Abandoned pet dog seeks new home after owner's death in Jeju Air crash

Dubai: Pudding, a pet dog from a family of nine who tragically lost their lives in the Jeju Air crash on December 29 is now getting a second chance at life. Rescued by an animal rights group in South Korea, this dog is looking for a new home.

In the village of Yeonggwang, South Jeolla province in South Korea, a heartbreaking tale unfolded, entwining the lives of a loyal dog and the tragedy of a family lost. Pudding, a dog, found himself wandering aimlessly after a devastating Jeju Air Flight 2216 plane crash took away the only family he had ever known. This tragic incident occurred at Muan International Airport, claiming nearly 179 lives, including that of his beloved owner. The 79-year-old man was the eldest victim in the plane crash, reported The Korea Herald.

Apparently, the man was travelling to Bangkok, Thailand, to celebrate his 80th birthday, a special occasion he had planned to share with his beloved family. He and nine of his family members—including his wife, daughter, and his six-year-old granddaughter—lost their lives in the disaster that struck during their journey. Left behind, their family dog, Pudding, wandered the streets, searching tirelessly for familiar faces, as reported by The Korea Times. Villagers noticed the poignant sight of him waiting by vehicles as if expecting his family to return. They were moved by his plight and offered him food.

An animal rights group, Care, stepped in. On January 1, they spotted Pudding sitting quietly outside the village hall, a picture of sorrow wrapped in a coat of gentle demeanour. When approached, the dog ran towards them with excitement, as if still yearning for the humans he had lost. The team knew immediately that they needed to rescue him and bring him to safety. On social media, Care explained its decision: “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.”

After transporting Pudding to Seoul, they admitted him to a veterinary hospital for health checks. Despite a rocky ride that made him uneasy, the staff found him calm and gentle. Unfortunately, their examination revealed that the loyal dog had ingested harmful foods, such as onions and chicken bones, underscoring the dire circumstances he had faced after losing his caretakers.

Determined to provide Pudding with the care he desperately needed, Care committed to keeping him safe until a new home could be found. "We are dedicated to ensuring Pudding receives the love and protection he deserves," they stated, realising that his journey towards healing was just beginning.

A few weeks later, on Sunday, January 5, Pudding made a visit to a memorial altar set up in front of Seoul City Hall along with the rescue team. The atmosphere was heavy with mourning as friends and family gathered to honour the victims of the Jeju Air disaster. According to the reports, Pudding, clad in a blue outfit, was carried by a foster caregiver.

Kim Young-hwan, the head of Care, read a heartfelt eulogy while Pudding remained still, his eyes fixated on the names of those lost. He didn’t bark; he simply absorbed the moment, as if understanding the depth of what had transpired. The sight of this grief-stricken dog drew tears from many onlookers who knew of his tragic story.

As Care began accepting adoption applications, they knew Pudding’s journey was far from over. While he had suffered an unimaginable loss, the organisation remained committed to ensuring he would find a new loving home—one that would allow him to heal.