Palma, a German Shepherd abandoned at Moscow’s Vnukovo Airport in 1974, became one of the Soviet Union’s most memorable stories of animal loyalty.According to the account, Palma’s owner attempted to board an Ilyushin Il-18 aircraft with her but was prevented from doing so because he lacked the required veterinary documentation.Rather than miss the flight, he left the dog behind.Palma chased the departing aircraft and then remained at the airport, apparently waiting for her owner’s return.For the next two years, Palma developed a remarkable routine.

She reportedly watched arriving Ilyushin Il-18 planes and carefully observed passengers leaving the aircraft, seemingly searching for the person who had abandoned her.

Airport employees and ground staff gradually became attached to the dog, providing food, shelter, and protection after repeated attempts to remove her proved unsuccessful.

The story gained national attention in 1976 when journalist Yuri Rost published an article titled “A Dog on the Runway” in the newspaper Komsomolskaya Pravda.The article generated thousands of responses from readers, including offers to adopt Palma and criticism of the owner.The owner later contacted the newspaper anonymously, admitting he had seen the article but felt too ashamed to return and reclaim the dog.As Palma’s health deteriorated from years spent outdoors, a teacher from Kyiv, Vera Kotlyarevskaya, decided to adopt her.Through patience and repeated visits, she earned the dog’s trust and eventually brought her home.Although Palma initially struggled to adapt and continued looking for her former life at the airport, she eventually settled into a caring household.

Her story has endured as a symbol of devotion and was later adapted into the 2021 feature film “A Dog Named Palma,” introducing her tale to a new generation.