Chiang Mai on Friday remained preoccupied with the death of a fiercely loved dog as more details of his demise emerged and fans vowed to erect a statue in his honor.
Tia, the unofficial mascot of Chiang Mai University, died from severe, blunt-force trauma to his legs and hind quarters, according to the school’s Veterinary Faculty, which said the impact tore his bladder.
The operator of the dog’s fan page – followed by nearly a quarter million people – announced that a memorial statue would be built to commemorate the pup, making Tia possibly the first street dog to receive such an honor.
While it remains unknown if Tia, whose name means “Shorty,” met an accidental end or was the victim of a deliberate attack, his wrathful fans were already foaming for justice.
“Karma will get whoever did this!” Facebook user Montira Bintavihok wrote.
Even the chief of police at Changpuak Station was demanding answers, saying that anyone could contact him directly with tips in the case. Col. Kittipong Petchmunee immediately furnished his Line ID, @kittipong3955, for the public to contact him.
Tia’s body was found yesterday a few kilometers from the university’s campus, three days after he was first reported missing and a search was launched with a bounty of THB10,000 offered for his return.
Perhaps due to a lack of other urgent matters at a time many are cooped up at home to avoid coronavirus infection, Tia’s death hit many hard.
“I tried not to cry reading this but I couldn’t. Poor brother Tia, I can’t imagine how painful that is,” Facebook user Trey Sp wrote after learning how the dog died.
Not only will Tia get a statue commemorating the “community dogs,” but the fan page said the famous doggo’s skeleton would be exhibited in the veterinary museum.
So that’s at least one more chance to see him.
Though no formal funeral services have been announced, his fans have been invited to pray for Tia on Saturday at Wat Phra That Doi Suthep.
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