Everything was going smoothly as Khemjira Klongsanun ran the Chombueng marathon in western Thailand up until about seven miles into the 26-mile marathon.

Khemjira noticed a small, trembling puppy just off the concrete while in the middle of the race. The other runners passing by were trying to avoid the frightened Bangkaew, or Thai wolf dog.

While the rest of the runners ignored the poor dog, Khemjira realized she couldn’t just leave him behind.

Khemjira slowly approached the puppy and kneeled in front of him, bringing her running pace to a halt. Since there were no residences or neighbors nearby, it was clear the dog was either abandoned or a lost stray. She knew he wouldn’t survive alone with the scorching climate but she was still in the middle of a marathon she had been training to run.

In a generous show of compassion, Khemjira picked up the puppy and shielded him from the sun with her towel. Instead of quitting, she began to run with the adorable dog underneath her arm for 19 more miles!

Khemjira finally crossed the finish line still cradling the small puppy. She then took him home and tried finding his owner, but no one claimed him.

She ended up adopting the puppy and named him Chombueng, after the race. What a great act of kindness! I hope these two will be happy for a long time.