South Korean Animal Rights Group Rescues Pet Left Behind in Devastating Crash Aftermath
In a touching story of hope amid tragedy, a dog named Pudding, who lost its entire family in the devastating Jeju Air crash, has been rescued by Care, a South Korean animal rights organization, after being found wandering alone in Yeonggwang county.
A family’s devastating loss
The dog belonged to a 79-year-old man and his family, who were among the 179 victims of the tragic Jeju Air crash at Muan International Airport on December 29. The elderly man, along with nine family members, including his wife, daughter, and six-year-old granddaughter, perished while returning from their trip to Bangkok, Thailand.
“We found Pudding sitting quietly outside the village hall. When we approached, it ran towards us with excitement, as if still waiting for its family,” Care representatives reported. Locals had observed the dog moving between the family’s home and the village center, often waiting near vehicles in what appeared to be a search for its lost family members.
Community support and rescue
Following the tragedy, villagers rallied to support Pudding, providing food and watching over the distressed animal. Care explained their intervention: “We determined that it was unsafe for Pudding to roam the village without a caretaker. After contacting the grieving family at the funeral, we decided to protect Pudding until a suitable guardian can be found.”
The organization has transported Pudding to Seoul for veterinary care. While showing signs of stress during transport, the dog is described as calm and gentle. Medical checks are ongoing after concerning discoveries in the dog’s digestive system, including harmful foods such as onions and chicken bones.
The Jeju Air tragedy
The rescue comes in the wake of one of South Korea’s worst aviation disasters. The December 29 crash at Muan International Airport claimed 179 lives when a Jeju Air flight from Bangkok veered off the runway, struck a barrier, and burst into flames. Only two crew members survived the catastrophic incident.
Care has committed to providing Pudding with comprehensive care and protection until a new permanent home can be arranged, offering a glimmer of hope in the aftermath of this devastating tragedy.