“Incredible Canine Loyalty: A Railroad Saga of Unyielding Friendship”
In the tranquil village of Tseglivka, Ukraine, an extraordinary story unfolds – a story that epitomizes genuine friendship and steadfast loyalty among our four-legged companions.
It all started on the railroad tracks when Lucy, a female dog, found herself in a perilous predicament. Injured and unable to move, she lay vulnerable to the imminent danger of approaching trains. Local residents, moved by compassion, attempted to rescue her, but Lucy’s devoted companion, Panda, stood guard, barking fiercely to keep them at bay.
Denis Malafeyev, a compassionate soul, stumbled upon this heart-wrenching scene. He documented their precarious situation in a video that left viewers on the edge of their seats. With trains hurtling dangerously close, Denis knew that any rescue attempt would be a race against time.
As the thundering sound of an approaching train grew louder, something extraordinary occurred. Panda, sensing the impending danger, moved closer to Lucy and nestled beside her. With their heads lowered and their bodies huddled together, they braced themselves for the inevitable. The train thundered overhead, just inches from their heads, but miraculously, both dogs emerged unscathed.
This remarkable display of canine devotion continued for two consecutive days. Panda faithfully remained by Lucy’s side, offering warmth and solace. It’s a testament to loyalty and friendship that leaves us all in awe, prompting us to contemplate the depths of love and compassion that can exist between animals.
When the two dogs were eventually rescued from the perilous tracks, they were taken to a veterinarian for care. Lucy, though battered and bruised, had no broken bones. With the unwavering support of their dedicated family, the dogs embarked on their journey to recovery. Even on the way home, Panda continued to snuggle with Lucy – a powerful testament to the bond they shared.
As time passed, Lucy and Panda healed, both physically and emotionally. Lucy’s injuries were treated, and Panda slowly began to trust humans again. Their story touched the hearts of many, and soon a kind-hearted individual stepped forward to offer them a loving foster home.
This tale of unshakable friendship and loyalty serves as a poignant reminder of the remarkable capacity for compassion and sacrifice found in the animal kingdom. Lucy and Panda, two courageous souls who faced danger together, stand as shining examples of the power of friendship and the extraordinary lengths to which our beloved animal companions will go to protect and comfort one another.
51 DOGS RESCUED FROM THE DOG MEAT TRADE IN VIETNAM
Dr. Katherine Polak, Head of Stray Animal Care Southeast Asia for FOUR PAWS
The dog meat trade is big business in Vietnam and threatens the lives of millions of dogs every year, many of them pets. Every day, pets are violently snatched off the streets, from yards, and even while out on a walk with their owners. These unlucky dogs make a brutal journey to slaughterhouses, markets, and restaurants, where a gruesome death awaits them. But times are changing, and the brutality and illegality of pet theft is no longer being tolerated by Vietnamese authorities.
In a landmark case, police in Thanh Hoa Province received a tip off regarding a gang of dog thieves believed to have stolen thousands of dogs since the beginning of the year. On September 15, 2019 the police successfully carried out the largest ever bust of a dog theft ring in Vietnam, resulting in the seizure of 51 dogs. According to the police, the gang carried stun guns and other sharp weapons, and rode motorbikes through residential areas late at night shooting dogs roaming outside. Police arrested a total of 16 suspected gang members and questioned more than 40 suspects. The gang not only brutalized neighborhood dogs, but also caused outrage among local people, particularly pet owners.
Following the interception, Police struggled to properly care for the confiscated dogs given their limited capacity for animal care, so the Asia Canine Protection Alliance (ACPA), of which FOUR PAWS is a member, stepped in to offer assistance. There were 13 dogs in need of immediate medical care due to severe wounds sustained during capture. Dogs with painful open wounds were anaesthetised, treated, provided pain medication and antibiotics, and housed in a temporary shelter for ongoing treatment.
The Asia Canine Protection Alliance is an international alliance of four animal protection organizations committed to ending the illegal trade of dogs in Vietnam: FOUR PAWS, Animals Asia, Humane Society International, and Change for Animals Foundation. ACPA is working to build collaborative relationships with the governments throughout Southeast Asia where the dog meat trade is prevalent, and has already secured a moratorium on the trade in dogs between Thailand and Vietnam.
Following the confiscation, the police publicised the bust throughout the province using local media so that stolen dogs could be reunited with their families.
Over the course of 2 weeks, all 51 dogs were successful reunited with their owners, who were devastated by their pets’ disappearance.
This bust pets a major precedent as dog theft is rarely treated as a criminal offense in Vietnam unless the canines are valued at more than VND2 million ($86).
“These arrests will hopefully go a long way in deterring future dog theft in Thanh Hoa Province, and potentially throughout all of Vietnam. While the dog meat trade is often defended as ‘culture’ or ‘tradition’, the reality is that there are significant health and societal impacts associated with the trade and these are becoming of ever-growing concern within Vietnam and internationally.”
Earlier in the week, the Food Safety Management Board of Ho Chi Minh City urged locals to stop eating dog meat in an effort to improve Vietnam’s national image with tourists. They also warned the local community of the health risks posed by consuming the unregulated meat. This followed a similar call by the Hanoi People’s Committee last year.
In addition to membership in ACPA, FOUR PAWS also runs a ‘Cats Matter Too program‘ in Central Vietnam with local charities PAWS for Compassion and Vietnam Cat Welfare to improve veterinary training, animal welfare education, and provide free spay/neuter services.
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