'The Grateful Stray Dog'... Baekgu Featured on CNN Reunites with Grandmother

A Dog Played a Crucial Role in Rescuing a 90-Year-Old Dementia Grandmother... Stayed by Her Side After She Collapsed
Chungnam Province Appoints Baekgu as Korea's First 'Honorary 119 Rescue Dog' and 'Honorary Fire Sergeant'
CNN: "Showed Why Dogs Are Humans' Best Friends"

Baekgu, a former stray dog, played a crucial role in rescuing the grandmother who took him in, earning him the title of a 'loyal dog' featured on CNN in the past. Photo by Chungnam Province

[Asia Economy Reporter Juri Kim] Baekgu, the 'Honorary 119 Rescue Dog' who guarded a dementia grandmother lost and collapsed on the road and even saved her life, reunited with the grandmother after 10 months. Baekgu, a former stray dog, played a decisive role in rescuing the grandmother who took him in, and was introduced on CNN as a 'loyal dog.'

According to Shim Geun-soon (66), the grandmother's daughter, Baekgu and the grandmother reunited in a passenger car in the parking lot of a hospital in Asan on the 13th of last month after 10 months.

Baekgu wagged his tail repeatedly toward the grandmother, and the grandmother also teared up calling Baekgu by his nickname, 'Huinsa?.'

Last year, Grandma Kim was found and rescued in a rice field embankment 40 hours after going missing. Photo by Chungnam Fire Headquarters

Their story goes back to September of last year.

On a night of heavy rain, Shim's mother, who was suffering from dementia, disappeared without a trace. Baekgu was also missing along with the grandmother.

The police and villagers searched, but their whereabouts were not confirmed for two days. As the rain did not stop, the older grandmother with underlying illnesses had decreasing chances of survival the longer she was not found.

The police deployed a thermal imaging drone as a last resort, and after 40 hours of disappearance, they found the grandmother collapsed on a rice paddy ridge 2 km from home. The grandmother was hypothermic, but Baekgu was detected by the drone, and thanks to Baekgu guarding the grandmother, they were able to find and rescue her.

Shim expressed her emotion about the situation, saying, "Baekgu, who was a stray dog, repaid kindness." When they met the grandmother, Baekgu was a stray dog injured by a large dog, and the mother and daughter treated and cared for Baekgu devotedly.

Since then, Hongseong County has been building a hospital for pets and a stray animal protection and adoption center, inspired by Baekgu's story of repaying kindness. They are also constructing a pet culture center with a systematic animal protection system, including play facilities for dogs, to promote the 'Town of Opinions.'

Furthermore, Chungnam Province appointed Baekgu last year as Korea's first 'Honorary 119 Rescue Dog' and 'Honorary Fire Sergeant.'

CNN also focused on Baekgu's story. CNN reported extensively, "The brave 4-year-old dog Baekgu once again showed why dogs are man's best friend."

Meanwhile, Shim said, "Baekgu especially liked my mother," and explained, "Baekgu is part of our family."