May the Bae family rest in peace.
This article is part of our coverage of the fatal crash of Jeju Air Flight 2216. You can read more and view the entire timeline here.
Puddinga dog abandoned after losing all its family members to the Jeju water plane crash, was saved by a Korean animal rights organization, TREATMENT.
Pudding lived in a rural village in Yeonggwang County, South Jeolla Province Mr. Baethe oldest passenger on board the flight.
On Christmas evening, Bae’s family of nine – his wife, eldest daughter, youngest daughter and his grandchildren – set off on a five-day trip to Thailand to celebrate his 80th birthday. Bae’s younger son-in-law, who lived in Gyeonggi Province, had initially planned to join the family but was unable to do so due to work commitments.
When her family did not return on December 29, Pudding was found wandering in front of the house.
179 of 181 passengers and crew were confirmed dead in the Jeju plane crash
Bae’s neighbors told news outlets that, at the sound of any car or motorbike, Pudding would quickly approach with ears pricked, only to sit back down in apparent disappointment. Pudding even ventured to the entrance to the town hall, which Bae frequented.
Bae’s six-year-old granddaughter was Pudding’s best friend and the neighbors’ hearts broke as they watched Pudding sniff around looking for the Bae family.
The dog was out looking around all day, so I told her to come to my house. But he only followed me as far as the yard before returning to his house. Who will take care of that dog now?
– Bae’s neighbor
On December 31, 2024 (KST), not long after the Pudding news broke online, CARE shared via its official website Instagram that Pudding had been taken in with the consent of his younger son-in-law.
In the latest update on January 3, 2025 (KST), CARE updated that Pudding was healthy in his foster home in Seoul and thanked supporters for their interest in helping the dog.
CARE went to look for Pudding who had remained behind. We met her sitting on the steps in front of City Hall, waiting endlessly as she watched the cars go by. Seeing Pudding look so dejected, we could feel his sadness.
So as not to scare Pudding, we were gentle in picking her up. We were able to get in touch with the bereaved family at the funeral. CARE has been given consent to temporarily accommodate Pudding.
Fortunately, Pudding is in good health after a checkup. One of the CARE staff members is raising Pudding right now and she is adjusting to her life in Seoul.
Yesterday, the grieving family asked CARE to help them find Pudding a new home. CARE will now be looking for a new adoptive family. The adoption request form will be shared soon.
Many people have expressed their desire to adopt Pudding while mourning the family lost in the tragedy. CARE will ensure that Pudding finds a loving family who will care for her as much as the Bae family did.
Our deepest condolences to the victims of the air tragedy, including Pudding’s family.
– TREATMENT
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