No more Porky

Sarah Pei Pei she shall now be. :)


Getting close


Car ride to vet


Awaiting check-up. Sniff-sniffs.

Rusty choke chain, now removed.

Sarah Pei Pei now awaits her hope of a new family. Someone who preferably knows the temperament of Shar Peis and is confident, patient and understanding of the non-life Sarah Pei Pei has been through for the past few years.

Email us at projectjkteam@yahoo.com.sg. Thank you.

Drivers and volunteers

In need of a few (reliable) volunteers to help in animal welfare work...

This season, a number of tasks have crossed my mind that require, yes, more help. Essentially manual support. Some from other caregivers who have asked us to appeal for helpers, as well.

* Driver (passed with local license) to drive vehicle while caregivers place food strategically to feed community cats
* Volunteers to help pick poo, bathe dogs, remove weeds, tidy up areas at non-profit animal shelters. Courage to interface with hordes of large breed dogs and willingness roll up your sleeves to do groundwork
* Cat feeders to help senior caregivers in feeding once a week. About one hour per feeding route

Do email us at projectjkteam@yahoo.com.sg. Specifics of tasks will be conveyed in terms of location, duration, workload and so on, to tailor to caregivers' individual needs. Of course, as with almost all animal welfare work, this is completely voluntary.

Just sounding out to garner as much help as we can at this point to support the network of animal welfare groups and caregivers in Singapore. Thank you.

The first time we met this Shar Pei,

we could not go close enough to touch her, cos within metres, she would be growling deep-throatedly at us. At anyone who walked down the lane leading to her living spot.



(If you find her living condition unacceptable, remember the many home pets who are also living in situations none better then this, in chains and improper shelter, some who are fortunate to have been spotted and rescued/have their living conditions improved. And the many puppy farms out there right now, with living conditions far worse. With breeding dogs hardly let out of cramped cages, sun-less enclosures, poor food, no socialising, no vet care when needed. Dumped/put to sleep/left to die when they outlive their breeding ability. Puppies born who do not conform to pedigree standards are also immediately destroyed.

The message is: ADOPT.

REDUCE buying from pet shops (locally bred and imported dogs) and DO NOT buy from breeding farms. Many of the dogs from pet shops come from the farms anyway. You just don't see the living conditions of the puppies' parents.)



The closest we ventured to her was within a metre. Just squatting down to be close to her, letting her sniff us out. But still, with her unceasing deep growling and raised hair on her back, and the farm owner's warning that she is quite fierce towards strangers, we chose not to touch her. (The Shar Pei's temperament is stated as being very strong-willed, stubborn and territorial)

Today, we visited her again with plans to bring her to the vet for a health check first while we ascertain her temperament for rehoming. Her name is Porky. (not very flattering ...)

As we turned into her lane, metres away, her strong barking started. As we moved within 1 metre from her and squatted down, her deep growls started. And it went on for a good few minutes while we tried to assure her of our good intentions.

(From a Shar Pei website: Aggression toward strangers - Many Shar Peis have protective instincts toward strangers. They need extensive exposure to friendly people so they learn to recognize the normal behaviors of "good guys." Then they can recognize the difference when someone acts abnormally. Without careful socialization, they may be suspicious of everyone, which can lead to biting.)

Nothing helped till we brought some chicken meat and started feeding her bits. Bit by bit, nearer and nearer. And finally after a few minutes, she relaxed enough to eat from my hand. Surprisingly, she was a gentle eater. Unlike some dogs who may unintentionally chomp down on your fingers as you hold out food for them. Not her. She comes close tentatively. Gently. And I would feel her rough drooping muzzle folds rubbing against my hands before she lightly takes the meat from me. (Shar-Pei translated in mandarin means 'sand skin', thus the roughness)

Then, finally ... after some minutes ... a gentle wag of her curled-up tail! And she allowed us to stroke and pat her head and back. Once that fear barrier was broken, you can see that Porky's true nature is good. Friendly. Her seeming aggression is socially learnt from lack of human contact for 4 years.

So off we go, leading her out. Once out, she had her nose perpetually glued to the ground. Sniffing at all the new things beyond her little lane of a world -- every nook, every corner, grass, flowers, boxes, pails of water. We gave her some time to enjoy the new smells before carrying her into the car. First car-ride after 4 years.

She was good in the car, sitting up and absorbing every scene, snorting now and then from a runny nose. And we know her innate nature is sweet when after a while, she turned towards me and initiated doggy kisses.

Diagnosis at the vet: dry flaky skin, slight fever, flu, ears full of wax but not badly infected. Heartworm negative. Good weight. She hated the ear-clean and showed it clearly by pulling us away from the clinic once we got out. I experienced the strong-will of a Shar Pei then. When we alighted back at the farm, she walked around a bit and then u-turned and tried to jump back up the driver's seat....she would have liked to go with us, I guessed.

The farm owner has been advised to improve the living area for now, while we find a good home for her. We're assured she is let off leash every evening for her run around the half-side of the farm. Medication given. We will monitor her situation.

