Compassionate Action · Chonburi, Thailand
The Man That Rescues Dogs
In Chonburi, one shelter cares for more than 800 rescued dogs — many of them paralyzed. This August, we spent the day there: feeding, walking, and simply being with them.
A day with the dogs of Chonburi
On the eastern edge of Thailand, in Bang Phra, is a place unlike any we’ve visited — a sanctuary built entirely around dogs no one else would take in. We came to help, and to see for ourselves the work being done here.
We arrived with a van full of what a shelter this size runs through fast — food, milk, supplies and toys — and made a cash donation to go straight toward daily care. But the supplies were only half of why we came.
We spent the afternoon with the dogs themselves: walking them, playing with them, and giving them attention. Many here have been through the worst of what people can do, and the thing they need most — beyond food and medicine — is simply to be treated gently.
What we brought & did
- Delivered food, milk, supplies and toys for the shelter
- Made a cash donation toward daily operating costs
- Walked, played with and gave attention to the dogs
- Met the team and learned how the sanctuary runs day to day
- Scouted where Spirit Bright can help meaningfully going forward
We also sat down with the team to understand their operations — how they feed 1,300 dogs a day, run an on-site clinic, and care for the paralyzed dogs who will live here for life. We left with a clear picture of where we can make a real difference, and every intention of coming back.
“They can’t ask for help. So someone has to show up for them.”
A message from our visit
Standing among the dogs, Sam shares why this place matters — and how you can help support the work being done here.
About The Man That Rescues Dogs
themanthatrescuesdogs.org · Bang Phra, Chonburi, Thailand
The Man That Rescues Dogs was founded in 2017 by Michael J. Baines, who began by feeding street dogs each night and grew it into one of Thailand’s most respected dog-rescue organizations. Today the sanctuary is home to more than 800 rescued dogs and feeds around 1,300 a day across the shelter and the streets.
Its on-site clinic treats injury and disease, runs sterilization programs, and cares for the roughly 50 paralyzed dogs— affectionately known as the “Wheelchair Mafia” — who are fitted with custom wheelchairs so they can run again. Keeping it all going costs about $1,300 every single day, funded almost entirely by donations.
Where this is
The Man That Rescues Dogs is in Bang Phra, Chonburi Province, on Thailand’s eastern seaboard.
Bang Phra, Chonburi, Thailand · View on Google Maps
How we hope to help
This first visit was about showing up and listening. We’re now exploring how Spirit Bright can support The Man That Rescues Dogs in a lasting way — from daily care to the Wheelchair Mafia. If this work moved you, reach out and we’ll share what’s next. Spirit Bright is a registered 501(c)(3).
Inquire about supporting this work