Before we brought Jamie to the vet,

as uncle had not arrived on the farm yet, we brought our 3 pups to be sterilised. Yes they are still pups but this pack is very sturdy and strong, very good-looking.

Thank you very much SB for your donation towards the sterilisation of these 3. We had them microchipped too so that they can be identified should the authorities come along to catch them for culling.


Microchip numbers

Their ears are also tipped to identify them as sterilised dogs. But unfortunately, in the present state of treatment of strays, these measures we undertake - STERILISATION, MICROCHIP, EAR TIP - may mean nothing to the authorities who view them plainly as 'straying dogs'. Despite the plain fact that we have done what we can to control the stray population in a humane way.

However, if there is anything we can do to control our stray population in a HUMANE way and to accord the strays a measure of SAFETY on the streets and farms where they live, we will continue to do that.

We have no control of others' treatment of the animals. But we sure do have control over our own decisions and actions.


Puppyhood - 1 boy (far left) and 2 girls.




Young adults now - on the way to be sterilised so that they will not add onto the stray population.






Our boy, neutered and microchipped, with his left ear tipped. All done to accord him a measure of safety on the streets where he lives.

Today, we settled

Little Jamie's vet bill of last week ($123.20) and $200 for Guppy. Thank you very very much T and JL for your donations.




We have an outstanding of $279 for Guppy, $65 for Xiao Bai and $60 for Jamie plus $28 for Jamie's food and shampoo.


We are not a registered society. Donations can either be made by cheque payable to the vet clinic or by bank transfer to my personal account if you have faith in what we do. My personal account is: DBS Savings Plus 050-5-017652.

We will mail you a copy of the receipt when we have made payment.

Your contributions will give us the strength and encouragement to continue our work with the needy animals.

Thank you.

Little Jamie has taken a turn

for the worse. When I called to check with uncle last evening, he told me that Jamie's hind legs had suddenly become very weak.

With that in mind and plans to remove him from the farm, we asked around for fosters and were very grateful that T agreed to care for Jamie. At that point, we thought that it would be a pretty simple affair of medication and letting Jamie recuperate in a good environment while we find a home.

However, when we arrive this morning on the farm, Jamie's 'very weak' hind legs was an understatement. His hind legs were actually already wasted and paralysed. When he saw me, he scooted on his bum as best as he can to come forward. I was quite shocked to how his condition has deteriorated in a week. His gums were still very pale.








On our way to the clinic, he was too weak to do anything but lie silently on the backseat with me. At times, he would whine and groan in discomfort.




At the clinic, we took his temperature again which was normal. According to the uncle, he doesn't have any diarrhea or vomiting. And his appetite is still good. Strange. Then what had caused this sudden paralysis?

According to Dr B, it looks like a damage to the nerves, beginning from the lower spine. When we tested by pinching his hind paws, Jamie didn't react, confirming that he has lost sensations in his hinds. This could be caused by a fall, sudden twist of the body that damages the nerves. But as Jamie is kept chained up on a flat surface, and he has been too weak for the past week to be jumping around, I can't imagine how he could have fallen or twisted his back in any way.


However, it seems that on many ocassions, paralysis is temporary and the dog regains movement in a few weeks. We hope this is the case for Jamie.

He did poo and pee a bit at the clinic which is a good sign that he still has control of his rectum and bladder.

Read up on the grades of paralysis and here is some info:
Using a 4-grade system (1 = pain only; 2 = pain + paresis; 3 = pain + paralysis; 4 = paralysis of both hind limbs and loss of deep pain sensation, meaning constipation and unable to pass urine).

Chances of recovery in grade 1 and 2 is excellent; in grade 3 is very good and in grade 4 is poor. Grade 4 cases need a lot of care (nursing, turning frequently to prevent body sores, catheterisation, manual emptying of rectum in constipation). Many owners are unable to nurse a dog suffering with grade 4 symptoms.

Jamie appears to be grade 2 since he was just paralysed on his hinds and could lift his front body. He should be able to recover within 3 months. The treatment is to confine it and restrict its movement. The presence of some pain would also explain why he turned back and attempted to bite when we were moving him. He had never bitten before so this just means that he is feeling some pain/discomfort and possibly he was fearful and apprehensive in his paralysed condition.






T came to the clinic shortly and Dr B ran through with him the needs of Jamie at this period. This is more work than expected when T first agreed to foster Jamie coupled with his slight tendency now to bite (out of fear/pain), and the need to clean him up often if he pees while lying down.

Very very grateful that T still agrees to care for Jamie during this period.

* We are also looking for a stand-by foster home or better yet, a permanent family who will commit to take Jamie in and look after him during this period till full recovery. He is a good guy. Just not quite himself during this period of sudden paralysis and the pain/discomfort he is feeling which makes him grouchy at times. Give him some time and we'll see the fine fellow that is all little Jamie to begin with.

So, give it some thought. You could be the one who can give Jamie a good life from now on. It's really about time.

Little Jamie,

our anaemic Jack Russell is not doing too good. According to the farm uncle, he was better the couple of days when we started medication, but then he seemed to have gotten worse, and in the uncle's own words, his hind legs are now very weak. His appetite is still good (though I'm really not sure how true this is), no diarrhea or vomiting.

The thing is, it is not that easy to get information from people on such farms. Mainly cos the dogs are never their first priority. We can't be totally sure even if medication is given as indicated even though we call them to check regularly and write the instructions down in mandarin and as graphically as we can to make sure they get it. I realise a common habit the people have is to tell you that everything is fine...everything is ok...and then suddenly drop you a bomb to say that, hey...the dog is not walking...not moving...not eating...and that could have been the scene for the past few days already. So we have to be very proactive and keep calling them rather than wait for their news.

We'll visit little Jamie again tomorrow and take him to the vet again if the situation is not ideal. Also, we'll be making arrangements for Jamie to relocate to a foster family as conditions at the farm are really not acceptable for even a healthy dog, much more a weak one who needs proper rehabilitation.

