Chevron workers rescue dog stranded at sea

In a story that warmed the hearts of animal lovers around the world, Thai oil-rig workers for American energy conglomerate Chevron rescued a dog that was struggling for its life in the deep waters of the Gulf of Thailand last week.

The brown-and-white pooch was spotted by the Chevron crew swimming towards their drilling rig about 135 miles off the coast of Songkhla province in southern Thailand. They believe the canine had fallen overboard from a fishing ship or trawler.
As the exhausted dog clung to a pole below them, the drillers formed a four-person rescue team, descending towards the dog, harnessing him and raising him to the platform and safety. They immediately gave food, comfort, and care to the shivering and weakened stray at sea.

The Chevron team named him Boonrod, which means ‘survivor’ in the Thai language, and ferried him back to shore as soon as possible.
“Today (April 15), a vessel transporting the dog arrived onshore at around 10 am. His overall condition has improved. He is getting stronger and can smile,” wrote Vitisak Payalaw, a member of Chevron Thailand Exploration and Production’s oil drilling team, on his Facebook page.

A bemused Boonrod appeared to be relieved he was back on dry land. Members of Watchdog Thailand, an animal protection group, veterinarians and some animal lovers were waiting for him on the dock. They took him to an animal clinic in Songkhla for further examination and care.
Vitisak wrote that if no one claimed ownership of Boonrod, he would take him back to his hometown in northeastern Khon Kaen province.

They say that ‘every dog has his day,’ and Monday was the day for Boonrod, a very lucky dog, indeed.