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
Shelter Pup Extends a Paw of Friendship to Everyone Who Passes By
In the heart of our bustling city, amid the constant stream of people rushing to and fro, there exists a silent observer, a four-legged sentinel of hope. Meet Max, a gentle soul who resides in our local animal shelter, and whose desire to connect with humanity is as profound as the stories etched in his soulful eyes.
Max arrived at the shelter under somber circumstances, his past a mystery to all but himself. With a coat as soft as whispers and eyes as deep as oceans, he carries an air of vulnerability that’s impossible to ignore. Yet, despite the uncertainty of his past, Max possesses an unshakeable spirit, a testament to the resilience of shelter dogs everywhere.
His endearing quirk is what sets him apart from the rest—a simple, heartwarming gesture that has captivated the hearts of shelter staff and visitors alike. Max yearns to hold hands with every passing soul. It doesn’t matter if you’re young or old, a child filled with boundless curiosity or an adult weighed down by life’s burdens; Max believes that human touch is a universal language, a bridge to a brighter world.
Each day, as people stroll through the shelter’s corridors, Max sits attentively by the gate, his tail gently wagging, eyes earnestly scanning for a willing hand to touch. It’s as if he understands that beneath the hustle and bustle of life, there lies an innate need for connection, for a moment of genuine warmth and compassion.
Max’s simple act of reaching out his paw transcends the boundaries of language, race, and circumstance. It’s a reminder that amidst the chaos of our lives, there are moments of serenity, where a shelter dog’s longing for connection resonates with our own desire to touch and be touched by the world around us.
For those who have been fortunate enough to clasp Max’s paw, the experience is nothing short of magical. His touch radiates comfort, a soothing balm for the soul. He reminds us that in this world of constant movement and change, the power of a simple gesture can transcend the barriers that divide us.
But Max’s story is not just about his longing for connection; it’s also about the potential for transformation. He serves as a beacon of hope for other shelter dogs waiting for their chance to shine. His quiet resilience inspires those who pass through the shelter doors, encouraging them to see beyond appearances and embrace the beauty of a shelter pet’s heart.
As the days turn into months, Max continues his mission to touch the lives of those who cross his path. His presence in the shelter is a testament to the unbreakable bond that can form between humans and their loyal companions, no matter where life’s journey may lead.
So, the next time you find yourself near our local shelter and see Max by the gate, don’t hesitate to reach out your hand. For in that simple gesture, you may find a connection that transcends words, a moment of profound grace in a world that sometimes forgets the power of a loving touch. Max, the silent sentinel of hope, reminds us that in a world often bustling with noise, the quiet power of connection can bring solace and healing to both humans and the animals we share this planet with.
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