T has kindly offered to foster Jamie for a period. However, to stand by, in case of any changes/needs, do contact us if you can foster and care for Jamie for a period of 2 months till he is all well and fit. We will also be rehoming him as the uncle has mentioned that Jamie was given to them by 'someone' and this 'someone' has asked them to take care of Jamie, but after that, that 'someone' didn't turn up at all anymore. The uncle then said that we can 'have' Jamie if we want. Well, that's for the better for Jamie.

He is a small little fellow. No fuss. Pretty young, our guess is about 4 years maybe. For now, he needs oral medication for his anaemia, to be fed a healthier diet than what he's having at the farm now, ie, he needs more good protein (boiled meats, eggs) and cream for his external wound.

So, pls email us at projectjkteam@yahoo.com.sg if you can stand-by as a foster for Jamie and better yet, take him home for good. Removing him from the farm could be his only chance of recovery. And survival.

New Animals and Birds (Dog Licensing and Control) Rules

A good step forward by the authorities.

Though there is still an uneven path for strays and issues relating to breeding farms, this is a good step forward nonetheless to put the point across to dog owners that they are responsible for their companion animals and should they be less than committed, the presence of bigger fines and better traceability will accord the animals a measure of protection.

http://www.ava.gov.sg/NR/rdonlyres/9253E7B2-E57D-4992-982C-1304E73748D6/17955/NEWANIMALANDBIRDSDOGLICENSINGANDCONTROLRULES.pdf

Alright, I know I have not

This was after I had cleaned up best as I could.

completed the story of my thoroughly muddied Blunnies and jeans on Saturday. This is what happened......

After returning little Jamie and Xiao Bai back to the farm, as we were chatting and driving along, I saw on V's side of the road a small round patch of white and brown, right smack in the middle of the busy road, frozen still with cars zipping by.

Instinctively, I told V to stop the car immediately and I scooted out to see just what was a little Jack Russell doing in the middle of the road! Holding my hands up to warn 2 oncoming cars of the animal on the road, they slowed down and avoided the dog, but when I called to it and started walking towards it, it made a dash towards my side of the road! And that was when I saw ANOTHER dog, a local breed, on my side of the road.

Both are collared. A male local breed and a female overweight JRT. But what were they doing on the road with no owners in sight? We can't leave them like this, the next time they cross they would not be that fortunate....

And as if to add some sparkle to the event, these 2 dogs did just that -- they dashed across the street again amidst those cars which saw and slowed down for them!!

What can I do but to follow after them to find out exactly where they come from and make sure they are safe. So off I am, after 2 sprinting dogs down a grassy slope onto a wide expanse of field that leads to the backyard of a row of terrace houses.

I had no idea about the conditions of this green field...the further I walked, the taller the grass and I found myself at times more than knee deep in the green, on soft mushy grounds. The 2 dogs had bounded far away and I could see them in the distance, defensively guarding the gate to one house. As I got near, both were barking furiously at me, I wasn't worried about the small gal but the local breed looked threatening and ready to spring on me should I try anything funny. I stood around, moving only very slightly, inching nearer and nearer to the gate, with the 2 furious dogs flurrying around me. After a few minutes, when I now stood on the concrete with the JRT, she finally let down her guard, inched towards me, took a sniff at my legs and decided I am safe and harmless, thereafter her whole countenance changed and she was wagging her whole body sweetly in greeting. As I bent down to cuddle her, the local breed, seeing that his buddy has taken to me, also decided I was harmless and came towards me.

Then I was able to assess the situation in the quiet:

Here we have 2 dogs who had crossed a busy road twice, and sprinted across a huge field to this row of terraces. I hollered "HELLOOOO!!!" many many times down the row, knocked on the gates but no one bothered to answer.

Well, the logical explanation is these 2 dogs belong to a family here, but all the gates of this backyard were closed and no one seemed to be home. So the next thing to do is to check the gates .... so happened that the gate the dogs were guarding was closed but not locked, ie, the metal latch was placed down but not locked. I could also see dog bowls and leashes in the yard. Could this be their home? But hey, even if they are so smart as to open gates, I seriously doubt they can latch it back ya??! And no...in case you were guessing, the JRT is just too fat to squeeze thru the grilles.



So, let's try...I opened the gate and the dogs scooted in immediately, drank from the bowl and then rested in the shade.

So, this is their home? But where are the owners??? I hollered and knocked on the glass door again but no one is home.

Then, I heard another man and his daughter coming towards the gate and initially thought they were the ones who lost their dog. But they were not. They had actually also seen cars missing the dogs as they drove down that road, so they parked nearby and came to check them out.



We were discussing what to do with these 2, as we were not even sure if this is their home. Didn't want to scare the house owner who comes back later to 2 strange dogs in his yard! Should we call SPCA? In the end, we decided it was safer to keep them in this yard for time being while we walk to the front and ask the neighborhood.

And it was during the walk to the front that I unknowingly got onto the softest and mushiest part of the field and sank knee deep into soft mud...mud so soft it just swallowed my Blunnies and legs and all and there was no way I could extricate myself. I was stuck!! Panicking for a bit cos I know the man couldn't help me either else he would also be stuck if he attempted to walk towards me. So, it was just me and me alone...but I just couldn't move my legs out an inch! The mud was holding me down so tightly. Oh man...what did I get myself into now??



Well no choice I guess..the only way to get out is to try. I had to catch hold of anything that can give me leverage while I work on each leg without adding more weight that'll push me deeper into the mud. So I reached for the hardiest looking patch around and used that to balance and place my weight while I pulled my right leg as much as I can. It felt like minutes before I could feel any movement in the mud. At times I thought I'm gonna lose my boot inside the goo....then finally....after some anxious minutes, my right foot is out. Now I had to very quickly pop my left leg out else I will sink in deep again the second I place my right foot down. So the instinct was to lean my weight on the ground and quickly pluck out my left foot and than run for my life away from that mud!! I did just that and as I ran, I could smell and see the goo splashing all around me...and yes...I felt some splash on me as well....You can guess just how nice I looked there and then.....

