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 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

After their energetic walk the dogs enjoyed a boy of food after working up quite the appetite with their running around

The moment the heroic rescue team valiantly battled against the clock to liberate the unfortunate dog trapped in the underground bunker left everyone overwhelmed with emotions

In a heart-pounding rescue operation, a dedicated team of heroes faced a race against time to free Ziggy, a 10-year-old Patterdale terrier, from a perilous underground bunker. This harrowing ordeal left everyone on edge as they fought tirelessly to save a beloved pup trapped in a dire situation.

Ziggy had been enjoying a carefree day on his family’s farm, frolicking alongside his mom when an unexpected turn of events sent him spiraling into a dark abyss—an underground drain pipe. At first, his mom wasn’t overly concerned; after all, this wasn’t Ziggy’s first escapade into subterranean exploration. But as the minutes turned into hours, and Ziggy failed to reappear, panic set in.

Lauren Flintoft, Ziggy’s mom, shared her worry, saying, “I was worried he might have been stuck, and that’s why he didn’t appear. My husband Tim spent the whole night trying to entice him out, and when he didn’t emerge, I called in help.”

Desperate for aid, Flintoft reached out to the RSPCA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) with hopes that they could assist in rescuing Ziggy from his precarious predicament. A team of dedicated rescuers promptly arrived at the scene, ready to tackle the daunting task of locating and liberating the trapped terrier.

The operation was not for the faint of heart. Rescuers had to meticulously map the complex underground pipes, meticulously plotting their course to reach Ziggy. With unwavering determination, they began to dig two enormous holes, strategically positioned to expose Ziggy’s location.

Finally, after hours of relentless effort, the group spotted a glimmer of hope—a glimpse of Ziggy’s furry form within the confined space. With great care and precision, they gently cleared away the debris that held Ziggy captive, allowing him to wiggle his way to freedom. Remarkably, Ziggy had endured an astonishing 19 hours trapped in the drain pipe.

Despite his extended ordeal, Ziggy emerged from his subterranean prison unharmed, albeit a bit shaken. He was swiftly reunited with his relieved family, basking in the warmth of their embrace. This heartwarming rescue reaffirmed the unwavering bond between humans and their faithful canine companions.

Faebian Vann, an animal collection officer with the RSPCA, joyfully shared, “He’s now back home with his owners where he belongs, and no doubt he’ll be getting up to no good again very soon.”

Ziggy’s triumphant return serves as a testament to the extraordinary efforts of a dedicated rescue team and the power of compassion in the face of adversity. His story reminds us of the enduring spirit of our four-legged friends and the lengths we’re willing to go to ensure their safety and well-being.

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