Dog Awaits Return Of 9 Family Members But She Doesn't Know They Had Died In Jeju Air Crash
Pudding the pet dog was spotted staring at every car that drove into the village.
By Yap Wan Xiang — 03 Jan 2025, 04:43 PM
A dog named Pudding has been rescued after she was spotted waiting for her family members at a South Korean village, unaware that they had died in the recent Jeju Air crash
In an Instagram post on 31 December, animal rights group Care said Pudding was found wandering alone in a village in Yeonggwang County, South Jeolla Province.
The dog was the beloved pet of a 79-year-old man, who travelled to Thailand to celebrate his 80th birthday with his family.
Nine family members spanning three generations joined the trip, including his wife, daughter, and a 6-year-old granddaughter, all of whom perished in the 29 December crash.
Unaware of their deaths, Pudding stared at every car that drove into the village, while locals, knowing she had been orphaned, fed her out of sympathy.
"After determining that Pudding was in danger roaming the town without a guardian, animal rights organisation Care rescued Pudding.
"Care will keep Pudding until a suitable guardian can be found. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims of this tragedy," said the group.
The Korea Times reported that Care had contacted the grieving family at the funeral before rescuing Pudding.
Describing their first encounter with Pudding, Care said the dog looked "as if [she was] still waiting for her family"
The animal rights group said Pudding was transported to Seoul to be admitted to a veterinary hospital.
"Although Pudding seemed a bit uneasy during the car ride, the dog appears to be calm and gentle.
"We are currently conducting health examinations since its vomit contained harmful food like onions and chicken bones," Care said.
The organisation plans to ensure Pudding receives proper care before they find her a new home.
View more photos and videos of Pudding below:
Last Sunday, 29 December, 179 people died in the Jeju Air crash when it skidded off the end of the runway and slammed into a wall at Muan International Airport, reported Reuters.
The aircraft was arriving from Bangkok with 175 passengers and six crew members on board. The two survivors are flight attendants who were seated in the rear of the plane.
The crash is considered South Korea's deadliest air accident in nearly three decades.