Ok, as for the 2 dogs, after asking around, we found out that we actually did put them back into the correct house. But what were they doing loose on the road? With no one home, I left a note for owner to call me back which she did. Apparently, they let their dogs out like this quite often even when they're not home (?!!) but she didn't know they had learnt to cross the road...I reckon the local breed must have been crossing the street very often now, but the JRT is probably not that streetwise as yet judging from the situation we found her in. She was probably trying to follow the local breed but was confused by the cars coming towards her. Well, they will do that no longer now after this warning episode.

As for my Blunnies, even after a long hard scrub, they are gonna smell raw and green for a few days I guess. But hey, these Blunnies bring me everywhere and it had all been good fun! I do like my little adventures. Next one please!

Other than little Jamie today,

we decided to bring Xiao Bai back to the vet too.

When I got to his farm, we couldn't locate him for awhile. Where was he snoozing? After a while, we found him resting beneath a structure, looking very lethargic as well. Just as I was wondering just how bad is his cough and what it sounds like, Xiao Bai broke into a dry, hacking episode of cough - a gagging kind of dry hacking cough that makes me feel the discomfort he must have gone thru for the past few weeks.


On the way to the vet, he's not too keen you can tell.


A common kennel cough would have cleared up within 2 weeks or less. Canine bronchitis may take longer.


Canine Bronchitis:

"Short cough spells, which sound like a rattle and don't really impress the animal much are not a matter of worry. They actually help clear the throat from any bothersome phlegm, which, in general, the dogs do not spit out, but rather swallow. All this indicates that it is a light bronchitis and if your dog is still in a good mood, has a good appetite, and his body temperature does not go above 39 degrees Celsius."


The good thing is Xiao Bai's temperature is at a normal 38.2 degrees, he still has a normal appetite, has not lost weight, does not have a heart murmur.




Having his temperature taken.


He's started on his course of treatment which basically offer relief and prevent further infections while awaiting the cough to clear on its own.

Incidentally, Xiao Bai never had cough before in the years on the farm but was hit by this coughing episode soon after he was caught and impounded. He could possible have been infected by another dog while he was caught and impounded in the pound. This is my personal suspicion.

Xiao Bai's treatment costs $65. Any amount of support will be appreciated. Pls email projectjkteam@yahoo.com.sg




* For those who are new to Project JK, we are just 2 volunteers (and recently a 3rd friend who helps us when she can) who do what we can, one animal at a time. We do not have excess in our funds. In fact, we already have overdrawn on the donations we have received from kind donors for each case we handle and appeal for.

We have managed fine so far, covering for the medical expenses at each case as we go along. The outstanding amount we have now is $450 for Guppy who was treated for heartworm, but unfortunately his condition was too chronic for recovery.

This is the only amount outstanding which I had not appealed for, as his case made me feel, at that moment, and I am being blatantly honest now - that we have 'wasted' money on him. I was really hoping for his recovery, I had thought the treatment would work, but when we did a post-mortem and I saw with my own eyes the number of worms he has in his heart, I knew it was too late for him.




Guppy's heart infested with heartworms.

That was more than a month ago and I couldn't make myself write an appeal for Guppy who died. But I realised I had indirectly put it across to people that we had wasted our time and efforts and money on Guppy, when in fact, we had chosen to give him a chance. Chosen to go ahead with treatment so that possibly he could be running along with his brother right now. A chance that he could be alive now.

The sad fact that Guppy didn't make it doesn't make our decision any less right. We should not withhold treatment when there is a chance, should we? Or does anyone think that we should calculate the costs because Guppy is a stray? What if Guppy is a home pet? Doesn't that make a decision more clear-cut? Being a stray sometimes comes with a less than privileged or even reasonable course of thought and decision.

So I do not feel 'bad' anymore about asking for your donation on behalf of Guppy. Yes, he has passed away now. But he had been given a chance at life. And we hope that those of you who understand this will support us by seeing his medical treatment fully accounted for.

In all, we are raising $635 for Guppy ($450), Xiao Bai ($65) and Jamie ($120).

With that, we will have more courage to make the right decisions in future. Right decisions that will not be hampered by a concern of finances.



Thank you.

Ok, let me get back to what

happened this morning.

Was on my way to vet attachment when I made a quick phone call to Xiao Bai's owner cos V told me few days ago that a JRT there was not well at all. I called to see if the uncle was already at the farm and good thing he was. So off I go to meet V first to bring the JRT to the vet. I thought it would be good to bring Xiao Bai for a check up too as he had been coughing for the past weeks with no obvious signs of improvement after a course of antibiotics and cough syrup.

When we got there, I gathered more info from uncle. The JRT apparently still has good appetite but other than meal times, he will be very lethargic and inactive most of the time. He has also lost weight in the past week.

On first check, his rib cage is showing and his gums are very pale. He also has a listless look about him, lying down silently on the seat all the way to the vet.




At the vet, it was confirmed he's suffering from anaemia (reduced number of red blood cells or haemoglobin) shown from his very pale gums, which is a result of some disease process. He also has a deep bacteria wound on his front paw which he has been licking, further aggravating it. Further to this, he has a suspicious lump in his stomach which could be a tumour.

The main causes of blood loss in dogs leading to anaemia include:

- Trauma or injury that severs blood vessels or internal organs
- Parasites such as fleas, ticks, and hookworms
- Tumors of the intestinal tract, kidneys, and urinary bladder
- Diseases that prevent proper clotting of blood

To rule out worms, we dewormed him today. And did a heartworm test which was negative. Treatment include antibiotics and iron supplements to combat the anaemia plus antibiotic cream and powder for his wound. An ultrasound will determine what that lump is and if an operation is needed to remove it. That will cost a lot. For now, we will carry out this course of treatment and monitor little Jamie for the next 20 days. If his condition does not improve, we will decide on the operation.

We also took his temperature to rule out fever. His temperature was a normal 38 degrees celsius. Incidentally, I was running a fever just yesterday, temperature of 38.4 degrees. My body was weary and listless and though I could feel my body heating up internally, my hands and feet were cold. That was one of the very rare ocassions I felt unwell. But I also knew I would recover in a flash. Which I did. After a cool bath and early rest, I woke up this morning all fine and well and back in action.

My episode got me thinking about fever. Have you ever wondered WHY you run a fever? And HOW it happens? As in, how does your body temperature rise? Is there an internal heater that runs when the body is unwell?

SOME INFO ON HUMAN FEVER:

"Fever is a rise in our body's normal temperature, which, on average, is 36.6 to 37.2 degrees. Fever is part of our body's defense mechanism. When our bodies are fighting infections, our body temperature rises. But why? Fever is a symptom of an infection. Fever is a symptom of almost every disease known to man. Illnesses caused by viruses and bacteria invade our bodies and make us sick. Without our immune system to fight off these infections, we could die. Colds, tonsillitis, otitis media, the flu, bronchitis, tetanus, measles, mumps, chicken pox, AIDS, pneumonia are all examples of bacterial and viral infections.

Fever is a good thing. Does that sound like an odd statement? Fever is our body's natural response to fighting germs. Symptoms of a fever include: chills, aching everywhere, listlessness, elevated body temperature on the thermometer, red cheeks, and feeling hot or cold, shaking. The body basically shivers and has chills when the fever is rising, especially rapidly and sweats when the fever is dropping, or breaking, as some say.

The cause of the fever is quite an intricate process. Our blood and lymphatic systems produce white blood cells which are what fight off infection. As our white blood cells increase in number, like an army to fight the germs, they go faster and faster attacking the germs, this causes our bodies to heat up, thus causing the fever or rise in body temperature. The hypothalamus in the brain, which is the body's heat regulating mechanism is affected by the pyrogens, or the white blood cells that are produced to fight the infection. So, in effect, we can say that the fever is what is fighting the infection. That is why it is not good to try to bring down a fever too much or too fast. A temperature of 37.7 to 38.3 degrees celsius is good for the body because it shows that the body is fighting the infection. However, if a fever goes too high, measures must be taken to bring the fever down a bit. "

Normal dog temperature is 38 to 39.2 degrees celsius.

It got me thinking too that whatever we go through as humans, be it fever, flu, cough, skin problems like eczema, rashes, pregnancy etc...we understand it so much better when our animals go through the same issues. I also had a thought that women are in a privileged position as we have the chance to experience pregnancy and birth, and through that experience, understand personally the miracle of conception and birth in the animal kingdom. It brings us that much closer to the mothers of our world.


Jamie having his blood tested for heartworms.


With an E-collar to prevent him from licking his paw wound.


His treatment costs $120. We will appreciate your support. Please email projectjkteam@yahoo.com.sg for donation towards little Jamie. Thank you.

Meanwhile, if there is someone who can offer a good home to Jamie, pls contact us as I think he will be better off in a home environment. His current place is not exactly of good conditions and it could have been the cause of his ill health. Jamie is a very friendly fellow about 3-4 years old we guess. He was given to the farm by someone. A good home environment will be best for him.

But that still doesn't explain my totally muddied blunnies and jeans...

This is what my blunnies

and jeans look like after an unexpected adventure today, following after 2 dogs who were almost knocked down by cars as they dash across a busy street. And this is after I had cleaned up as well as I can. Will share more later.

Amazingly, we are into

the month of August. Yes again, the year has whizzed by silently. I hope all of you have been having good days and better days to come! We have been silent for many days now. The reason? Just one word, and an insignificant one in fact if you give it some thought - 'busy'.

What are we busy with day after day after day? How many little accomplishments did you manage yesterday? But then again, how many souls have you touched? How many ticks have you gto on your to-do list, yet how many joyful meetings have you made time for in the last week? Have you said no to your family, your kid, your pal cos you have another little battle to win in office?

I have to remind myself not to let the little time-stealers of each day cloud my big picture. Not to tire myself out with deeds, no matter how useful they are, but find myself completely drained at the end of the day, with no energy for the more important issues in life. Issues that have further and deeper implications than the immediate help that is met today.

Very soon, my counterpart will be off overseas for his study attachment and for a few months we will feel his absence in the scene. And soon after, for those who already know, I am off to pursue my lifelong ambition to be a vet. When all plans are laid out well and fine, I should be off very early next year. And this adventure will bring me 5 years away from home. Do keep a little prayer for me as I submit my applications and await good news for a placing in a vet school, after which my application for scholarship/sponsorship will follow.


This is what I mean by saying 'no' to some requests today so that I can say many many times 'yes' when I am fully qualified. When I am fully equipped to help in the very areas my heart calls me to.

Right now, there is little I can do other than to coordinate treatments for our animals in need and raising funds for their medical expenses. We are still very dependent and at times hampered by our lack of resources, both medical capability and financial backing.

We have stretched ourselves a bit too tight at times, finding ourselves weary and frustrated and wanting to shut my eyes and ears to the needs out there. At least maybe me sometimes. But give us some respite, some rest and we find ourselves back again. You never wander far from your calling I guess.

And just now, I found myself so very tempted to get myself this little black and white teddy hamster just so I have this little wondrous creature snoozing on my desk while I work. :) While, he is still available...who knows? He may just be here right beside me in a few days time, if my mind is still set on him.

For now, just reliving our episodes of past and the dogs who will be in our lives still for many many years to come.

Thank you to all for all your support along our way. Wouldn't have made anything come thru without you.

