Scots chef quit job and moves to Thailand to rescue 1000 dogs

-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)
-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)


A Scots-born chef who quit his job to move to Thailand and save 1000 dogs has published a book about his incredible life.

The book, called Home. Made. , charts Michael J. Baines' journey as a drug-addicted chef in Sweden to founding The Man That Rescues Dogs (TMTRD) foundation in Thailand. The Sanctuary houses 776 dogs with 450 more strays in their care.

Born in Scotland then raised in Sweden, the chef quit his successful culinary career to open a nonprofit rescue and rehabilitation centre for stray dogs in 2017. Baines had moved from Sweden to Thailand in 2002 for a fresh start and to advance his career as a chef.

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At first, he was just feeding local dogs outside his restaurant, but with so many of his canine friends in poor health and in need of medical care, he adopted several himself, providing food, shelter and treatment for the local veterinary clinic.

Despite limited funds and space, he dedicated his free time to rescuing as many dogs as he could before eventually launching his charity. The TMTRD Sanctuary now cares for 1000 dogs, housing more than 750 rescues.

Michael Baines
Michael Baines founder of dog sanctuary

The memoir, launched on International Dog Day on August 26 exactly a month ago, documents Baines’ remarkable journey from the bustling kitchens of Sweden’s popular restaurant scene, to the tranquil cassava fields of Bang Saen, Thailand.

They include 50 adorable TikTok-famous paralyzed dogs affectionately nicknamed The Wheelchair Mafia. The charity also monitors and feeds an additional 400 stray dogs.

In his book, Baines explores the many heartwarming success stories of the dogs that have been rescued, treated and adopted to find their forever homes, as well as the positive development of pet culture in Thailand. But in an honest and moving account, he also opens up on the challenges of his own life, such as his personal struggles with drug and alcohol addiction.

After somehow finding himself working for the alleged Yugoslavian Mafia in Sweden, the chef became caught up in the dangerous world of drugs, chasing highs to ward off his demons, before he was delivered a life-changing ultimatum.

dog sanctuary
Dogs at the TMTRD sanctuary in Thailand

Baines said: "It's a damn good book... The first I’ve read in 10 years, in fact. "It is the story of my life, but more importantly, it' s the story of my dogs’ lives – they’re far more interesting and inspiring than I am, and I hope readers agree."

Home. Made. marks the first production of Witchcraft, an all-female social impact publishing company which flips book royalties into the favour of charities. It means 70 per cent of the royalties for Home. Made. will be donated back to TMTRD, meaning anyone who purchases a book will also be making a donation to help dogs.

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Located just outside of Bangkok, Thailand, the 8000 square mile sanctuary contains eight main shelters, a full-service clinic, specialised care units, a sterile quarantine section for new rescues and dogs with serious diseases, three hydrotherapy pools, and play and relaxation areas for dogs in the Bang Saen and Sriracha area. More than 30 staff members, skilled veterinarians, construction workers and administrative staff are employed by the foundation, which is supported by the local government in Thailand.

TMTRD provides nutritious meals per day to dogs in its care, and also serves to help control the stray dog population in the local area through spaying and neutering, whilst administering life-saving vaccinations and medical care.

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