Inspiration for "Hachi: A Dog's Tale" was her own dog "Hachi" named after the loyal canine "Hachiko" of 1920s Japan. Hachi lived for 16 years, and during this period they were inseparable. Several scenes were based on Vicki's personal experiences with Hachi including his disinterest in fetching, watching television while sharing snacks, massage sessions, and waiting behavior.
