BEIJING: A police dog in southwestern China, who continuously refused food and water while awaiting the return of its injured handler, has captured the hearts of millions online after their emotional reunion went viral.
According to Yunnan police, the officer, known by the alias Awei, hails from Chuxiong in Yunnan province. He is the handler of Bulu, a four-year-old German shepherd specially trained for narcotics detection in complex operational environments. The extent of their partnership and Bulu’s gender have not been disclosed.
In November last year, the duo were deployed in an operation at an abandoned building targeting drug-related suspects. Bulu quickly detected the sound of fleeing suspects and surged ahead, with Awei in pursuit.
However, in the dim light of the debris-filled corridor, Awei misstepped during the chase and fell from a second-storey height.
He was later found convulsing, vomiting blood, and slipping in and out of consciousness. In footage from the scene, an officer can be heard urging him: “Hold on. We still have battles to fight together.”
Meanwhile, Bulu remained by his side, anxiously circling and nuzzling him in a desperate effort to rouse him.
Awei was rushed to the hospital, where he remained in a coma for five days before regaining consciousness. Doctors diagnosed multiple fractures to his head and chest.
During his recovery, Bulu stayed at a training base, quietly awaiting his return.
Their separation lasted around six months, during which Bulu reportedly ceased working, grew restless, and ate and drank little.
Surveillance footage showed Bulu repeatedly returning to places where Awei might appear, including the dormitory, base gate, and training routes.
On one occasion, Bulu even rushed towards a returning police vehicle, only to be told that Awei was not aboard.
When Awei recently returned to duty, Bulu was brought forward for their reunion. It barked and sprinted towards him; Awei dropped his luggage, knelt down, and embraced the dog.
The video garnered more than 10 million views and over 580,000 likes on mainland social media.
During Awei’s recovery, his colleagues continued the operation, successfully arresting 11 suspects and seizing 4.4 kilos of drugs and more than 500,000 yuan (US$75,000) in illicit funds, which ultimately concluded the case.
The heartwarming story has drawn public attention to China’s police dogs.
One online comment read: “What Bulu was waiting for was not just its handler, but a comrade-in-arms. I am deeply moved by the bond between humans and animals.”
According to CCTV News, China had more than 29,000 active police dogs as of 2024. These canines typically serve an average of eight years, but long-term high-intensity deployment can lead to joint and spinal injuries in these dedicated officers.
After retirement, most police dogs remain with their original units under their handlers’ care, while some are later available for public adoption. - South China Morning Post
