Every pet owner’s worst nightmare begins with a missing animal. For three families in northeastern China, that nightmare became reality when seven beloved dogs vanished from their village — stolen by thieves working for a dog meat shop.
But these dogs had other plans. And the way they fought their way home, looking out for one another every step of the journey, is a story that will stay with any animal lover who reads it.
A pack that refused to be separated
On March 16, a person with the last name Lu recorded video of seven dogs walking along a busy highway in Changchun, Jilin province. What he captured was extraordinary.
Dogs Need a Natural Disaster Plan, Too—Put These Pet Rescue Safeguards in Place
According to the South China Morning Post, the footage shows the group of dogs surrounding an injured German shepherd, shielding their hurt companion as they moved together along the road. At the front of the pack, a Corgi repeatedly looked back to ensure none were left behind.
The group included a German shepherd, a golden retriever, and a corgi, among other dogs, Guancha reported.
Lu tried to guide the dogs to safety, but they ignored him — focused, it seemed, on the only mission that mattered: getting home. So he shared the video on Douyin, urging local authorities to step in.
Friends who roam together stay together
The local Bitter Coffee Stray Dog Base reported that the seven dogs all come from the same village, where they typically roam freely together, having formed strong friendships. That bond — built through years of shared daily life — may explain how the pack stayed united and cared for one another across such a harrowing journey.
The highway where Lu first spotted them was about 17 km (over 10 miles) from their village.
One volunteer from the base claimed that individuals operating a dog meat shop had stolen the dogs, suggesting they may have escaped from a truck, though no witnesses saw their departure.
In response, the base dispatched several volunteers and even a drone to track the dogs and facilitate their safe return home.
Having a Bad Day? These Cute Dogs Will Put an Instant Smile on Your Face
What actually happened
The viral video of seven dogs walking together along a highway in China sparked an emotional global narrative about stolen dogs escaping captivity and journeying home, which was further amplified by AI-generated cinematic recreations. However, investigations by CNN and Chinese state media revealed the dogs simply belonged to nearby villagers and had gathered because one was in heat — all seven were back home within days.
A reunion that brought relief and tears
On March 19, a volunteer informed Jimu News that all seven dogs had returned to their respective owners, who came from three different households.
One owner expressed relief that his missing dogs — a German shepherd and a golden retriever — returned home, stating: “We are so lucky they came back, not to be eaten.”
Another owner proudly mentioned her Corgi, known for its cleverness and ability to find its way home. That little Corgi, the one captured on video checking back on the pack again and again, had led the group to safety.
The larger fight against pet theft
The dogs’ remarkable journey home has garnered widespread attention online, with videos accumulating over 230 million views.
As of now, no additional information has emerged regarding the dog thieves. In China, dog theft is considered a criminal offence, with penalties that can include fines or imprisonment based on the value of the animal.
No Marine Left Behind…Even If They’re The 4-legged Kind!
Currently, Chinese law does not explicitly prohibit the consumption of dog meat, although Shenzhen became one of the first mainland cities to ban the eating of cats and dogs in 2020.
For pet owners everywhere, the image of a small Corgi looking back to check on its pack — refusing to leave an injured friend behind — is a powerful reminder of something many of us already feel in our bones: the dogs we love are capable of a loyalty and devotion that defies explanation.
These seven made it home. Their families were the lucky ones.
Doctors Gave Her 10% Chance—Then a Therapy Dog’s Visit Changed Everything in the ICU
How the Wood Family Built LabPups.com Into a Three-Decade Legacy of Raising Family-Ready Labradors