Seven village dogs stolen for a dog meat shop walked 17 kilometres home together in Northeastern China, in a story straight out of a Lifetime movie, according to South China Morning Post.

The pack, including German Shepherds, Corgis, Golden Retrievers, Labradors, and Pekingese, was captured on video striding in unison along a busy highway in Changchun, Jilin province.

They gently encircled a seemingly injured German Shepherd while the Corgi led the way, repeatedly checking on the group.

“They looked like a band of brothers in distress, united, not like typical strays,” said Lu, who posted the clip on Douyin (China’s TikTok), calling for authorities’ help.

Seven dogs stolen from their owners have gone viral after escaping from an illegal transport truck and making their way home.

They traveled around 17 km together, led by a corgi across highways and fields, now safely back with their respective owners..???❤️ pic.twitter.com/H5VB9BQkGB

— ?o̴g̴ (@Yoda4ever) March 23, 2026

Volunteers regrouped, mobilised, and even deployed a drone to guide the dogs safely back home.

The local Bitter Coffee Stray Dog base said the theft likely went awry after the dogs escaped a truck, though no one witnessed it.

All seven dogs made it home safely, confirmed Jimu News.

One relieved owner said, “We’re so lucky, they didn’t end up eaten.”

Comments like “The Golden Retriever shielded the pack from traffic, the Corgi played scout, the Shepherd led like a general” flooded social media.

Dog meat trade, often linked to winter warmth beliefs, remains a problem in northern China, with stolen pets and strays frequently targeted in cities such as Changchun, Harbin, and Dalian.

Though illegal, the practice persists, with fines or jail depending on the value of the animals.

There is no update on the alleged thieves, and the surreal story has since gone viral, amassing up to 230 million views.