Kai made headlines after he was abandoned with a suitcase
Shar Pei cross Kai became known all over the world after he was found tied to a railing at Ayr Railway Station with a suitcase full of his belongings. The Scottish SPCA has announced that Kai's story has a happy ending and he has found a loving home.
Found in early January, Kai is believed to have been abandoned after an internet sale went wrong, however the Scottish SPCA says its investigations are ongoing.
New owner Ian Russell, 52, from East Renfrewshire, was selected by the charity out of hundreds of people who all offered to give Kai a new home.
He said: "It feels like fate that I've been able to rehome Kai and I'm not usually a believer in things like that. I'm over the moon and very shocked that I was chosen out of everyone who wanted him.
"My Dalmatian named Mica passed away just before Christmas and I was left heartbroken. I had her for 15 years and she was the apple of my eye. We pretty much spent 24 hours a day together.
"When I heard about Kai I knew the little guy needed a break but I never thought in a million years I'd get him. I called the Scottish SPCA just to check he was okay and see if there was anything I could do to help. Fast forward a few weeks and here I am taking him home. I honestly think it was meant to be."
People from all over the world contacted the charity asking to rehome Kai, from places as far away as New York, Los Angeles, France, Spain and the Philippines.
Senior animal care assistant Alan Grant said the charity wanted to make sure Kai went to somebody who wanted him for the right reasons.
"One of the reasons we chose Ian was right from the start he said he was interested in rehoming Kai but he would take our advice if we thought one of the many other dogs in our care would suit him better…
"We know Kai will have a fantastic new life with Ian and we couldn't be happier for him."
Ian is a self-employed hydraulics engineer who works all over Scotland, mainly outdoors. He said: "Kai will come with me and when it's appropriate I'll let him out to run around and play safely while I work. Then we'll jump back into the van together and head to the next place. We'll be able to hang out all the time."
Kai left the Glasgow Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre with Ian last week to start his new life.
Image courtesy of the Scottish SPCA
Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.
