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
Heartrending Farewell: A Dog’s Emotional Goodbye at Its Owner’s Funeral Touches the Souls of Many
This Dog Cried Like A Human At the Funeral Of Its Owner, Making Many People Cry
For the last four years, this sweet pup named Belinha had been inseparable from her best friend and owner, Telma Maria. Unfortunately, their time together was cut short lately — but Belinha’s love for her owner continues on.
Maria, who resided in Brazil, died earlier this month after a lengthy cancer struggle. Throughout her difficult battle and worsening health, Belinha never left her side — and the dog’s consoling presence lifted Maria’s spirits.
Maria’s son, Dionsio Neto, stated online, “My mother said she was her nurse.” “Belinha was the most devoted friend.”
Given how important Belinha was in Maria’s life, it was only natural that she would be there at her funeral. Belinha sat somberly alongside other family members, as though realizing the gravity of the mournful meeting.
What occurred next, however, had the greatest impact on Maria’s son.
Belinha astonished everyone by remaining at Maria’s side throughout the rest of the service, exactly as she’d always done when Maria was alive. Neto wanted to photograph those sensitive moments, writing:
“Animals are unconditional love.”
Belinha continued to weep after the wedding, wailing frequently for Maria’s absence. So, in the hopes of offering the dog some comfort, Neto and a few family members agreed to show Belinha where her closest buddy now lives – a visit that seemed to relax her.
Belinha broke free from her leash at the cemetery and raced straight to Maria’s grave, despite the fact that she had not been there when she was laid to rest. Neto was once again moved to see that the bond between his mom and her dog remained unbroken, telling the newspaper Estadão:
“Even in death, my mother teaches me that love is not limited to people. My mother and Belinha show that animal love is more powerful than many people believe.”
In time, Belinha’s heart will begin to heal, knowing that Maria is never far away. Belinha now has a lifelong home with Neto, so she won’t have to go through the grief process alone.
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