Lucky dogs get a second chance at life thanks to Thai King

Shares

In our living room there hangs a picture of Thailand’s late King HM Bhumibol Adulyadej, surrounded by stray dogs. The king, who passed away in 2016, was well known for his affection for dogs, and he set an example for everyone in the country by adopting strays. He even wrote a book about his most beloved pet, Tongdaeng. It would seem that the present king HM Maha Vajiralongkorn shares his father’s passion. While Crown Prince, his own favorite was his pet poodle Foo Foo, who held the official rank of Air Chief Marshal. This week, some very lucky Great Danes got a second chance at life after being adopted by King Vajiralongkorn.

then Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn with his dog, Foo Foo

Thirteen severely emaciated Great Danes, between the ages of five months and two years, had been abandoned to starve by a breeder in the city of Pathum Thani. The animals were in such poor condition after having been left without food, and would have surely died were it not for the King’s intervention. One female and two puppies had already died. Many of the surviving dogs were too weak to stand.

Acting on a tip, Watchdog Thailand volunteers were able to remove the dogs from the property and take them to a nearby vet.

Upon hearing of the animals’ plight, the King immediately dispatched officers from the Bureau of the Royal Household to the livestock office, where the animals had been moved to, to be cared for at Kasetsart University’s highly-regarded animal hospital where they will receive the best treatment, to be funded by the Royal Household. No expense will be spared, and the Royal Household will cover all costs of treatment, food, and anything else these precious animals may need. According to officials, after treatment at the hospital, the animals will become part of the Royal Household and will be cared for at the Bureau of the Royal Household’s dog care center.

Our own Boston Terrier Ling Ba was pleased with the development, and responded “Bark Bark Bark Bark!” Which in dog language, means “Long live the king.”