After the tragic loss of Henrik Lilja at such a young age, his father Hans and two sisters Hanna and Helena wanted to honor his life and love for animals. Together with their families, Henrik’s girlfriend Sara and his many friends, they created a memorial fund and donated it to Lanta Animal Welfare.
The total amount of 71,500 Thai baht will be put towards the cost of renovating the center’s surgery room and clinic. This much-needed update and expansion will allow for more veterinarians to be trained and help hundreds, if not thousands, more animals who are suffering.
Blackie the Blind Puppy
Henrik had visited Thailand numerous times before, but it was a chance encounter with a stray, blind puppy that made the country even more special to him.
In March of 2016, Henrik Lilja and Linda Tornblad rescued Blackie from a beach on Koh Mook, an island not far from Koh Lanta. Blackie was so frail and tiny, they initially thought she was a kitten. Her one eye was eaten almost entirely by bacteria, while the other eye was also in bad condition. And yet, Blackie still managed to greet them with so much excitement and energy—seemingly unaware of her sad, fragile state.
The couple rushed the malnourished and dehydrated puppy to Lanta Animal Welfare to treat her eyes, where she was given a series of antibiotics and nourished back to health.
Despite the challenges that can come with having a blind dog, Henrik and Linda decided to take a chance on Blackie and adopted her. They knew in their hearts that it would be worth it. After three months in quarantine, Blackie finally arrived in Sweden, greeted by another dog Bamse, her new sibling.
Remembering a Friend and Supporter of LAW
Henrik Lilja, an advocate for animals in need
Since that fateful day on the beach, Henrik had been a loyal friend and supporter of Lanta Animal Welfare. He recognized the plight of so many homeless dogs and cats on Koh Lanta and throughout Thailand and was an advocate for the cause. Today, and always, we will remember Henrik for his big heart, selflessness and empathy for those in need.
Create a Memorial Fund: Honor Your Loved One’s Love for Animals
You, too, can honor your loved one by creating a memorial fund and donating it to help the rescue dogs and cats at Lanta Animal Welfare—and the many suffering animals who come through our doors daily. This gift ensures that your loved one will have a lasting legacy, one that lives on through the countless lives saved and the heartwarming stories of animals who are thriving.