Canine saved from slaughterhouse in China adopted by Toledo couple

TOLEDO, Ohio (WTVG) – A dog rescued from a slaughterhouse in China is settling in its new home here in Toledo, and its remarkable survival story has drawn a lot of attention.

His name is Golden. He’s only lived with Gary and Ann Jones for a few days, but he’s already settled into his new life. He and other dogs were rescued from a Chinese slaughterhouse in January.

“It brings tears to my eyes to think about what he’s been through,” says Gary. “Actually, I try not to think about it because I’ve seen pictures. I just break up when I talk about it. But he has a wonderful home where he will be loved forever. “

After being saved in China, Golden had a long way to go before he got to Ohio. He was flown first to Canada and then to Seattle, where rescuers discovered he was sick.

Amy Gheres is the President of the Golden Retriever Rescue Resource. In addition to rescuing many dogs here, the rescue group is also committed to rescuing dogs from the meat trade in China.

“Golden has an incredible will to live,” says Amy, who immediately knew she wanted to help Golden after seeing his picture. “Think of everything he survived. As long as he is happy we will do everything we can to make sure he gets everything he needs. So many people helped make this story possible, from the local volunteers in China to the pilots who donated their time to get him from Seattle to his new home. We are so grateful to everyone. “

Golden had pneumonia and was eventually diagnosed with cancer.

“It’s emotional to talk about everything that’s ahead of you,” says Gary. “But as you can see, he’s such a happy boy. It is important for all of us to be able to do everything we need to lead a healthy life. “

Gary and Ann adopted him through rescue and he arrived at his new home earlier this week.

“I hope this story encourages others to say what I can do? Who can I save or who can I save? There are so many who need to be saved. One dog at a time can make a huge difference, ”says Ann.

Ann says she and Gary quickly learned that their dog is famous. The power of social media spread his story around the world.

“When we got him to the vet, a woman came and said, is that golden? I followed his story. He has thousands from all over who have followed his story. We made a kick out of it. “

Golden is going to be undergoing chemotherapy, and no matter how much time he has left, Ann says she and Gary will make sure all of his days are filled with love.

“We don’t know how long it will take,” she says, “but every day will be a happy day for him.”

In China, dogs are sometimes sold for their meat. There are many efforts being made to change this and save as many dogs as possible. Chinese rescue dogs is also part of Golden’s story. Both rescues rely on volunteers and donations to do this job.

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