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From Skin And Bones To Happy And Healthy: These Dog Transformations Might Melt Your Heart (17 Pics)
Interview
In 2011, Swedish chef Michael J. Baines encountered a sick and starving stray dog outside his restaurant in Chonburi, Thailand. That single moment changed his life forever. Moved by the overwhelming number of abandoned dogs struggling to survive on the streets, he began feeding and caring for as many as he could.
This compassionate effort evolved into "The Man That Rescues Dogs" (TMTRD) Foundation, which today provides food, medical care, and rehabilitation for over 800 dogs daily. Many of these rescues suffer from severe injuries, malnutrition, and diseases like mange, but through dedicated treatment, countless dogs have made miraculous recoveries. TMTRD also specializes in caring for paralyzed and disabled dogs, providing custom-built wheelchairs that allow them to run and play again.
With a fully equipped rescue center, an on-site vet clinic, and a devoted team, the foundation ensures that each dog gets a second chance at life. Baines' relentless dedication has inspired animal lovers worldwide, turning TMTRD into a beacon of hope for Thailand’s forgotten strays. His work has saved over 2,500 dogs, proving that kindness and perseverance can truly transform lives.
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Michael J. Baines, known as "The Man That Rescues Dogs," has dedicated his life to improving the welfare of stray dogs in Thailand. Reflecting on his journey, Baines shared, "One day, a sick dog appeared at the backdoor of my restaurant—an encounter that changed everything." This pivotal moment led him to begin feeding, treating, and transporting injured dogs to local veterinary clinics after work.
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In 2017, Baines established The Man That Rescues Dogs (TMTRD) Foundation, which now cares for over 800 rescued dogs and feeds an additional 450 through regular feeding programs. Describing the foundation's mission, Baines stated, "Our goal is to create a controlled stray dog population and a well-informed local community, fostering a long-term, harmonious relationship between people and dogs."
#4
Multa Nocte 8 months ago
I'm not sure I am going to be able to look at the rest of these . . . .
The sanctuary, spanning 3,500 square meters, offers various obstacles for play and shade, providing a safe and stimulating environment for the dogs. Baines emphasized the importance of community involvement, noting, "By working together, we can drive meaningful change and make a greater, faster impact on this nationwide issue."
#6
Mónica Elisabeth Sacco 8 months ago
Human nature at its worst. There isn't another explanation.
One of the many heartwarming stories from TMTRD involves a dog named Hope. Baines recounted, "Hope was found with severe injuries, likely from a traffic accident. She had a broken leg and was extremely malnourished." Through dedicated care and rehabilitation, Hope made a remarkable recovery. "Seeing her run and play now, you'd never guess what she'd been through. It's transformations like these that keep us going," Baines shared.
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Multa Nocte 8 months ago
Dear God, this man is a saint! Couldn't look at all the pix, but d**n! What an impressive person for so many pups in need. Wish there were more people like him.
Janissary35680 8 months ago
Back in the days when we used to spend 6 mos in İstanbul and 6 mos in the Aegean, there was a rest stop midway near Bursa called Kayseriyya. In the back was a huge shelter where the stop's owner used to accept and help recuperate dogs that had suffered injuries from vehicle collisions on the busy highway. All from his own pocket. Bless his memory.
Christos Arvanitis 8 months ago
Amazing. Takis shelter in Crete does similar things and saves hundreds of dogs as well. Bless all these animal saints.
Multa Nocte 8 months ago
Dear God, this man is a saint! Couldn't look at all the pix, but d**n! What an impressive person for so many pups in need. Wish there were more people like him.
Janissary35680 8 months ago
Back in the days when we used to spend 6 mos in İstanbul and 6 mos in the Aegean, there was a rest stop midway near Bursa called Kayseriyya. In the back was a huge shelter where the stop's owner used to accept and help recuperate dogs that had suffered injuries from vehicle collisions on the busy highway. All from his own pocket. Bless his memory.
Christos Arvanitis 8 months ago
Amazing. Takis shelter in Crete does similar things and saves hundreds of dogs as well. Bless all these animal saints.
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