'Emaciated' Dog Travels Over 9,000 Miles to Forever Home

Newsweek

4 days ago

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
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A dog who was found on death's door has not only made a remarkable recovery but has also found a forever home over 9,000 miles away from where she was initially rescued.
Poppy was a street dog living in Thailand who was rescued and brought to the animal welfare organization Soi Dog Foundation. She was "emaciated and too weak to stand," states text layered over a YouTube clip sharing her story.
She was covered in mange, infested with fleas and ticks—"no one thought she'd survive." But she refused to give up and underwent months of treatment.
Eventually, she was adopted by Kerrie, who lives in Houston, Texas, where they've lived happily ever after since.
(L-R) Poppy, once reduced to skin and bone and suffering from severe mange, began to recover after receiving extensive medication and tender loving care. Over time, her fur grew back, revealing a much healthier and...
(L-R) Poppy, once reduced to skin and bone and suffering from severe mange, began to recover after receiving extensive medication and tender loving care. Over time, her fur grew back, revealing a much healthier and happier dog. More
Soi Dog Foundation
She told Newsweek: "As soon as I saw her photos and read about her, I broke down in tears."
"I knew this was my next soul connection," she added, noting that she had previously adopted a three-legged dog from the same charity in 2016.
"Kwanjai was a senior pup with a resilient soul. She had three legs, one eye, four teeth, and a tail worn down to the bone," she said.
"When she passed away, I created a short video in her memory, documenting our final day together on the beach. I sent it to Soi Dog to thank them.
"I didn't expect much in return, but their response moved me. They told me that, whenever I felt ready, rescuing again could be a beautiful way to carry on Kwanjai's legacy."
A month later, she flew to Phuket, Thailand, to meet Poppy for the first time. Now, four years on, Poppy is living the American dream.
Left to right: Kerrie stands beside two dogs before embarking on the long journey back to America. She is seen embracing Poppy.
Left to right: Kerrie stands beside two dogs before embarking on the long journey back to America. She is seen embracing Poppy.
"When Poppy first came home, she was curious and ready to explore," said Kerrie. "She burst through the door like she had always belonged.
"She's not high-energy unless cheese is involved, and to this day she has never barked—not once.
"She is such a gentle and wise soul. People who know her say she's more cat than dog, and they're not wrong. She roams from bed to bed and quietly dreams by the window.
"My nieces and nephews can climb into her bed and snuggle with her like she's theirs, and she welcomes them with tail wags and kisses. Every night, without fail, she hops into bed and gives me a hug—like she dips her head into my neck and collapses while I hold her. It's one of the most comforting, soul-filling feelings I've ever known."
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