In the footage that went viral in record time, the scene looks like something straight out of an animated film. A pack of seven dogs marches purposefully in single file along a busy main road in China. At the front of the little group, an adorable Corgi turns around regularly to check that no one is left behind. When a companion seems to slow down, the whole pack adjusts its pace with touching solidarity.
On social media, a heroic tale quickly spread. People claimed the seven companions had escaped together after being taken by traffickers. They were said to have travelled over 10 miles across fields and roads to get back to their village. With over 230 million views, this show of bravery melts the hearts of internet users all over the world.
What really happened along the road
Given the scale of the phenomenon, local journalists and fact-checkers investigated to find the animals' owners. As reported by Doctissimo, the true story turned out to be much simpler and lighter than the romanticised scenario shared online.
A short stroll instead of a grand escape
In reality, the dogs had only strayed from home for a few hours. The adventure was simply down to a female German Shepherd in heat, who led her canine friends on a short, impromptu walk near the roadside. Although the escape story was vastly exaggerated and sometimes staged using artificial intelligence to spark emotion, the footage of this cheerful group of friends walking along the road remains very real and heartwarming.
Translated from the FR Wamiz website using artificial intelligence
