Nuapada, Nov 12: The bond between humans and animals is often built on unconditional love, trust and loyalty. A touching example of this enduring relationship has emerged from Kurumpuri village in Komna block of Odisha’s Nuapada district, where a pet dog continues to visit its deceased owner’s final resting place every day, even two months after his death.

The dog, named Lata, was deeply attached to her owner, Dhanurjya Sethi, an elderly man who passed away on September 11. Despite his death, Lata has not stopped looking for her beloved companion.

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According to local residents, Sethi had adopted Lata, a stray female dog, several years ago after offering her food. Gradually, the dog became an inseparable companion to the elderly man, who lived alone. He affectionately named her Lata, and the two developed a close bond. They would eat together and often go out for walks.

Sethi's death left Lata without her closest companion. As he had very few relatives, his daughter and son-in-law reportedly struggled to arrange his last rites on their own. After his body remained unattended for some time, volunteers from the Student Blood Donors' Federation and the Nava Nirman social organisation stepped forward and helped perform his last rites.

Local residents said Lata initially failed to understand that her owner had passed away. She reportedly tried to wake him up several times before eventually sitting beside his body for a long time.

When volunteers carried Sethi's body to the cremation ground for the last rites, Lata followed them. She reportedly remained around the body throughout the funeral proceedings.

Even after two months, Lata's attachment to her owner remains unchanged. Every morning and evening, she makes her way to the spot where Sethi was laid to rest, sits there quietly for some time and then returns.

Her daily visits to her owner's final resting place have touched the hearts of local residents and become a talking point in the area.

Lata's story is a poignant reminder of the deep emotional bonds animals can form with humans and the extraordinary loyalty they often display towards those who care for them.