Remembering King Bhumibol & Tongdaeng
PetFinder.my 
Oct 14, 2016 
NGOs, PetFinder.my 
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Remembering King Bhumibol & Tongdaeng
The world has just lost a great leader and animal welfare champion.
Many people know His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej as the most beloved monarch of Thailand, but did you know that he is a strong advocate of pet adoption, wrote a book about his adopted stray Tongdaeng, and an animated film was even made about the dog?
Over the years, King Bhumibol had adopted many handicapped, stray and abandoned animals. Well known for his concern of animal welfare, he wrote a best-selling book of his beloved adopted street dog, Tongdaeng, proceeds of which helped to fund several royal animal welfare projects.
In 1998, a stray Bangkok dog was taken in by a medical centre in Bangkok and had a litter of puppies. After the king visited the medical centre, he adopted a dog from the litter. That dog was named ‘Tongdaeng’ (’Copper’), and became a favorite of the Thai monarch.
Tongdaeng was praised by the king for her loyalty, manners and intelligence and he once said, ‘Tongdaeng is a common dog who is uncommon’.
When the king left hospital after a minor operation in 2002 he wore a t-shirt with the image of Tongdaeng and her puppies.
This sparked a fashion craze in Thailand with the public buying up Tongdaeng T-shirts. Similar scenes followed when the Thai king published his book, ‘The Story of Tong Daeng’.
Apparently, the fact that His Majesty adopted a humble stray puppy as the royal pet dog touched the hearts of the general public. This was followed up with an animated version of the book in 2004.
A commemorative block of four postage stamps featuring Tongdaeng was issued by Thailand Post in 2006.
“Most adopted stray dogs are usually humble and exceptionally faithful to their owners, as if they are grateful for the kindness they receive. Moreover, they are not inferior to imported dogs in intelligence. Some are attractive or have a distinctive smart look, like Tongdaeng,” he wrote.
The King added that if the authorities helped, more people would be willing to adopt the numerous strays roaming the country.
Tongdaeng passed away peacefully in Dec 2015, at the age of 17. An animated film was released to commemorate her, entitled “Khun Tongdaeng: The Inspiration”, adapting from the king’s book.
Thank you to King Bhumipol Adulyadej, a great leader that has inspired the world with his vision and compassion. May His Majesty rest in peace.
Want to know more about the book on Tongdaeng? Visit http://amzn.to/2ecERzf.
If you are inspired by His Majesty’s love for intelligent, loyal stray pets, adopt one now at http://PetFinder.my.
Source: https://www.facebook.com/PetFinder.my/photos/a.1223515801027..
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