Abandoned puppy climbs Everest
16 Nov BBC
An abandoned puppy rescued from a rubbish dump in India has trekked
to Everest Base Camp, a height of 17,598ft (5,364m) above sea level.
Its owner told the AFP news agency that they believed that it was the
first dog to climb so high on the mountain.
Former professional golfer Joanne Lefson adopted the 11-month-old
dog, called Rupee, in the Himalayan Indian town of Leh last
September.The pair began "Expedition Mutt Everest 2013" on 14
October.The aim was to raise awareness about the plight of homeless dogs
and encourage adoption.They accomplished their record-making feat 13
days later, with Ms Lefson describing it on Facebook as "one giant leap
for dog-kind".The pair traversed wobbly bridges, scaled treacherous
mountain paths and narrowly escaped landslides.
The dog quickly adjusted to high altitudes and loved the snow. In the
course of his travels he was cuddled by Himalayan monks and petted by
innumerable children."I am so proud of Rupee," Ms Lefson told AFP. "I
thought I might have to carry him on some days, but instead, he took the
lead and pulled me along.
When she first came across the puppy he was dehydrated and close to
death, she said.
"He was really skinny, he looked like he had had no food or water for
days. I just couldn't leave him there to die."
Ms Lefson said that she personally nursed Rupee back to health,
enabling him to gain weight after "embarking" on a high-protein diet.I
hope his accomplishment will compel people to be kinder to animals,
especially strays.
We need to realise that every life matters," Ms Lefson said.The pair
are reported to have returned to Ms Lefson's home in South Africa, where
Rupee is taking a hard-earned break from his adventures.
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