Thai Princess Adopts Moo Daeng, the Grieving Dog Found Outside a 7-Eleven

A grieving dog who waited for months outside a convenience store in Thailand after his owner died has been adopted – by a Thai princess. The dog, named Moo Daeng, hung around his usual spot outside a 7-Eleven in Nakhon Ratchasima every day after his owner — who was homeless — died in November.

Moo Daeng, which means ‘red pig’ in Thai (not to be confused with Moo Deng, the famous pygmy hippo) became a fixture at the store and eventually a minor celebrity on the internet. His photos on Facebook were spotted by Siribha Chudabhorn, the niece of the current king of Thailand, Maha Vajiralongkorn. After consulting with the store owner and local authorities, the princess took action.

“Her Royal Highness Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana has graciously accepted a dog named ‘Moo Daeng’ under her patronage, which is considered an immeasurable act of kindness,” according to the princess’s official Facebook account. An official from the Department of Livestock Development has taken in Moo Daeng for a health checkup, after which the princess will take the “piglet,” as she calls him, to Chiang Mai to raise him herself.

“To all of Moo Daeng’s fans, I want to bring you up to speed so you don’t have to worry, feel anxious or have unanswered questions after all the recent drama,” the princess, who is widely known as an animal lover and adopter of rescue dogs, wrote on Facebook.

“All my dogs have experienced trauma, whether through abuse, abandonment or injury. But in Moo Daeng’s case, it’s severe depression,” she writes, noting that Moo Daeng is still grieving. “While humans are able to hide their pain and appear normal on the outside, dogs are pure. They show exactly how they feel.”

The Princess promises to continue to post photos of Moo Daeng on social media and give periodic updates on his health and wellbeing. 

A charming video of Moo Daeng is here.

Photo credit: Siribha Fund / via Facebook