It’s February 15 and Florian Biela is on his way to work when he spots a dog in distress at the side of the road. “I thought some­thing was wrong with him,” he recalls. Without further ado, he gives the dog some­thing to drink and real­izes that the golden retriever urgently needs help! Biela decides to look after him and takes him to the vet. “He was diag­nosed with multiple issues, including a narrowed urethra, bladder stones and a tumor. The smallest problem was a skin infec­tion which left him with bald patches all over his body,” Biela says looking back.

Da Tou was not doing well at all when Florian Biela found him.

Da Tou loves to ride along on the scooter.

After numerous exam­i­na­tions and a five-hour oper­a­tion, the patient is safe for the time being. But the vet bill is equiv­a­lent to almost 3,500 euros. To cover this consid­er­able sum, Biela and his friends set up a fundraising campaign to secure the golden retriever’s medical care. After two weeks in the veteri­nary clinic, the dog is allowed to go to his new home: with Florian Biela. Today, the poor animal from back then is called Da Tou, which means “big head” in Chinese: and it really is big compared to his other­wise slender build. Da Tou and his master are insep­a­rable – and passionate two-wheeler fans: “Da Tou is rather a quiet dog, but he does love to ride along with me on the scooter!” says Biela. The 34-year-old always has had a soft spot for dogs.

It’s nice to see how your work gives animals a better life.

Florian Biela

Flight atten­dant for four-legged friends

Da Tou’s story is sadly all too common. That’s why his owner has been campaigning for street dogs in China for four years. He now works with like-minded people from Shanghai Animal Rescue. “This is a German network in Shanghai that also runs its own shel­ters for dogs. Around 120 dogs are currently housed there,” explains Biela.

A large part of his “mission” consists of flying to Germany with the aban­doned dogs. There are more animal shel­ters here which also receive finan­cial support from the state. In addi­tion to his work as a dog flight atten­dant, Biela also helps find new homes for stray dogs. “I once took a husky with me on a plane and he is now living happily in Sweden. It’s nice to see how your work makes a differ­ence and gives animals a better life.” Da Tou can only nod his big head in agree­ment.