In recent years, the plight of dogs raised for their meat in a number of Asian countries has garnered widespread attention and public condemnation. It is estimated that around 10 million canines are killed by the dog meat trade in China every year. The trade is also widespread in Vietnam and South Korea.

The dogs caught up in this trade endure horrendous cruelty at every stage of the process: sourcing, transport, sale, and slaughter. After being selected for their grisly fate, the dogs are often packed into tiny cages and forced to endure long, arduous journeys without sufficient food or water, before being slaughtered as violently as possible (due to an ingrained belief in certain regions that the more a dog suffers while being killed, the more tender its meat will be). However, there are many dedicated organizations out there working to save these dogs, such as the Soi Dog Foundation, the Asia Canine Protection Alliance, and Animals Asia. Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, the Philippines, and Thailand have outlawed the practice of dog slaughter while a number of groups across China are calling for a ban in that country.

Meanwhile, the touching stories of dogs who were rescued from the industry, and later went on to become loving family companions, are helping to change people’s hearts and minds. Humane Society International (HSI) has just posted an absolutely stunning photograph capturing the moment that a puppy saved  from a dog meat farm in South Korea finally got to experience a loving interaction with a human being. As soon as the sweet little dog, Ruby, and HSI volunteer Adam Parascandola set eyes on one another, a bond formed between them.

HSI said, “It was love at first sight!”

The image shows us just how much love animals have to give when they are presented with the chance. Even though Ruby had only ever known cruelty at human hands, she was soon prepared to open up to the kindness offered to her by Parascandola. HSI said, “(When she was first rescued) Ruby weighed only two kilograms, or four pounds, and had difficulty walking. When Adam brought her home, she was still shut down and seemed overwhelmed. But with a little time and a whole lot of love, Ruby was able to shed her fear — and her terrible past … A dog once too frightened to trust anyone; she is now affectionate and curious.”

Despite her tragic beginning in life, it now looks as though Ruby’s future will be a whole lot brighter. Parascandola has given her the loving forever home she deserves, so let’s hope that she will never have to experience any kind of fear again!

To learn more about her story, and how you can help HSI in their campaign to end the dog meat trade, check out their website.

Image source: Humane Society International/Twitter