The trip of Qi Zai is a moving account of tenacity and optimism. The little dog spent days alone and in pain on the cruel streets after being abandoned and injured. Thank heavens, kind people saw Qi Zai’s situation and got him to the hospital right away.
A group of committed physicians and nurses at the hospital did all in their power to give Qi Zai the care and attention he so much needed. The tough dog progressively became well after several procedures and treatments. Every day that went by, Qi Zai seemed to get better, from his hunger returning to his ability to stand and play.
A heart-wrenching scene highlighted a great society indifference on a crowded city street where the everyday rush and bustle covered the individual moments of kindness or cruelty. Small and understated, a stray dog was hit by a thrown stone from a worker annoyed by the canine’s presence close to a building site. The dog yelled out in agony and fast turned away, hobbling to hide in an adjacent alley. The several onlookers who carried on with their daily activities showed apathy towards the misery they had just seen.
Later called Lucky by a good soul, the dog was a common sight in the neighbourhood. He had no house, but he had survived on the sporadic leftovers from a few kind neighbours. On this sad day, though, Lucky became the object of lost fury and violence.
People passed by, their eyes diverted and ears seeming oblivious as Lucky yelped in pain, gripping his damaged leg. The employee who had hurled the stone went back to work without regret for his behaviour. This unsettling lack of empathy from the offender and the onlookers presented a bleak image of society apathy.
Still, Lucky’s situation did not spare anyone. Living close, young Emily heard his cries from her flat window. Hurrying down, she discovered Lucky curled in the alley shaking with agony and anxiety. She grabbed him gently without thinking and transported him to an adjacent animal clinic.
Lucky has a broken leg and multiple bruises according to the vet’s inspection. Emily stayed at his side to make sure he got the required treatment. She posted his narrative on social media in an attempt to spread awareness of the event and more general problem with animal abuse.
Emily’s post attracted readers fast. Furious remarks and notes of support poured in, demonstrating that although many had been apathetic, some really cared. People inspired by Lucky’s story sent offers of adoption, and donations flowed to help cover his medical expenses.
Thanks to Emily’s consistent care and the efforts of the veterinary team, Lucky recovered slowly but steadily. Lucky started to trust people once more as he recovered, exhibiting a resiliency hardly less than inspirational. His narrative went beyond the neighbourhood and started discussions on the need of more compassion and against animal cruelty.
Emily’s involvement turned a moment of violence into a potent story of generosity and hope. Originally a victim of terrible violence, Lucky discovered a loving home and came to represent the difference one person can create. The compassion of the few eclipsed the apathy of the many, reminding us all that every little deed of kindness has the ability to transform a life.
Lucky’s trek from the streets to a loving home reminds us of the need of empathy and action against suffering. It is a plea to acknowledge the silent calls for help all around us and to never undervalue the power of one, kind deed.
Qi Zai’s rehabilitation journey was greatly aided by the outpouring of community support as well. The little canine was granted a second shot at life where hope and optimism lit his way ahead thanks to the combined love and goodwill of everyone involved.
This touching story highlights the transforming potential of empathy as well as the incredible ability of our animal friends to overcome hardship.