Man Rescues Sick Stray He Finds Near Himalayan Monastery

“I urge everyone to not simply walk by when you see an animal suffering. Take the time. Connect with the animal. Make the call if need be. But do something. Don’t just walk by feeling sorry or helpless because you are not. But the animals often are.”

High in the Himalayan mountains of Bhutan is the Taktsang Palphug Monastery, a sacred Buddhist monastery also known as “Tiger’s Nest”. Visitors and pilgrims walk up the steep cliffside to visit this historic marvel built in the 17th century.

Recently, when Tim Gorski, a filmmaker and animal activist, was on his way to the monastery, a stray dog crossed his path. The dog was friendly, but obviously sick; he was missing most of his hair due to mange.

From the moment he saw him, Tim knew he was going to rescue the dog, who would end up being named “Tim” in his honor.

“Here is sweet Tim the dog from Taktsang, and the moment he met his soon-to-be rescuer,” The Maya Foundation wrote on Facebook when sharing Tim’s photo. “As many people take this holy pilgrimage to pray and make offerings, I’m quite sure Tim made the same journey knowing he could find salvation there – such a smart doggie!”

Tim contacted Bhutan Animal Rescue and Care, who in turn contacted The Maya Foundation to let them know they had a dog “in need of some TLC”.

Transport was arranged with a local tour company to bring the dog down to the Maya Foundation’s Barnyard Bhutan Animal Rescue & Sanctuary and as soon as he arrived he got “the Barnyard Spa” treatment, meaning a haircut, bath and pedicure.