A heartwarming tale of a four-legged local ambassador showing how one friendly dog left a lasting digital legacy.
Meet Maru, a golden retriever who lived on the small, sparsely populated island of Jukdo in South Korea. Known for her incredibly friendly nature, Maru had a special habit: she would join tourists and visitors for walks, acting as the island’s unofficial guide and greeter.
Her claim to fame came when a Google Maps Street View team visited the island to photograph its streets. Maru, true to form, trotted along with the photographer, appearing in the frame of over 1,000 consecutive Street View images. Internet users on platforms like Reddit were delighted to find that no matter which way they navigated the virtual map of Jukdo, Maru was there—smiling, posing and leading the way.
Locals shared that this was simply Maru’s way. She had a profound love for people, walks and making everyone feel welcome on her tiny island.
While Maru passed away in 2021, her joyful spirit remains eternally preserved in Google’s digital archive. She continues to “guide” virtual visitors, leaving a legacy of kindness that transcends borders and time.
| Rest well, Maru. Your digital paw prints continue to spread warmth. | 📸 Project Nightfall |
