My name is: Ray
I came from: China
Now I live in: Gloucester
My favourite things are: Splashing in my water bowl, cuddles with mama, carrots, and peanut butter in my lickimat
Follow me on Instagram: @thefivesurvivors

Ray’s story

Ray was rescued from the local shelter in Harbin, China by Slaughterhouse Survivors. He was only around one month old, and was born with micropthalmia, making him completely blind. It is most likely he ended up there after being sold to the meat trade by a breeder, who couldn’t sell him due to his congenital blindness. Ray also had distemper, and would not have stood a chance of surviving at the overcrowded shelter. Thankfully, the Harbin girls took him, and spent the first few months of his life in a veterinary clinic recovering.

Once healthy enough, he was moved to the safehouse, where I met him when I went out in August 2019 to volunteer. Ray stole my heart instantly, following me everywhere, craving love and attention. Washing out bowls or cleaning the yard, I always felt a paw on me or someone chewing on my leg, and it was always Ray. Wherever Ray was, mischief wasn’t far behind! He stole every brush and scrubber I was trying to use, and wasn’t scared to rough and tumble with the big scary dogs. Being blind didn’t, and still doesn’t, hold him back in any way. He had a zest for life, was a bundle of fun and energy, and was a Ray of sunshine in the safehouse.

You’re not supposed to have favourites, but I just couldn’t get him out of my head, crying to my mum on FaceTime on my final night at the thought of leaving him. When I found out Ray was coming to the UK with Underdog, I knew I had to adopt him and have him join our gang of dog meat trade survivors. The Underdog team were simply lovely, helpful and supportive the whole way through. Regular phone calls and FaceTimes with Leanne answered any questions I had, and fully prepared me for adopting a blind puppy!

When Ray finally arrived in October, we collected him from the transport company and I got to take him home to meet our other Samoyed and Golden Retrievers. Ray was loving, funny and mischievous just like I remembered him, but also took time to find his feet and settle in a home environment. Navigating our house, garden, steps, meeting our other dogs and the cat, and toilet training took time and patience, but Underdog were available for lots of support and advice. Five months later and Ray is the happiest, most affectionate, playful and incredible little dog I’ve ever met, and I couldn’t be more proud and lucky to call him mine. I adore him so much and we have built an amazing bond. He still never leaves my side and follows me around like my little shadow!

Adopting Ray was the best decision I ever made, he lights up mine and my family’s lives every day. Watching him grow, blossom and progress in his forever home has been incredible, and I can’t wait for many more happy years with him.

- Skye