Pudding the Dog Awaited Family’s Return Following Flight Disaster, Now Seeking a New Home

A dog named Pudding is to be rehomed after enduring a heartbreaking wait for its family to return, unaware that they had tragically lost their lives in a devastating air disaster. The horrific incident occurred when Jeju Air flight 2216, en route from Thailand to South Korea, crashed on December 29 shortly after landing at Muan International Airport. The aircraft collided with a barrier before bursting into flames, claiming the lives of all but two crew members.

Among those who perished were nine family members, including an elderly man, his wife, two daughters, a son-in-law, their young granddaughter, and three grandsons. Pudding, their loyal pet, was left behind, wandering the streets of Yeonggwang county, South Jeolla province, waiting for their return, unaware that it would never happen.

In the aftermath of the tragedy, villagers reported seeing Pudding near the empty family home, seemingly waiting for familiar faces to reappear. One local resident noted, “The dog appeared to be looking for someone, waiting for its family.”

Two days following the crash, Pudding was discovered outside the village hall, sitting quietly. When approached by rescuers, the dog ran toward them, still hopeful for a reunion. Animal rights group Coexistence of Animal Rights on Earth (Care) took Pudding in and transferred the dog to a veterinary hospital in Seoul after it was found to have ingested hazardous food such as onions and chicken bones.

Care has since vowed to care for Pudding and is now searching for a new family to provide a loving home. In an Instagram post, the organisation shared: “Considering the emotional toll on Pudding and the circumstances, it is no longer safe for the dog to remain wandering the village without proper care. After contacting the grieving family, we have made the decision to protect Pudding until a new guardian is found.”