It’s a heartbreaking reality that some people can abandon their dogs, leaving them to fend for themselves in the harshest conditions. Yet, in the midst of these tales of abandonment and neglect, there are always shining examples of compassion and hope that remind us of the goodness in the world.
The story of Chunkie, a sad shelter puppy, is one such tale that warms the heart and reaffirms our faith in humanity.
Chunkie’s journey began in despair. She was chained and left exposed to the elements, a heartbreaking sight that no dog should ever endure. But fate had other plans for her, and her guardian angel appeared in the form of firefighter Mike Thawley from Sacramento’s Fire Station 14. When he stumbled upon Chunkie, weak, ill, and tied to a post in the pouring rain, he knew he couldn’t simply walk away.
Mike’s first act of kindness was to clean her up and ensure she received the immediate care she so desperately needed. He rushed her to the Front Street Animal Shelter, refusing to abandon her in her time of need.
Upon examination, it became clear that Chunkie had a severe case of mange, and her skin was in a terrible state. However, the dedicated staff at the shelter wasted no time in treating her ailments and providing her with warm clothing to protect her delicate skin. It was evident to everyone that Chunkie was immensely grateful for her newfound safety and care.
But what tugged at the heartstrings even more was the bond that had formed between Chunkie and her rescuer, Mike. Their connection was undeniable, and it was clear that Chunkie had grown fond of the firefighter who had saved her life.
The touching moment of reunion between Chunkie and Mike, captured on camera, melted hearts and brought tears of joy. It was a testament to the deep bond that can develop between humans and animals, forged through acts of kindness and compassion.
In a heartwarming twist to this tale, firefighter Mike Thawley decided to make Chunkie a permanent part of his family. It was a moment of celebration as Chunkie transitioned from a life of despair and uncertainty to one filled with love, care, and companionship.
Chunkie’s story is a shining example of the difference one person can make in the life of an abandoned and suffering animal. It’s a reminder that compassion knows no bounds, and it can transform lives in the most unexpected ways.
As we celebrate this heartwarming rescue and reunion, let us also use it as a reminder of the countless animals around the world who need our help and compassion. By sharing this story, we can spread awareness and support for all dogs, reminding the world that every pup deserves a chance at a loving home.
Waggy races! Dozens of disabled stray dogs use wheelchairs to take their daily walk at sanctuary in Thailand
The 27 dogs from a shelter in Chonburi, Thailand, appeared to be beaming from ear to ear as enjoyed a stroll with their wheel aides
With tails wagging to a chorus of barks and yelps, dozens of disabled dogs attached to wheels that support their disabled hind legs looked ecstatic as they took their daily walk at a sanctuary in Thailand.
Mostly victims of accidents, the 27 dogs are being nursed back to health at a shelter in Thailand’s province of Chonburi southeast of the capital, Bangkok.
They beamed from ear to ear as they took to the rocky track with their wheels for their dose of exercise for the day.
‘It’s almost like they have no idea that they have a disability and once you put them in the wheelchair for the first time, it’s like there’s no learning curve,’ said shelter official Christopher Chidichimo.
Thanks to mobility devices, the disabled dogs were able to get some much needed outside exercise in Chonburi, Thailand
During their exercise outing at the shelter, the disabled dogs were even joined by some strays who decided to join in with all the fun
The 27 dogs, who are mostly victims of accidents, are being nursed back to health at the shelter and particularly enjoy their daily outings
Shelter official Christopher Chidichimo said ‘It’s almost like they have no idea that they have a disability’ once the dogs are placed in the wheelchairs for the first time
The shelter, run by a foundation called The Man That Rescues Dogs, was set up by a Swede who moved to Chonburi in 2002 and was so dismayed by the poor condition of strays that he started caring for them after work.
But its future is now in doubt, after the coronavirus pandemic led to a 40 per cent drop in donations and slashed the number of foreign visitors.
‘The donations are very important and the volunteers and visitors are equally important, because they come and spread our message,’ said Chidichimo, who is a sponsorship coordinator at the shelter.
The shelter spends more than $1,300 (£946.42) each day to care for more than 600 dogs and feed 350 more that live on the streets.
The shelter, run by a foundation called The Man That Rescues Dogs, was set up by a Swede who moved to Chonburi in 2002
During their visit, the shelter founder was so dismayed by the poor condition of strays that he started caring for them after work
Sadly the future of the shelter is in doubt after the coronavirus pandemic led to a 40 per cent drop in donations and slashed the number of foreign visitors
The shelter spends more than $1,300 (£946.42) each day to care for more than 600 dogs and feed 350 more that live on the streets
The shelter takes care of a range of dogs from different backgrounds and even offers physiotherapy sessions
Its volunteers also look after paralysed and disabled dogs, including physiotherapy sessions, but scarce funds have forced it to suspend a monthly campaign to spay and neuter strays.
Thailand, estimated to have more than 800,000 stray cats and dogs in 2017, could see their number reach 2 million by 2027 and 5 million in 20 years unless it takes some steps to control numbers, livestock authorities says.
For now, the disabled dogs in Chonburi enjoy their daily rambles. ‘They are eager for us to strap them up,’ said dog handler Phanuphong Borphuak, referring to the canine mobility aids.
‘They run very fast, we humans can’t keep up with them.’
After suffering financially as a result of the pandemic the shelter has been forced to suspend a monthly campaign to spay and neuter strays
After their energetic walk the dogs enjoyed a boy of food after working up quite the appetite with their running around
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