I am deliberating in posting this,

giving it thought and then giving it some more thought, because a part of me feels 'bad' about asking for donations when along the way, we sometimes see how futile our efforts are in combating the issue of strays and the dangers/diseases they face.

It seems that too much money is spent on our strays who may succumbed to the diseases that plaqued them, or caught and culled even after we spent time and efforts and public donations to have them sterilised.

I am still deliberating on this appeal.

Posting on behalf

of a concerned member seeking to rehome this boy:

"I came across this male dog (local breed) kept behind a car workshop and has been observing it for a few months. It was chained to a small cage that was previously used to house chickens (before the SARS breakout). The cage has come to be the dog's shelter. The chain is long and thus does allow the dog free movement for about approx. 2m around the cage.

The situation may come across as a case of animal cruelty, however having spoken with the man working at the workshop, the dog was abandoned by its previous owner (who happens to know the people at the workshop). The man provides water and food for him, and about once a week, an old man will give the dog a bath. According to them, the dog has been staying there for at least 2 years. The reason for the chain-up was to prevent the dog from running after moving vehicle.

However I find the living condition of the dog unacceptable. The cage is definitely too small to protect him from heavy downpours (especially during this season) and the blazing sun, save for the small tree behind the cage. On Sundays, the workshop is closed and the dog does not get food and a change of water.

I have interacted with the dog and he is very friendly and knows commands such as Sit & Paw. I was told rehoming chance is very low for such local breed. I am unable to bring him home as I live in a HDB. "

"I have a piece of good news to share. The dog got a new dog house! It is definitely bigger and can shelter him better from the rain and sun. But ultimately, I would like to find him a home. He is a good boy who deserve a better environment with people who love him.I have taken a few shots of him. Handsome fellow. He is estimated to be around 2yrs of age. Has not been sterilised yet. He is very energetic and he can be brought along for a jog too."

Gender: Male
Breed: Local with brown and black marking. Fully grown.
Age: Estimate to be around 2 yrs of age
Sterilised: No

Interested adopters, please contact 9737 5214 or email joanneclm@yahoo.com

Animals in Recovery

Another round of visit to our animals who have unwittingly criss-crossed into the paths of humans, and found themselves inflicted with pain. Lives endangered, but are now in good healing.

Brandy - Many months ago, Brandy was found listlessly wandering with the flesh on her back exposed, after burning liquid splashed her. Her skin is back but needs to be 'populated' with hair like every cat else. All these wouldn't have been possible without Y's generous donation -- Thank You!!

Mama Girl (or Goldie) - Wounds a little sore, lost some weight. Mama Girl is the sweetest; to have been dragged along the ground by a lorry and gone through the series of tests, treatment and trauma... Mama Girl is back in the farm and reclaimed her position as the matron of the pack, among the many young dogs under her protective wing. Thanks for the encouragement and donation of many.

Xiao Bai - When we met Xiao Bai, he was wakened up by the farmer, bursting into a series of coughs. Here, we have a farmer who is willing to take care of him, people we meet along the way who render us with the cooperation which make our 'sterilisation and management' efforts work.

projectjkteam@yahoo.com.sg

Back to the reality

of the strays. Saturday, we paid a long-awaited visit to the community/industrial dogs along the route that V feeds, medicates and manages. Back to the endless cycle of dogs that die and are borned, dogs that injure and recover... dogs who just want to stake a claim on earth for their existence.

In a tone that came from a semi-downtrodeen, semi-cheerful fighter, V commented that the 'fight' to keep the animals alive is endless. The problem repeats, the cycle is vicious, the damage is permanent and there can be no end to this, can there?

But in the midst of this bitterness, the woman finds pleasure in the dogs that prance in delight, play in glee, yelp crazily, tussle with one another jealously. She finds peace in the rural part of a city that eradicates humanity from its social fabric, she finds peace in what she does that does not give her a single cent.




Three puppies at a farm -- the friendliest of the lot among V's route. Under 6 months, one female and two males, and are ready for early-age neutering.


You can tell from her teats, that this mummy dog has given birth, and we don't know where her puppies are. Mummy dog suffers from mange - another killer to all caregivers who ply the unhygienic, forgotten parts of the city.



Our dogs arriving at the sight of V's car and the honk of her horn. Scruffy, in the foreground, always so jolly, despite her repeated pregnancies, the July rain and men who greet them with wires and cages, ready to cull them.



Rottweiler Mama -- Was recently found chained with a heavy metal chain used for construction equipment. V removed the unnecessary shackle and we had to convince the farm owner that chaining is unnecessary, let alone using a metal chain that will burrow a scar around her neck.



One of hernia girl's surviving son. After his mum was supposedly captured and culled, this dog keeps his distance from all humans, but awaits V for his daily nourishment of bread, kibble and meat.



To our horror, this puppy scampered towards us with a face that looked scalded and almost disfigured. V will keep track of his wound. Hopefully, it'll heal naturally and defend itself again infection.






I write this post with a heavy heart, for the problem seems endless. There is just so much we can do with our limited funds and manpower. The only thing that drives our work is the passion, and realisation that things could be better, for sure.

The dogs need our help and their lives, our humane intervention in an environment so harsh and sanitized.

projectjkteam@yahoo.com.sg

In pursuing your dreams in life -

Believe the unbelievable
Receive the inconceivable
See beyond your wildest imagination
Come with great expectations!

So wake the hope that slumbers in your soul. Stir the fire inside and make it glow. The dream you have in your heart now, believe, it will come true.

Girl is much better now

From JT who visited Girl yesterday:

"Thanks so much all for your support and prayers for Girl. JL- thanks again, bless u! I know for sure people have been praying for her, coz she is up on her feet again, but moves about a little unsure and still quite slowly. I took her out of the clinic just now for some sunshine.You should see Girl's face, just standing there by the side, soaking up the sounds of vehicles around her, the smell of the clay from the construction site nearby, and the warm breeze and sunshine.

