U.S. author and activist Helen Keller (1880-1968) treasured the companionship of dogs throughout her life, including two Akitas from Japan that in the 1930s became the first of their kind to enter the United States.
Half a century since Keller passed away, an exhibition touring the United States and Japan conveys her love for the northern Japan breed that started when she learned the true story of the famously loyal dog Hachiko.
"Hachiko's story is enduring because it's a story of eternal love," curator Yumi McDonald said. The Akita gained fame for faithfully returning to Tokyo's Shibuya Station each day to await his owner for years after the man's untimely death at work.