A stray puppy in Sri Lanka proved that persistence eventually pays off.
Screenshot via elephantnewsThis adorable little dog refused to left behind by a group of elephant rescuers after she got their attention while living at a market in Sri Lanka’s coldest city. The little puppy would wag her tail every time someone walked past her in an effort to get them to pay attention. Finally, Lek Chailert and a group of fellow rescuers from the Elephant Nature Park took note.
The Elephant Nature Park in Thailand is a haven for rescued elephants who’ve come from all types of backgrounds and difficult situations. At the time, the rescue group was in Sri Lanka on a research trip, and they were passing through the city of Nuwela Eliya when they happened upon the puppy.
Screenshot via elephantnewsAs the group described on YouTube, “In the market through fare, where thousands of people pass, we saw a little puppy wagging her tail at passersby, inviting people to take note of her.”
They added, “One by one people rushed unaware of the pup’s plight. Our team stopped to pat her for a while, but we also were in a rush to go. She began to follow us, and quite far until we lifted her up and returned her to where we first met her. She followed us again and again until her determination won our hearts.”
Screenshot via elephantnewsWhile they were far from home, Lek and her group made the choice to help the small puppy in need. But it was a little more difficult than anticipated.
As she described, “We decided to ask people who walked past to adopt her, to take responsibility for her care. When they saw that she was female, they lost interest.”
Screenshot via elephantnewsWhile the group was running out of options, it then dawned on them to ask someone they already knew: their driver.
“Finally we asked our driver, Thushara, to look after her for us. He agreed.”
As Lek revealed, “We bought a new blanket for her and bathed her, turning our luggage into her bed while she stayed with us in the hotel. I think that this was the first night that she can sleep warm and peaceful.”
Screenshot via elephantnewsThe group named the little puppy Lek Lek. Lek Lek’s rescue was three years ago, and since then she has blossomed.
Screenshot via elephantnewsLek Lek is now living as a happy and healthy dog with Thushara and his family. She even recognizes Lek, her rescuer, after three years.
Screenshot via elephantnewsAnd as Lek Lek’s rescuers know very well, big or small, action is what makes a world of difference to an animal.
Screenshot via elephantnews“We can always change one life from our care,” Lek Lek’s rescuers said.
You can watch the video of the reunion between Lek Lek and the rescue group below: