Speaking to those in power

On a note of thankfulness.

Last week, we drove to the centre in our attempt to catch the officer and explain what we've been doing all this while. And debunk any belief that our caregivers are doing nothing but feeding and feeding the dogs. Feeding them such that they're healthy enough to breed and add to the stray population.

It was to bring closure to Long Long's and Chocho's episode by bringing our points across to them. And thank goodness, they were receptive to us. They could've just shut their doors on us, like most government agencies. For them to cram in a good half hour just for us, it was graciousness beyond expectations.

And so we clarified the following:

• Culling is no quick and effective method to solve the source of complaints, neither is it the way to control stray populations sustainably
• Minusing Long Long and Chocho from the picture, the problem still persists
• The area where Long Long and Chocho were from, it's a place of low population density. An industrial builtup made up of horticultures, agribusinesses and other independent farms; it's a sub-urban location with vast fields and secondary forests.
• Dogs, monkeys, stray cats, monitor lizards and snakes are not uncommon to the area
• An open perimeter surrounds the farm in question. Meaning, their fences are either fraught with unfixed holes or just distorted and in need of repair and replacement
• Where bushes, trees and weeds have formed seamlessly with the farm's premises, dogs -- feral, semi-feral, industrial stray or newly abandoned/born -- can move in and out of the farm all the time (so what do you expect?)
• Our ad-hoc group has been actively helping to control and manage the stray dogs in the area. In terms of figures: sterilising close to 10 of them, encouraging licensing in the area, constructing an enclosure to contain the dogs and removing litters of newborn pups from the area, lest they grow into adults and become too hard to handle

In any case, it was a weight off my heart and I am filled with all satisfaction that their team has been receptive enough to hear us out -- our perspectives, our work and recommendations. They opened their ears to us, so it's not all red tape in this respect.

To forge ahead, I learn again that a cool and composed discussion is necessary. Needless to go on a hunger strike, stage sit-outs or barge through the glass into the office. But handle those in power with tact. Speak confidently and calmly. Present your points well. There can't be a better way to communicate, from what I see.

So glad we talked.