She actually gave a big yawn as well! :) We walked to the grass patch and she let out a really long pee and 2 big poo poo too! Sorry I'm being so descriptive, but I'm so happy she has finally managed to poo! The vet assistant said she hasn't when I came in. I bought her some chicken and her appetite seemed excellent today! Either that or the chicken smelt really good! Her wounds are drying up slowly.. I stayed with her for about 30 more minutes, and when i was about to go, she wanted to follow too...sigh...She is really a very good girl...didn't bark, just looked back with those doe eyes...."

I reckon it is combination of factors - pain, discomfort, foreign place and people and animals - they all add onto the shock Girl experienced when the vehicle ran over her hinds, and usually when animals (and humans too) are unwell, they just want to rest the body, assimmilation of food reduces and energy levels subside to conserve for healing.

As for not peeing and pooing, we have learnt from encounters that animals used to living in wide open spaces, out in nature, tend to restrain their bowel movements in foreign indoor environments. You would notice that too even for your dogs when they go for their grooming sessions - when they come home, among the first things they do is let out a long .... pee.

Once the animal is back in his/her home ground, the familiarity of surroundings, sights and smells will do well to quicken the healing process. That I believe and I think Girl is well enough to go home soon. She must be looking forward to home. We will bring her back tomorrow.

Thank you JL once again for your very kind donation.

Halle the JRT

This adorable Jack Russell Terrier, Halle, is up for adoption as her current owner cannot have her any longer due to personal reasons. Halle is already sterilised and paper trained. About 6 years old. Pls call Janice 9743-5609 if you can welcome Halle into your home.

Just popped by

to see Girl at the clinic. She looks to be still in a daze, listless, expressionless. Lying on her side to relieve herself of the aching pain on her hind which were run over by the lorry.

She has been given antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medication. The good thing is that there are no broken bones. But the impact and weight of the vehicle surely has caused her a shocking experience and gave her a lot of soreness and pain in the tender areas.

After some coaxing, she was able to lift herself up to sit on her rump, to show us her underside that was dragged against the coarse tarmac, now all sore and red.

She has not eaten since yesterday. She needs to be hospitalised and monitored to make sure she eats something, and more importantly that there is no internal damage to her organs, and she is able to eliminate on her own, before we bring her back to her farm.

We estimate her bills to be about $150. We will be grateful for your contributions. Pls email projectjkteam@yahoo.com.sg. Thank you.

Girl was run over

by a lorry yesterday.

She was resting at one of her usual spots beneath a lorry and somehow, this time round, the driver did not check if any dogs were beneath his vehicle and Girl also somehow did not move off at the sound of engine starting.

The wheels ran over the lower part of her body, bruising her hind legs and groin area. On first check, there doesn't appear to be any broken bones but she was visibly in unease and not eating last evening.

She is now at the clinic for examination if her internal organs were injured by the impact. I'll update more later.


Girl has her very own story to tell. We don't know how she ended up in a nature reserve, and thereafter she was taken home by one of the staff who didn't know that she was pregnant. She gave birth in the bathroom one fine morning, to the surprise of the family, who due to circumstances, had to give her away to a farm owner, and that is where she is happily staying with her kids.

That is, only if people will leave them alone and be gracious and open-hearted enough to give them that little space on this vast earth that we share.

We are not the sole occupants on earth. And if we jump at the slightest complaint - without verifying the issue or even attempting to mediate between the parties involved - and leap straight to the convenient conclusion of 'get rid of the dogs', what kind of message are we sending off to the public? It is akin to a family who has 'outgrown' their family pet and for reasons of convenience decides to put the animal to sleep. What sort of message are you sending to your children? Where is the strength and beauty of a responsible character? Where is the graciousness and respect we preach but don't practise ourselves at crunch time?

* Girl's farm is the latest target by the authorities. They apparently received a complaint from a worker at a nearby farm and promptly dispatched a team of 4 dogcatchers to catch Girl and her family there.

Fortunately, one of the farm workers on Girl's farm was present and firmly told the dogcatchers that Girl and her family are ALL STERILISED. By PUBLIC FUNDS. Kind donations from YOU and fellow supporters in this cause.

And 3 of the dogs are already AVA licenced. (there is a cap of 3 licences for each private property, to get more licences, we need to specially request and the 4th licence onwards will cost more.)

We then contacted the authorities to find out exactly what was the complaint that prompted them to go catch the dogs? They couldn't reveal due to issues of confidentiality.

We also queried if they had attempted to verify if the complaint is valid? Fair? Why is there no attempt to inform us since they know we're taking care of that area and have already sterilised and licenced the dogs there?? Why is there no attempt of mediation of any sort and the team is just sent to catch the dogs?

If the farm worker is not present, I wonder how many of Girl's dogs they would have caught and how much we would have to pay to bail each one out.

* Thanks to all who have commented n encouraged us n offered your advice. Yes, we understand there is a limit to talking, discussing, attempting to cooperate at ground level with the authorities cos it appears there are protocols to be followed, and at times, a practice of some semblance of compassion amidst confessions that hands are tied in ways I'm not fully clear of. We have been planning and will bring current issues up to a higher level of authority.

Girl - found in a nature reserve.


Moved to a farm.


On her way to be sterilised (last year). She's beautiful, isn't she?

Depending on the severity of her injuries, Girl may need to be hospitalised tonight. We seek your support in her medical needs. Pls email projectjkteam@yahoo.com.sg. Every little bit counts. Thank you.

Carmen

Posting on behalf of Action for Singapore Dogs:


Hi people

FYI, one of our worst cases this year, rescued from a deep drain in Toh Guan. Severe malnutrition, all skin and bones with severe mange over 90% of body. Mange condition is at least 6 mths to 1 yr indicating no treatment sought. Spirit broken, no life in eyes. Most probably abandoned in the deep drain, rather than fell in, as drain was deep and she had not leg injuries. Supposedly in canal for over amonth, but no one bothered to call until now. Now in Punggol recuperating.

