In the heartwarming yet bittersweet story of Moo Daeng, a dog in Thailand who became a symbol of loyalty and grief, a new chapter has begun. His tale of unwavering devotion to his late owner, combined with the compassion of a Thai princess, has captured the hearts of people worldwide.
Moo Daeng’s journey from sorrow to hope offers a profound message about the bonds between humans and animals and the healing power of love and understanding.
The Tale of Moo Daeng: A Canine Hachiko
Moo Daeng’s story mirrors that of Hachiko, the legendary Akita from Japan who waited for his deceased owner for nine years at Tokyo’s Shibuya Station.
After his homeless owner passed away outside a 7-Eleven store in Nakhon Ratchasima province in November 2024, Moo Daeng remained steadfastly at the spot where they had spent their days together. He seemed to cling to the hope that his owner would return, his loyalty transcending death.
Local residents and staff at the 7-Eleven quickly noticed the grieving dog’s presence. Over time, they grew fond of him, offering food, blankets, and even a stuffed toy to provide him comfort.
Read : Dog Still Waiting for Owner Outside Shop in Thailand Who Died 80 Days Ago
Moo Daeng’s poignant display of loyalty and grief resonated with the community, earning him the affectionate nickname “Hachiko of Korat,” after the area where he stayed.
Thai Princess adopts ‘Hachi of Korat’
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Moo Daeng's journey from loyalty to royalty. 🥹💛 pic.twitter.com/ir9ovE1o6o
In January, Moo Daeng’s story gained wider attention when photos of him went viral on social media. His plight inspired many, with people stepping in to raise funds for his medical care and ensure his well-being. Despite these efforts, it was clear that Moo Daeng was not just physically vulnerable—he was also battling emotional scars that required deeper care.
A Princess’s Compassion: Siribha Chudabhorn Steps In
The turning point in Moo Daeng’s story came when Princess Siribha Chudabhorn, niece of Thailand’s King Maha Vajiralongkorn, learned about him. Known for her dedication to animal welfare, the princess has a history of rescuing and caring for animals that have faced abuse, abandonment, or trauma. Moo Daeng’s story, however, struck a particularly deep chord.
Through a video showing the community’s efforts to support Moo Daeng, the princess discovered the extent of his suffering. Diagnosed with severe depression, Moo Daeng displayed signs of what the princess referred to as “major depressive syndrome” triggered by the sudden loss of his owner.
Speaking about his condition on her official Facebook page, Princess Chudabhorn explained how dogs, unlike humans, express their emotions openly, making their grief and struggles visible.
The princess revealed that she herself had faced similar emotional struggles for nearly a decade, allowing her to empathize with Moo Daeng’s pain on a personal level. She emphasized the importance of recognizing mental health issues in animals, cautioning that untreated depression could cause lasting harm.
Moved by his story, Princess Chudabhorn decided to adopt Moo Daeng. Before doing so, she sought permission from the 7-Eleven staff who had cared for him and local authorities. Her decision was met with widespread support from Moo Daeng’s growing base of admirers, who were eager to see him find a safe and loving home.
A New Beginning: Moo Daeng’s Path to Healing
After being adopted by Princess Chudabhorn, Moo Daeng was taken to Kasetsart University Veterinary Hospital for a thorough health evaluation and acclimatization.
The princess shared updates with his supporters, ensuring them that his well-being was her top priority. She promised to continue sharing photos and even bring him along on visits to Korat, reassuring fans that they would not lose their connection to him.
The princess’s royal residence in Chiang Mai will eventually become Moo Daeng’s permanent home. There, he will join other rescue animals in an environment designed to nurture their recovery and happiness.
Princess Chudabhorn expressed her commitment to providing Moo Daeng with the care and companionship he needs to heal from his grief and begin a new chapter in his life.
Moo Daeng’s story is a powerful reminder of the emotional depth of animals and the importance of compassion. His journey from despair to hope reflects not only his unbreakable bond with his late owner but also the kindness of a community and a princess who refused to let his pain go unnoticed.
This touching tale is a testament to the enduring connections between humans and animals and serves as a call to action for greater awareness of mental health in all living beings.
Through her actions, Princess Siribha Chudabhorn has set an inspiring example of empathy and care, proving that even in the face of grief, love can pave the way to healing.
let’s enjoy few years on earth with peace and happiness….✍🏼🙏