The tale of a 66-year-old woman in China who has accumulated debts totaling 500,000 yuan (US$70,000) in her mission to rescue numerous stray dogs and cats has captured the attention of social media users across the mainland.
Dong Shuzhen, an avid animal enthusiast hailing from Shandong province in eastern China, has been operating a shelter for approximately 15 years. Despite providing a sanctuary for these animals, she constantly finds herself in financial arrears, even forgoing the opportunity to relocate to the United States to be with her daughter, as reported by Sohu News.
In a heartwarming video, a group of dogs can be seen joyfully frolicking in a enclosed yard, eagerly rushing to welcome Dong as she enters.
Prior to establishing the shelter, Dong, a former proprietor of a clothing store, had been feeding stray dogs and cats out of compassion.
Dong Shuzhen made the decision to relinquish her clothing business to dedicate her life to the rescue of stray cats and dogs, as depicted in a photo shared on Weibo.
Expressing her motivation, Dong stated, “I want them to eat and live better,” highlighting that the operational expenses of the shelter can amount to as much as 1,800 yuan (US$250) per day.
Throughout the years, she has encountered the necessity to relocate the shelter four times, with its current location spanning a rural expanse of 10,000 square meters, providing refuge for 2,400 dogs and 70 cats.
To ensure the well-being of the animals, Dong has assembled a team of 11 workers who are dedicated to their care.
Dong revealed, “The most significant challenges we confront involve ensuring the animals are fed and compensating the workers.”
Despite grappling with a debt of 500,000 yuan, Dong has contemplated the viability of sustaining the shelter, particularly as she yearns to reunite with her daughter in the United States.
Reflecting on her internal conflict, Dong shared, “I’ve made numerous attempts to depart for my daughter, I even obtained the visa,” emphasizing, “But if I departed, how would they survive?”
She affirmed her unwavering commitment to providing a haven for homeless animals as long as circumstances permit, underscoring the unique narrative and identity of each dog and cat under her care.
Dong entrusts a team of 11 workers to ensure the well-being of the strays, overseeing their nourishment and welfare, as portrayed in an image posted on Weibo.
Dong’s narrative has resonated deeply with audiences on mainland social media platforms, eliciting sentiments of admiration and support.
Commenting on her altruism, one online commentator remarked, “This woman embodies kindness and greatness.”
Acknowledging the challenges inherent in sustaining a multitude of animals, another individual expressed hope for Dong to receive the necessary assistance.
Instances of individuals wholeheartedly dedicating themselves to the rescue of stray dogs and cats are not uncommon in China. For instance, in early 2020, a woman in eastern China established a canteen to provide sustenance for 17 stray cats under her care. Similarly, in December 2020, a woman in southwestern China who shares her residence with over 1,300 dogs cited her concerns for their well-being on the streets, ranging from accidents to the threat of being captured for the dog meat industry.