A dog called Pudding is rescued by an animal protection group after losing its owner in the Jeju Air crash / Captured from Care's Instagram

A dog named Pudding, orphaned after losing its family in the recent Jeju Air crash, has been rescued by an animal rights organization.

The animal rights group, Care, said Wednesday that it had rescued Pudding, who had been wandering alone in a village in Yeonggwang County, South Jeolla Province.

On its official social media account, Care said, "We determined that it was unsafe for Pudding to roam the village without a caretaker. After contacting the grieving family at the funeral, we decided to look after Pudding until a suitable guardian can be found."

According to Care, Pudding had lived in the village with the eldest victim of the Jeju Air crash, a 79-year-old man, and his family.

Pet dog Pudding, left without a caretaker after the recent Jeju Air crash / Captured from Care's Instagram

The man, who was nearing his 80s, had traveled to Bangkok, Thailand, with his family but tragically perished in the accident on his way back to the country. His wife, daughter and 6-year-old granddaughter were among the nine family members who lost their lives, leaving Pudding without a caretaker.

After the tragedy, Pudding wandered between the family home and the village center, observing cars and buses as if searching for its family. Concerned villagers, moved by Pudding's plight, began feeding the dog in the absence of its lost caretakers.

Care described their encounter with Pudding: "We found Pudding sitting quietly outside the village hall. When we approached, it ran toward us with excitement, as if still waiting for its family."

Pudding has since been transported to Seoul and admitted to a veterinary hospital. "Although Pudding seemed a bit uneasy during the car ride, the dog appears to be calm and gentle," Care said. "We are currently conducting health examinations since its vomit contained harmful food like onions and chicken bones."

The organization plans to ensure Pudding receives proper care until a new home is found.

Pet dog Pudding looks through a door window beside an official from the animal rights group Care. / Captured from Care's Instagram

This article from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.