AN Enniskillen man who spent a fortnight in China looking after dogs who were destined for the meat trade has described the experience as ‘absolutely humbling.’
Caolan Maguire (26) joined two other people from Ireland and travelled to China, where it is estimated 10 million dogs are slaughtered annually for the meat trade.
Caolan is well known as he runs the Pets Lost and Found Fermanagh on social media but the trip happened after Caolan shared David Foster’s story on his own Facebook page and the two struck up a friendship.
Antrim man David invited Caolan to join him on his mission to China along with Sharon Warnock from County Down, and the trio spent two weeks in Harbin in north eastern China.
All three worked in partnership with voluntary group Harbin Slaughterhouse Survivors (SHS) to free animals living in horrendous conditions.
The three animal lovers rescued nine dogs in total from the meat trade, and brought them back to safety.
Caolan described the trip as ‘the best decision he ever made’ and posting on Facebook about the experience, he said, “It was the best experience of my life. Working alongside these amazing people was absolutely humbling. The dedication they put into not only rehabilitating so many different animals mostly dogs but also rescuing these poor souls who each have their own unique personality but are as grateful as the last one for a warm bed, food and shelter and a second chance at life from a horrific fate.
“The sacrifices they make along the way was the most eye opening and heart warming thing I’ve ever seen and will remain with me forever. Again I can’t stress enough how much I appreciate everyone who has supported us every step of the way.”
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