog lover who puts animals above human life so shame on you. Don’t get me wrong, I like dog’s and this is a cute story. However, NO animal should every be put ahead of human life in my opinion and your threat of violence is disturbing.
Report Post »Dennisgl
Posted on March 17, 2011 at 10:49am@A Doctors Labor Is Not My Right
Report Post »And who decided that people are more important? These two dogs are playing a extremely important role right now. This video will inspire many people, and not just the people of Japan. If only more people had loyalty such as this. Think of the possibilities.
Mainer forever
Posted on March 17, 2011 at 10:55amThat movie was amazing,….Love the Hachi!!!
Report Post »fertlmind
Posted on March 17, 2011 at 11:51amI understand that the Koreans have rescue dog teams in Japan helping out.
Report Post »I find this fascinating as I spent 4 or 5 years stationed in Korea (ARMY) in the 70‘s and 80’s where
me and my fellow soldiers frequently rescued dogs who were waiting to be eaten
Cat’s had it even worse.
I know that the people of Japan need help first
but their pets deserve to be rescued too
It usually only takes a little effort and much fewer resources than sustaining a person.
Even when in need themselves, …those dogs that are rescued will bring hope and comfort to the rescued people and their rescuers.
There is just something about dogs that we need as a society
rescue the dogs
the benefits are endless
LookTowardsTheLight
Posted on March 17, 2011 at 12:03pm@Dennisgl
“And who decided that people are more important?” Um, there is no decision needed, it’s just the way it supposed to be. Your another one who doesn‘t value human life above all so I wouldn’t be surprised if you were pro abortion. What exact role are these two particular K9s playing? Give me a break please!
smithclar3nc3
Posted on March 17, 2011 at 1:16pmHey Doc.
With all due respect this story will due more to help the people of Japan than those two dogs would do as a food source. It shows that even animals can come together in a time of crisis and support each other. And as far as people starving goes this ain‘t New Orleans and it ain’t the African American culture of entitled government dependence. The Japanese people come together in these times they don’t go at each others throats. Thiers is a culture that at one time would favor death over dishonor and while they’re not quite as extreme as that anymore Honor and pride still plays a big roles in their lives. It’s why the toyotas made in Japan are better than the toyotas made in America.
Basicly a disaster of this size couldn’t happen to a better prepared civilized society.
SavvyCowboy
Posted on March 17, 2011 at 2:17pmWe have 4 dogs (thank God we live on a ranch) all but one are rescue dogs. Years ago we had to put down our 14 year old Black Lab (very tough to do but necessary). When we drove her body out to one of our pastures to bury her in our “pet cemetary” our 5 year old Golden Retriever jumped into the grave and tried to “dig his buddy up”. When we were able to continue to put more dirt on the grave, the Golden Retriever jumped back into the grave and laid down on top of our Black Lab. Besides being incredibly difficult to witness, we realized very quickly that dogs do “pack” if there’s another compatible dog in the family. Now our Golden “boy” is almost 12 years old and we know his days are numbered. His best buddy is our Border Collie and I‘m sure we’ll experience a similar situation some day soon.
But without pets and animals life would be very dull.
BTW – buy and read “Rescuing Sprite” by Mark Levin. It’s worth every penny (plus Kleenix boxes).
Report Post »mdlwoods
Posted on March 17, 2011 at 2:30pmI watched Haichi and I have never cried so hard in a movie! I can’t bring myself to watch it again! Marly didn’t even get to me like Haichi did! I recommed it to anyone who hasn’t seen it but better make a trip to the store and stock up on Kleenix!
Report Post »cindy g
Posted on March 17, 2011 at 3:04pmI watched the movie, not knowing it was based on a true story…I kept thinking it wasn’t real, so no reason to break down in tears….
When the end of the movie showed that it was true, I couldn’t stop crying for hours..Every time I thought of this dog and his master, I would lose it all over again!
I can not watch the movie ever again…My tired, old heart couldn’t take it!
Report Post »MatthewChapter24
Posted on March 17, 2011 at 4:15pmCheez,
Oh, that movie Hachi is a heartbreaker. :(
Report Post »Iowa Gal
Posted on March 17, 2011 at 4:25pmJust requested the movie from Netflix
Report Post »Iowa Gal
Posted on March 17, 2011 at 4:26pmI just requested the movie from Netflix
Report Post »Cindy in CA
Posted on March 17, 2011 at 4:47pmExcellent movie! The orginal story is from Japan. I wonder if his statue is still standing?
Report Post »glashole
Posted on March 17, 2011 at 7:21pmI guess dogs are not looked at like food in Japan.
Report Post »random357
Posted on March 17, 2011 at 8:40pmbarack could learn a lot from this dog.
Report Post »jackrorabbit
Posted on March 18, 2011 at 1:02amAWESOME, it’s the next “Benji” movie.
Report Post »jphillips
Posted on March 18, 2011 at 4:27pmI think we can all learn something from these two, love your neighbor as you love yourself.
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