Dog abandoned at train station with suitcase gets a new home

A dog who became a global star after being abandoned at a Scottish train station with his belongings in a suitcase has found a new home.

Shar-Pei crossbreed 'Kai' was discovered tied to a railing outside Ayr station last month next to a suitcase containing a pillow, toy, food bowl and food.

After his story was publicised, the Scottish SPCA found themselves inundated with offers to adopt Kai from people all over the world.

However, his lucky new owner is self-employed hydraulic engineer Ian Russell, 52.

According to Ian he was left heartbroken when his Dalmatian Mica, who he had owned for 15 years, passed away just before Christmas.

When he heard about Kai he immediately applied to adopt him but didn't think that he stood a chance. And when he learned he had been successful he said it was a "bit like winning the lottery".

Speaking to the Scottish SPCA, he said: "When I heard about Kai I knew the little guy needed a break but I never thought in a million years I'd get him. I called the Scottish SPCA just to check he was okay and see if there was anything I could do to help. Fast forward a few weeks and here I am taking him home. I honestly think it was meant to be.

"I work all over Scotland, mainly outdoors, driving wherever I'm needed in my van. Kai will come with me and when it's appropriate I'll let him out to run around and play safely while I work. Then we'll jump back into the van together and head to the next place. We'll be able to hang out all the time.

"Being the one to rehome Kai is a bit like winning the lottery and I'm really looking forward to getting him home and bonding with him."

As for Kai's future, Ian says he can expect to lead an active and adventurous life as he works all over Scotland, mainly outdoors, and Kai will accompany him.

According to reports Kai ended up being abandoned after a Gumtree sale allegedly went wrong.

After his case was publicised a woman called Fin Rayner stepped forward to claim that she had travelled from her home in Aberdeenshire to Ayr to collect Kai after seeing him advertised.

However, when she arrived she discovered that he wasn't the dog pictured in the online ad.

When she asked to take Kai for a walk the seller requested a £150 deposit in case she didn't return. However, it was the seller who disappeared.

According to Fin she told a member of staff that Kai was somebody else's dog and, after making sure he was in a safe place, tied him to the railings before leaving.

Scottish SPCA inspector Stewart Taylor said:"Following our appeal, we received information which suggested Kai was left at Ayr Railway Station after an internet sale went wrong. Our investigation is still on-going at this stage."

Scottish SPCA senior animal care assistant Alan Grant said: "We were overwhelmed by offers of new homes for Kai from places as far away as New York, Los Angeles, France, Spain and even the Philippines.

"Kai's story was really sad and many people likened him to Paddington Bear given he was found alone at a railway station with his suitcase.

"We know Kai will have a fantastic new life with Ian and we couldn't be happier for him.

"This is a great opportunity for us to remind people that we have hundreds of other animals in our care just like Kai who all need new homes.

"Anyone thinking of taking on a pet is welcome to visit our rescue and rehoming centres to meet our fantastic animals for themselves."

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