Animal lovers around the world were transfixed by the recent story of Kai, a Shar Pei dog found abandoned at a train station in Ayr, Scotland. Like a real-life canine version of the beloved children’s book character Paddington the bear, Kai was discovered alone at the station on Jan. 2, tied to a railing next to a suitcase full of his belongings (toy, bowl, food and a pillow).
Kai had been abandoned by a woman who’d traveled to the station with the intent of purchasing a dog she’d previewed online. But the woman claimed the dog didn’t resemble the picture she’d seen and that the dog’s owner beat a hasty exit before she could finish protesting the switcheroo. The woman claimed she’d left Kai behind because she had to catch a train back to Aberdeen.
Kai eventually found his way to the Scottish SPCA, who discovered Kai suffering from eyelashes curling inside his eyelids, a condition common to his breed. Donations from well-wishers captivated by Kai’s story helped pay for operations on both eyes to alleviate the dog’s suffering.
Among those contributing to the SPCA’s kitty was online gambling operator Bodog, who have served as shirt sponsor for the Ayr United football team over the past four years. Bodog brand founder Calvin Ayre called Kai’s story “one we couldn’t ignore and we wish him all the best in finding a great home.”
However, Ayre acknowledged that “we do have a slight agenda as well; we are desperately hoping Kai’s fighting spirit will rub off on his local team as the Honest Men really need a boost right now.” The team has undergone a prolonged winless streak that has left the team languishing near the bottom of the Scottish League One standings.
Ayr United recently appointed Ian McCall (pictured, with Kai) to replace former manager Mark Roberts. McCall, who previously managed Dundee United and Glasgow’s Partick Thistle FC, took the opportunity to rub Kai for luck during a visit to the Scottish SPCA’s Glasgow Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre.
SPCA Senior Animal Care Assistant Alan Grant thanked Bodog for its “very kind donation” and said the SPCA staff had been “touched by the generosity and good wishes of animal lovers all over the world who have followed Kai’s story.”
