Kai, dog abandoned at Ayr station, finds new home

Kai the dog meets his new owner Ian Russell. Picture: Hemedia

A new owner has been found for the shar-pei crossbreed after his predicament went viral on social media, attracting worldwide attention.

The dog, named Kai, was found tied up in Ayr station on 2 January with a suitcase containing his pillow, toy, bowl and food.

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The story, likened to that of Paddington Bear, sparked a flood of offers of a new home from across the globe.

But Kai will not be taking up residence in New York, Los Angeles or Paris.

He is going to East Renfrewshire to live with 52-year-old Ian Russell in Newton Mearns.

The self-employed hydraulic engineer was picked from hundreds of other volunteers after being left “heartbroken” at the death of his own pet dalmatian at the end of last year.

“It feels like fate that I’ve been able to rehome Kai and I’m not usually a believer in things like that,” he said.

“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.

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“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 OK 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.”

The dog was found by railway staff after an internet sale went wrong and the prospective buyer, afraid the dog was stolen, left him tied to railings at the station.

Images of the forlorn-looking dog went round the world, with people from as far afield as New York and the Philippines contacting the animal welfare charity that took him in.

“Kai’s story was really sad and many people likened him to Paddington Bear, given he was found alone at a railway station with his suitcase,” said Scottish SPCA animal care assistant Alan Grant.

“It was really important for us to select an owner who wanted Kai for all the right reasons and had really thought through their decision to take on a rescue dog.

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“We know Kai will have a fantastic new life with Ian and we couldn’t be happier for him.

“This is a great opportunity for us to remind people that we have hundreds of other animals in our care just like Kai, who all need new homes.”

Kai can now look forward to getting out and about across the country.

Mr Russell added: “I work all over Scotland, mainly outdoors, driving wherever I’m needed in my van.

“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.

“Being the one to rehome Kai is a bit like winning the lottery and I’m really looking forward to getting him home and bonding with him.”

Abandoning an animal is an offence under the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006, and investigations are ongoing.