A remarkable real-life animal adventure in China has captured global attention, with seven dogs led home by a Corgi nicknamed 'Big Fatty' trekking miles together across freezing landscapes. The story has sparked widespread calls for their journey to be turned into a film, drawing comparisons to adventure classics and racking up over 230 million views online.
The Epic Journey of 'Big Fatty' and His Pack
The animals moved as a tight-knit pack along a highway in Changchun, Jilin province, with the Corgi repeatedly turning back to check none were left behind. For two days, the dogs stuck together as they made their way back across the freezing landscape, crossing open ground and skirting busy roads on their journey home.
The group included a German shepherd, Golden Retrievers, Labradors, and a Pekingese, with viewers describing them as a 'band of brothers' who surrounded an injured companion as they traveled. Many were deeply moved by how the dogs stayed together and refused to leave the injured dog behind.
Global Reaction and Film Comparisons
Online, comparisons were immediately drawn to adventure classics like The Great Escape and Homeward Bound, with viewers saying the scenes looked ready-made for the big screen. Filmmaker Matthew A. Cherry wrote on X: 'Need the animated movie version of this,' while another commentator added: 'Pixar, I'm looking at you to make this a movie.' Others joked the dogs' journey resembled a real-life version of Paw Patrol.
Social media users were particularly touched by the dogs' apparent teamwork. One person observed: 'Their journey could be the premise for a movie. The Golden Retriever positioned itself closest to traffic to shield the others. The Corgi kept checking back to ensure no one was left behind. The German shepherd, showing natural leadership, remained central like a general.'
The Truth Behind the Viral Story
The footage initially sparked widespread concern, with many fearing the dogs had been snatched after unverified claims they had escaped from a truck linked to a dog meat shop. However, local officials later clarified that the animals had wandered off on their own, likely following a German Shepherd that was on heat.
The dogs, owned by three households in the same village, had been reported missing, prompting volunteers to launch a search using drones and door-to-door enquiries amid freezing temperatures. All seven later made their way back home between March 18 and 19, reuniting with their owners after traveling around ten miles.
One owner expressed relief, saying: 'We are so lucky they came back, not to be eaten,' reflecting earlier fears about dog meat trade concerns. Another praised her Corgi, 'Big Fatty', saying his intelligence helped lead the group back safely.
Broader Context of Animal Protection in China
The incident highlighted ongoing concerns about animal welfare in China. While dog theft is a criminal offence with penalties including fines or imprisonment depending on the animal's value, Chinese law does not explicitly prohibit the consumption of dog meat. Shenzhen became one of the first mainland cities to ban the eating of cats and dogs in 2020, but some dog meat restaurants still operate in northern China.
During long, harsh winters, some locals believe eating dog meat provides warmth and sustenance. The Dalian Animal Protection Association noted that dog farms are rare because raising dogs is costly, and for many traders, stray animals and stolen pets represent the cheapest and easiest source of meat. Cities including Changchun, Harbin and Dalian have reported numerous cases of pet dogs being stolen.
Authorities in Jilin said the incident showed how quickly online speculation can spread, after unverified claims about theft were widely shared before the true story emerged.
Emotional Public Response
The story generated an emotional outpouring online. One Weibo user wrote: 'Watching this made me want to cry. Dogs are humans' friends forever.' Another added: 'Dogs exemplify loyalty to their companions; humans who harm them show far less humanity.' A third commented: 'Dogs are our most devoted friends and deserve protection and nurturing. It is crucial to establish an animal protection law as soon as possible.'
The viral journey of 'Big Fatty' and his canine companions has not only warmed hearts worldwide but also reignited important conversations about animal welfare, online misinformation, and the universal appeal of stories about loyalty and survival against the odds.
