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 Meet
Rupee. When he was a puppy, he was abandoned at a landfill in India.
Last month, Rupee, who is now 11 months old, became the first dog
to climb to the peak of Mt. Everest, the tallest mountain on Earth.
Last year, Joanne Lefson, a former professional golfer from South
Africa, rescued Rupee in Leh, a mountain town in India. In October
2013, Mrs. Lefson began “Expedition Mutt Everest 2013” in an effort
to raise awareness about homeless dogs and promote pet adoption. It
took just 13 days for the pair to reach the summit of Mt. Everest.
“I’m so proud of Rupee,” she said. “I thought I might have to carry
him on some days, but instead, he took the lead and pulled me along.
I hope this accomplishment will compel people to be kinder to animals,
especially strays. We need to realize that every life matters.”
 Mrs. Lefson
said that despite the fact that Rupee was close to death when he was
adopted and is missing part of his right ear, he had no trouble adjusting
to the harsh Mt. Everest environment. “He actually loved the snow,”
she said. “He ate it, he played in it, and if I had let him, he would
have slept in it, too.”
Mrs. Lefson and Rupee are now at home in South Africa, where Rupee
is “catching up on some much needed sleep.” |
Staff
reporter Jessica Kim
(jessicakim@timescore.co.kr) |
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