ASD
____________________________

Imagine the bewilderment of this abandoned boxer the very moment she was dumped by the family she trusted. And the fear that hit her when darkness fell and she waited in vain for familiar faces to bring her home. The very people who probably paid money to buy her when she was an adorable pup, had probaby found her an inconvenience when lack of good care resulted in illness or less than desirable condition, and instead of resolving the issue, probably found it easier to adopt the 'out of sight-out of mind' mentality, shutting their eyes and heart, treating her as a non-entity, which is the only way a person can reach the point where he abandons his pet.



You can always tell a lot from the eyes. The deep pools of truth that reflect joy or sorrow. These eyes have given up hope after nights of lonely darkness and hunger. They still carry an unbelief even now that she has been rescued. But I am sure in a short period of genuine care, she will regain her faith in our human kind. That's the kind of forgiveness dogs are so capable of.

When you truly forgive, you forget. And never bring it up again.

Let us learn from that.


Do contact ASD to offer your assistance of any kind.

Today we passed by

Ah Boy's place and I saw his owner clearing up the food that the workers there usually 'ta bao' (pack) for Ah Boy and his girl companion.

His owner told me when I last popped by to speak with him, that a few of the staff at that area will pack dinner for the 2 dogs, pretty good stuff fit for humans.

As with everywhere else, there are some people who likes them but also some who just tolerate their presence.

Ah Boy is a sweet fellow, pretty laid back and easy, at least the few times that I saw him. His owner told me more about him when I visited one night - stories of a simple loyalty seen more in animals than the human race that warms the heart.

On certain days, when Ah Boy's owner has finished his night security shift in the early morning, you can see Ah Boy choosing to follow his owner back home, faithfully trotting behind the bicycle as his owner weaves through the distance home, which is not that far. Once there, Ah Boy chooses to wait outside the home, knowingly expecting the time when his owner will hop onto the bike again for him to faithfully trot behind, back to the working place. It's like a little game to him, or maybe he is silently assuring his owner, who's quite into his years, that he is with him. A silent way of showing his gratitude for taking him in as a pup.

Not many owners have this kind of relationship with their pets.

As for today,what I saw was another simple and heartwarming scene in life. Ah Boy and his girl companion, side by side, lounging on the early morning cool grass, doing nothing but quietly watching the traffic go by. Body touching body. Mind at ease. All defences down.

Just like 2 good buddies, watching the world go by.

Such is the simplicity of life that makes me smile.

"Whatever you focus on,

shall manifest."

Doesn't that mean we should always focus on the Good?

More than a month ago,

E emailed us informing of a beagle she has seen who seemed to be chained up all the time. Each time she passes by that household, the beagle is chained to a short chain, attached at an angle to the wall of the porch. The angle is at quite a height, which provides the beagle with lesser leeway to move about in a distance.

For the nature of a dog as a beagle, it must have been distressing to be restricted for the whole day, when you have so abounding energy to share with your human companions and so much scents to sniff out and wondrous stuff to discover just steps beyond that metal gate that never seems to open for a walk for you.

You can't even walk a metre without the chain pulling on your neck.

Such is the life of the beagle seen by E each time she passes by, and she emailed us for help to check on that dog.

Much as I wish to make a quick trip over, I was so tied up with other cases i just couldn't handle this myself, thus informed SPCA and they promptly responded with a home visit. The inspector advised the family on better care for their dog, eg, sharing on the importance of walking their dog regularly, avoid chaining for long periods of time, lowering the height at which the chain is attached so that the beagle is able to walk about a slightly bigger area.

During the visit, the inspector was informed that one of the reason for chaining up the beagle is cos he is aggressive. At that moment, I thought, hey...aggression, if any, could be a RESULT of prolonged chaining rather than the REASON. Any animal, chained up and isolated for long periods will be behaviourally altered in some ways.

After a week, SPCA visited again and the chain was still not lowered. The family explained that it was cos the family was handling some issues and had no time to look into this and promised to do so soon.

It seemed that there is nothing much to be done about this chained up beagle, cos as shared in my earlier post, there are NO regulations in Singapore about chaining up your dog 24/7 so long as the dog has food, water, shelter and the chain is not visibly too tight or too short. A dog can spend his entire 15 years chained up or caged up, and there is nothing the law can nor will do to charge the family for animal neglect/abuse. This is accepted in our country at this moment.

So, after quite some time and having the beagle on my mind all this while, and giving assurance to E that we will make sure we do what we can to better the life of this beagle, having engaged SPCA for assistance, I was visited by nagging thots that I am not doing all that I can -- so we sent out a post for volunteer dog walkers around that area, for which we have a volunteer K who came forward, being herself a beagle owner.

And today, with a last minute change of plan, I could make some time to pop by the beagle's home with JT to take our very own look at the situation.

Before we went there, I was getting myself prepared for an aggressive dog, and thinking ahead of ways to resocialise this fellow before the volunteer walker comes to take him out regularly to offer him the freedom he so desires.

The dog who greeted us the minute we stepped into the home has no shred of aggression in his bones!! He is just a simple, happy, jolly, so welcoming boy that my heart was immediately filled with great relief and also that familiar slight anger at his humans for depriving him of a fuller life.

In short, we took him out for a good long walk. He was putting his sniffer nose into everything he could, ocassionally we broke into a short sprint for him to run off his energy, then we rested at the bus-stop for awhile before bringing him back home.

Always a delight to see an animal enjoying freedom in nature. Regardless of what circumstances we are born into, FREEDOM is the gift each and every one of us has. FREEDOM should never be robbed from us.

The family was friendly to us though and open to advice. It is the usual case of working adults who do not have time for the family pet, though they did explain that they try as much as they can to walk him at nights, and sometimes bring him to the nearby petshop to play with his friends.