* Given the unique Shar Pei character:

"Temperament:
The Shar Pei is often suspicious of strangers, which pertains to their origin as a guard dog. In general the breed has proved itself to be a loving, devoted family dog. The Shar Pei are also very independent and reserved breeds. Nevertheless, the Shar Pei is extremely devoted, loyal and affectionate to its family, and is amenable to accepting strangers given time and proper introduction at a young age. If poorly socialized or trained, it can become especially territorial and aggressive. Even friendly and well-socialized individuals will retain the breed's watch dog proclivities (such as barking at strangers). It is a largely silent breed, barking only when playing or when worried. The Shar Pei was originally bred as palace guards in China. While this breed is adorable it is also very protective of its home and family, a powerful dog that is willing to guard its family members. The breed is amenable to training, but can get bored from repetition. Overall, the Shar Pei is a dog that is loyal and loving to its family while being very protective & independent. (Wiki)"

We would prefer a family who is familiar with the breed. Someone confident and firm with a breed who can be strong-willed and stubborn at times.

Having spent a day in close contact with Porky, we have witnessed her strong-will and also her sweet nature. Her take to us and her doggy kisses assured us that all she needs is someone who will be patient with her from the start. No rushing her. Giving her time to be relaxed and be secure in your presence. In her own time. Forgive her stubbornness in her walks as she is making up for all the lost years of nature sniffings.

Email us at projectjk@gmail.com if you are or you know someone who is right for Porky. We do appreciate your contribution towards her medical fees and her upcoming sterilisation fee too. Thank you.

(Will share more photos of today's outing with Porky soon. Do email us a better name for her, if you've one in mind!)

We have plans to rehome a Shar Pei

as her current living conditions are not desirable.

She's estimated to be about 4 years old. Not totally sure about her temperament yet as our time with her has been limited. She's yet another pedigree taken in when she was probably an adorable pup. And later on, whether it was planned from the start or just a scenario that developed from lack of time, sustained care and interest -- she is now nothing more than a chained up animal.

She looks quite well and of an acceptable weight. We guess she spend her entire day chained up to the long noose. Her 'home' is a makeshift zinc shelter that doesn't seem to be able to keep her dry in heavy rain, nor cool in scorching noonday sun. Her company is none but passing vehicles and flying birds. And the man who comes maybe once or twice a day to give her food that keeps her body alive. Her soul? Long dead, we believe.

We were told she is released every evening for free runs along an area. How true is that, we cannot ascertain.

It is frustrating that current regulations do not penalise against dogs in chains. So long as certain criteria are met - like food, water, shelter.

What kind of life is it - if you live every minute of it in chains?

Where your little world ceases at that tug around your neck. And a fight to break free just results in a painful restrain about your throat. You circle round and round and round, with nowhere left to go ... you sink down on all fours and breathe a deep sigh of surrender.

It's sad. Very sad. Life in chains is no life at all.

So, help us keep an eye open for a potential family as we move ahead to rehome her. We'll share more after we see her again this weekend.

Balance is now back

at his temporary caregiver's home after a week of dedicated treatment at the vet. The bandage is off, his wound has closed and is drying up well. Amputation is definitely out of the picture now. Will update more on him later.

He's a young (about 9 months), healthy, very affectionate boy.

It'll be his most wonderful Christmas gift to go to his very own home. Help us ask around for a good family for Balance. Email us at projectjk@gmail.com. Thank you!

A learned man emailed me

"The economic and financial crises have hit everyone everywhere- reminding us how integrated we are with the citadels of capitalism and that we are inescapable inhabitants of the global village."

In simpler layman's terms with respect to animal welfare, we are seeing an increase in the number of owners giving up their pets -- what I gleaned from adoption channels, online portals and forwarded emails.
- Expats relocating to home countries
- The down-and-outs who can't afford to keep their pets anymore
- Families downgrading to smaller units
- Employees who have been laid off and would rather spend time getting their lives in order

Pets that come as the easier targets to be given up in such times. If there is, ever, a chain of priorities (in ascending order) residing in the remotest corner of one's imagination, it could be: dog-car-condo-kids

Maybe I'm just imagining things, but the sheer volume of dogs being put up for adoption, with these appeals accompanied by some form of deadline, is a gross reality to many.

It was Jordan's turn

to have a romp around the pool area. Being a bright, sunny noonday, he took to the pool almost immediately, after some prompting from us. Ben had his time out at the pool area too, just a short while to get him accustomed to the ther dogs who have already staked out their patches of territory.



Chilling out



Checking out new pals



All thanks to you, supporters of the animals, we have secured Guardians (sponsors for their monthly boarding fees) for Ben, Tiger, Tommy, Jordan, Jamie and Star. Such great news to shared! For now, we still have Jonah awaiting his Guardian - someone to give him that assurance of protection and provide for his stay while he and the rest await their very own permanent home.




Jonah

We also seek Guardians for Junior and Ginne. They still hold faith and loyalty for us humans, though heartlessly abandoned by their previous owners.

Email us at projectjk@gmail.com for Jonah, Junior and Ginne. Thank you.



