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Wu Qi, a 44-year-old man from China, is capturing hearts worldwide after revealing how he left behind a lucrative tech career to dedicate his life to training therapy dogs.
A graduate of Nanjing University with a degree in computer science, Wu Qi once worked at a gaming company earning a comfortable salary. But his true calling came from a lifelong love for animals, a bond that began when he was just nine years old. As a child with autism, Wu rescued a puppy abandoned in a trash bin, and he credits that dog for helping him learn to speak and connect with others.
Years later, after adopting a mischievous husky, Wu’s journey took an unexpected turn. When he returned home one day to find his couch torn to shreds, he sent his dog to a training camp, but the harsh methods used there left his pet fearful and withdrawn. Deeply affected, Wu began studying animal behavior and modern, science-based training techniques.
Determined to change how dogs are treated, Wu started sharing his findings online. His compassionate approach quickly gained attention, and in 2012, he appeared on a talk show where he met an autistic child who imitated his gentle interactions with his dog, something the child’s mother said had never happened before.
This encounter inspired Wu to found Paw for Heal, a groundbreaking organization that trains therapy dogs to assist people with autism, dementia, mental health challenges, palliative care patients, and even juvenile offenders. His mission is to spread awareness about the transformative power of therapy animals in China, where only a few hundred service dogs exist, compared to around 500,000 in the United States.
Wu’s inspiring story resurfaced in October 2025 after a viral speech detailing his path from game programmer to pet therapy advocate. His words have since taken Chinese social media by storm, with thousands praising his courage to follow his heart and improve lives through compassion.
His story comes amid a growing global conversation about animal welfare and the emotional support pets can provide, including a recent viral case in Turkey where a man agreed to pay pet support for his ex-wife’s two cats.
From coding games to healing hearts, Wu Qi’s journey is a powerful reminder that success isn’t always measured by money, sometimes, it’s about making the world a little kinder, one paw at a time.