A dog in Wuhan, China has recently become quite the internet sensation for its unwavering loyalty towards its owner.

Dog waited for owner who has died from Covid-19

In February, the dog followed its owner into a hospital, as the latter was infected with Covid-19.

Unfortunately, the owner died from the disease five days later.

However, the dog continued to wait for its owner at the hospital for three months.

A 65-year-old cleaner, Zhu You Zhen, recalled that the dog was initially very shy and only lingered outside the hospital building, according to cnhubei.

Zhu believed that the dog probably thought that its owner was still warded in the hospital so it refused to leave as well.

Well loved by hospital workers

During this period, many medical workers and staff at the hospital cared for the dog.

The dog was even given the name "Xiao Bao" which means "Little Gem" in Mandarin.

The owner of a supermarket that operates near the hospital, Wu Cui Fen, said that she would feed it with sausages.

After some time, Xiao Bao got comfortable with Wu and it would come to her every morning at 8:00am when she opens her store.

The story of Xiaobao became publicly known after a nurse took a video of it.

The nurse uploaded the video onto Dou Yin (TikTok in China) and described Xiao Bao as "Loyal dog Hachikō".

After learning about its story via the video, a Good Samaritan decided to adopt Xiao Bao.

However, Xiao Bao was not used to the foreign environment, and ended up starving itself.

As such, the person who adopted him had to bring Xiao Bao back to the hospital in the end.

Looking for a forever home

With more patients coming to the hospital, it is no longer appropriate for Xiao Bao to remain on the hospital premises.

The local animal welfare group, Wuhan Small Animal Protection Association, was alerted in hopes of helping Xiao Bao to find a forever home.

On May 20, the volunteers came to the hospital to spend time with Xiao Bao, and after about half an hour, Xiao Bao was willing to leave with the volunteers.

The volunteers brought Xiao Bao to the vet clinic for a check-up, and sterilised it too.

Other than some skin problems, Xiao Bao is well.

So far, two people have indicated an interest to adopt Xiao Bao, and the association will review their applications.

The association's president, Du Fan, said that they will be stricter in reviewing Xiao Bao's potential adopter as it might not be in its best health condition especially after the passing of its original owner.

Another consideration is Xiao Bao's age, as it is around seven years old.

After parting with Xiao Bao for a few days, both Zhu and Wu are missing Xiao Bao, but they are heartened to know that it is doing well and wish that it will find a kind owner soon.

Meanwhile, Xiao Bao will remain under the care of the association.

Top image via screenshot of thepaper's video and chu tian du shi bao's video