Wang Yan takes care of stray dogs at the animal center he built in 2012 in Helong Town, Changchun in northeast China's Jilin Province. He has rescued over 5,000 stray dogs from the streets and slaughter-houses in recent years. (Photo/China.org.cn)
Wang Yan, 29, has devoted his heart and soul to saving stray dogs since the disappearance of his cherished pup three years ago. The man, who used to run a steel-structure installation company, built an animal rescue center in the Helong Town of Changchun in northeast China's Jilin Province where he has rescued over 5,000 stray dogs from the streets and slaughter-houses spending nearly 3 million yuan (about US$462,000), almost all of his savings. The money he has spent is still not enough to cover the center’s expenses, dog food, and medical costs to care for the dogs. As a result, Wang has to do odd jobs to maintain the status quo. However, Wang and his wife refuse to accept any donations. Inspired by his charitable act, many people come to visit the center and adopt the stray dogs.