We will be arranging with K to meet up with the family to see how she can plan to bring BB the beagle out a few times a week for his much anticipated walks, partly to relieve the family if time is truly the reason, and more so to just give back to BB the joy of freedom that will bring back more happy wags we're all so glad to see.

Thanks JT for helping out!rse case This family, I believe, does try to walk BB at

Yes! A much awaited walk for BB with JT.

Walking on......

....and on.........




Time out at the bus-stop before heading home.

There are many more worse cases like BB out there. This family, I believe, does try to walk BB at night after work, though it is highly suspected that BB's time off the leash is not as often as is desired.For the many chained up/caged up dogs out there, some could be just in your very neighbourhood, DO WATCH OUT FOR THEM. Do not just walk by that household day after day after day, knowing that the animal is wasting away on chains, imprisoned in cages, living a dying life moment by moment, and YOU SIMPLY WALK AWAY EVERY SINGLE DAY....YOU CAN MAKE A LIFE BETTER TODAY. YOU CAN. Just speak up. Let us know. Let SPCA know. Things CAN be better. YOU can make it better.

Pet Shop Gradings

For those who are unaware, the authorities have done a good job in grading the pet shops dotted across our island. However, more eyes are still needed to aid the authorities if anything is caught amiss at any time. Please do not hesitate to inform the authorities for further investigations if you spot unacceptable caging, compromised hygiene standards, or animals who look sickly and depressed.

Do not be a passive spectator! Each of us can be responsible for the petshops around our areas. And together, we will be helping to uplift our standards of pet ownership. ACT when you need to.

Current Grades for petshops:
http://www.ava.gov.sg/NR/rdonlyres/06750190-5386-4241-A289-B7F5ABB61D4E/17190/gradesofpetshopsJune2007.pdf

Grading details:
http://www.ava.gov.sg/NR/rdonlyres/06750190-5386-4241-A289-B7F5ABB61D4E/13630/petshopgradingpublicinfo.pdf

Culling can only take place

and continue to take place, when the one who culls, does not know the one being culled.

For once you know, killing will never be the first option.

Not in a society where money and resources are not the issue. It is the DISTRIBUTION of money and resources that creates an illusion of an issue.

What do you think then is the real reason for our authorities in not planning for nor supporting in a Catch-Neuter-Release program?

Dog Walkers needed

If you are willing to spare a few hours of your time each week to help walk a dog, pls email us at projectjkteam@yahoo.com.sg

We are building up a team of voluntary dog walkers who are able and confident of handling dogs of all sizes and characters, to offer a little measure of relief to dogs who have been seen perpetually chained or caged up in their homes.

We have worked with SPCA and AVA to investigate on cases of chained up/catched up dogs. Unfortunately, again, we do not have a set of regulations that look out for dogs in such conditions. The authorities do not have regulations on a dog being chained up 24 hours s day, so long as their 'basic needs are met' - basic needs herein refering to food, water, shelter.

With these 3 basic needs, a living being can survive, yes. But he/she might as well have died. Imagine a living being, born with the robustness and joy in life, eager to face the world and its adventures, but alas, totally imprisoned with nothing he/she can do to get free. And day after day, his life is in chains. Till the day he gives up his life and experiences for the first time, the sweet taste of freedom.

No one should live a life in chains. Let us not endure that.

A family cannot be charged even if they chained/cage their dog/pet up 24 hours a day, so long as the animal is feed and sheltered and in 'reasonably accepted conditions'. Because the authorities have not set any regulations, welfare societies like SPCA cannot do anything beyond visiting the family, educating them, giving them stern warnings if advice is not taken, showing them ways to improve the life of the animal. But beyond that, nothing much can be done. And no one can be watching this family round the clock to ensure they are making improvements.

While we wait for some positive changes to the legal side of this issue, we plan to speak with the families in question and offer to walk their dogs at a token donation towards stray work. This cannot be done for free else services like this from a kind heart will be taken for granted.

For now, if you live around Serangoon Garden area, please contact us if you can afford a couple of hours in a week to bring some joy to a chained up beagle. If you stay around Hougang area, pls contact us also as we have a dog owner who just had an operation and needs some help with her 2 huskies for the next 4 weeks till she recovers.

One of the most dreaded issues

in pet adoption is when you encounter strange and unreliable characters, whose intentions you do not comprehend.

We have been informed that one owner experienced this unfortunately with her Bull Terrier, Xander.

Xander was treated for chronic skin problems and a bout of benign growths some months back. When he was discharged from the vet, he had a clean bill of health.

Xander is all about loyalty. He may look cool and intimidating but his steadfastness to his owner is all warm and toasty. And it is after much consideration that the owner decided to find Xander a new home as she is unable to care for him anymore due to personal reasons.

Eventually, a young man was introduced who expressed interest in Xander, and after some sessions, Xander was adopted by him. However, a series of unfortunate and frustrating incidents followed where this man failed to show his sincerity for the welfare of Xander: (1) he lied about bringing Xander to the vet when his skin condition recurred, (2) he avoided all phone calls, (3) the address he gave was fake.

The owner has met up with this man a couple of times below his flat near Holland Village, old blocks near the cemetery (Block 12 cluster). However, when they next went to look for him at his unit, they realise the address is fake. Thereafter they have posted posters looking for Xander around the neighbourhood and also enlisted help from animal welfare authorities, but no progress.

The owner is concerned about the implications of getting the police/media involved as this man could possibly discard the dog and feigned ignorance.

We know you may have a lot of questions like how could this have happened, and how it could have been prevented. But for now, let's stay focused on the issue on hand and try to locate Xander. That's most important.

* Please inform your contacts around Holland Village area to look out for a Bull Terrier like Xander, handled by a young man of about 30 years. And inform 8157-8648 immediately if you have any news.

Thank you.