Family Pet Dog Is Waiting For His Owners Who Died In The Jeju Plane Crash!
On December 29, 2024, a heartbreaking story captured the world’s attention. “Pudding,” a loyal pet dog, was seen wandering aimlessly in a South Korean village, waiting for a family that would never return. Pudding’s family had nine members in total. But they tragically lost their lives in the crash of Jeju Air Flight 2216. Pudding’s heartbreaking tale resonated globally, and the remarkable kindness of a community that rallied around this grieving pet. Animal rights activists soon gathered to help and rescue finally took Pudding to safety. Let’s have a closer look at the life of Pudding before and after he lost his owners.
The Heartbreaking Story of Pudding
Life Before the Tragedy
Pudding was more than just a pet; he was a cherished family member. His owner, a 79-year-old man, shared a strong bond with him. The man, the eldest victim of the crash, was on the flight with his wife, two daughters, son-in-law, and four grandchildren, including a six-year-old. This family’s tragic loss left Pudding as a silent witness to their absence.
Wandering Alone in Yeonggwang Village
After the crash, villagers in Yeonggwang County noticed Pudding roaming between the family home and the village center. According to reports, the dog would sit and watch passing cars and buses, as if searching for his lost family. Concerned locals fed him, but the scene was heart-wrenching. The animal rights group CARE noted, “It was unsafe for Pudding to roam the village without a caretaker.”
Rescue by CARE
Timeline of Events
The animal rights group Coexistence of Animal Rights on Earth (CARE) stepped in after receiving multiple tips from villagers. On December 31, they found Pudding outside the village hall, sitting quietly, seemingly still waiting for his family. CARE contacted grieving family members at the funeral hall, and it was agreed that Pudding would be temporarily taken into their custody.
CARE shared, “We determined that it was unsafe for Pudding to roam the village without a caretaker.” They transported him to a veterinary hospital for health checks, discovering harmful foods like onions and chicken bones in his vomit, underscoring the urgency of the rescue.
Community Contributions and Media Coverage
Villagers’ efforts to care for Pudding drew local and global media attention, turning the dog into a symbol of loyalty and loss. CARE’s Instagram post about Pudding’s rescue touched hearts worldwide, prompting many to follow updates about his condition and the search for a permanent guardian.
The Tragic Jeju Air Flight 2216 Crash
Flight Details and the Crash
Jeju Air Flight 2216 was a scheduled flight from Bangkok, Thailand, to Muan, South Korea. On December 29, 2024, the Boeing 737-800 faced a catastrophic series of events, including a bird strike and technical failures. During its second landing attempt, the plane overran the runway, crashing into a concrete berm. The accident killed 175 passengers and 4 of the 6 crew members, making it the deadliest aviation disaster in South Korea since the 1997 crash of Korean Air Flight 801.
Among the victims were Pudding’s 79-year-old owner and eight other family members. The lone surviving family member, a son-in-law who did not join the trip, was left grieving this unimaginable loss.
This crash was not only the deadliest aviation incident of 2024 but also marked the first fatal accident in Jeju Air’s 19-year history. Globally, it became one of the most significant aviation tragedies, evoking memories of similar devastating incidents.
Conclusion
Today, Pudding is under the care of CARE, where he is receiving the love and attention he deserves. Efforts are ongoing to find him a new, permanent home, one where he can heal and start anew.
Pudding’s story is a poignant reminder of the depth of loyalty animals have for their families and the compassion communities can show in times of tragedy. It’s a tale of loss but also one of hope, proving that even in the face of immense sorrow, kindness can prevail.
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