MOSAKO – THE SWEET JAPANESE DOG CARED FOR BY AIR NZ CREW

Since 2016, an Akita dog named Mosako in Japan has received food, walks, and long-distance support from Air New Zealand crew members.

As Mosako spends her final days on an air bed watching TV, Michelle Little reflects on the lessons she has imparted to her Kiwi friends about purpose, resilience, and loyalty.

“We’ve faced many challenges with her, but Mo has taught us to persevere and reminded us that each day brings new possibilities,” Little shared with Afternoons.

Eight years ago, when two Air New Zealand crew members first met Mosako, she was chained up and appeared “a little bit lost and a little bit lonely” in a mall near Narita airport, according to Little.

Though Mosako looked like “a giant teddy bear,” she was chained up to guard a local auto parts business and seemed to have had minimal interaction with people.

Initially cautious around the Air New Zealand staff, Little noted that it didn’t take long for Mosako to relish the freedom of being unchained and enjoying walks around mountains and temples.

“Watching her delight in simple dog activities brought us so much comfort,” Little said.

While acknowledging that Mosako was someone else’s dog, Little explained that over time, they gradually took on the role of her caretakers, providing everything they believed would enhance her quality of life.

Now unable to walk and mostly blind, Mosako is spending her final days under the care of two Japanese women in a “beautiful” old home that the Air New Zealand crew refer to as a “doggy hospice.”

In the past three weeks, everyone who has cared for Mosako has had the chance to say their heartfelt goodbyes in person, Little shared.

“We were brave, drawing our courage from her. She knew we were there; her eyes would lift, and her little tail would wag. We reminisced about our time together and the memories she’s left us with, which will stay with us in our crew rooms and throughout our flying careers.

“We reassured her that it was okay to go when she was ready. Honestly, I don’t think she’s quite ready yet. She’s finally enjoying the care she deserves, free of collar and chain. But we leave knowing she’s comfortable, loved, and content, watching TV on an air bed.”