Junior - blissful

Ginne

* As the weather turns cooler towards year end, we, warmed by your big hearts and genuine love for the needy animals - wish you a blessed Christmas ahead. May your days be filled with love, peace and joy -- the greatest gifts of all, which you yourself have given to the animals your heart has touched.

On behalf of all the animals we've been privileged to know - "THANK YOU so much for being with us this year. It will never be the same without you, as a part of our life."

Reminded again of the plight

of the moon bears in China and Vietnam on Animal Planet.

At this very moment, trapped within cages barely bigger than their body size. Some strapped over with ancient metal contraptions that weigh heavily on already suffering, malnourished bodies. Roughly made open wounds on their bellies. Stabbing of their gall bladders with unsterilised needles to daily drain off bile for misinformed human consumption.



Bondage (this bear was rescued but subsequently died from severe sickness)

Many go mentally insane. Down with liver cancer and septicemia. Many die a slow, agonising death.

Closer to home, ACRES does their part in "fostering respect and compassion for all animals" as they work to bring light to unnecessary animal suffering, both for companion animals and wildlife.

The visuals alone are often hard to handle. Imagine the realilty and plain truth - sight, sound, smell - of the bear farms should you walk into one.


Rescued

Freedom

"Bears that never had free access to water on the farms now gleefully plunged chubby bottoms into their cement water bowls, delighting in a sensation that would be so natural in the wild. Food in abundance, toys to play with and the sun on their fur."

I recall from another documentary a scene of a bear locked in captivity for years. After he was rescued and brought to the rehab centre, one morning he was let out of his den and into the adjourning open play area. I will always remember his face.....

He walked out tentatively. Unbelieving of the sight and scent of a morning day. He gazed around in wonder at the wonderful scenes of nature. Of sky, trees, sand, grass, fresh air. He looked utterly amazed. Lost in his own world.

After some moments, he sat down. And slowly lifted up his face to the morning sun. Eyes almost closed in bliss as he relished the sunlight bathing on his face - a face that has not known the warmth of the sun for years. Lips apart in a silent joy that freedom brings. Tears flowed down the faces of his rescuers as they watched him from outside his enclosure.

A face of such relief. Of such poignant quiet joy that breaks the heart, for the sad reality that we human beings have selfishly taken away from a living being, even the free gift of sunlight on a face.

So, as the commentator says - the fight for FREEDOM continues. It will.

http://www.animalsasia.org/
http://www.animalsasia.org/blog/

The Value in what we do

While others may see what we do a conflict to what they do, I see it as a means to one same end, i.e., population control of stray animals.

Culling serves to remove animals from a given location for a period of time. Relief on the faces of complainants that the 'naughty' dog is no longer in the area, hooray to the disappearance of dogs that poo outside my factory. But what most fail to realise is, culling is but a temporary measure.

When you remove a group of dogs from a location, it becomes void for some time, but do not forget that dogs can be nomadic animals with the ability to move from one territory to another, and claim territories as well. Unless a place is totally fenced up and shut out of intruders, this same location becomes repopulated with new dogs and newer ones who add to the pack.

In reducing and managing stray dog population, you need to first understand how the dogs work. Their social dynamics.

Sure, culling is a method, but sterilisation is a more effective method that yields more long-term benefits and is more humane. To control its nation's burgeoning population, the Chinese govt. discouraged births and is even said to have enforced coerced abortion or fertility incapacitation. Not kill the humans so that they won't reproduce.

Same goes for stray animals. Tailor these self-same methods to a different, voiceless target audience. Animals don't know family planning policies, neither do they know how to stop at one. Hence, sterilise them. It's as straighforward as that. No need for educated guesswork.

And that's the value of STERILISATION.

While farm owners or tenants bemoan that the dogs are still around, they got to realise the value of what we do, i.e., sterilising as many as we can catch. So that in the next few years that their farm is still around and their businesses are to continue, our sterilising of the dogs in and around their premises do not contribute to unsterilised females getting impregnated and bearing litter after litter of puppies that enter their compound, separated from outside by flimsy fences and open gates.

While animal welfare groups help the animals, they are helping these very people who run their businesses. Help the animals and you help the humans.

The government desires a controlled stray population, or ideally, a stray-free situation. But what they need to realise is the value of what welfare groups and individuals around are doing: sterilising as many as they can. Sterilisation is a method that does not conflict with culling, and until the parties come to terms with this, and decide to redirect their energies to and invest their monies in sterilisation as a method, we can go about tackling a longstanding problem with a method that, simply, doesn't work.

If Strategy A fails, then please consider Strategy B. It's right before your eyes.

This email has circulated

for a season many months ago, and now it has started going around again. Do take note that this is a hoax email. The ISP was found to originate from India, and those who received it would note that the email address gmail.com was spelt wrongly. So do not forward on nor reply. Simply delete it.

"Hi, My name is Sarah Collins and I own a veterinary clinic where I practice both exotic and companion animal medicine. We recently acquired new medical supplies and a new mobile van and now offering to donate one ultrasound, autoclave and a pre-used mobile van. Please give me detailed information about your work and let me know if these contributions would benefit your organization.
Best Wishes, Sarah CollinsB.S., Veterinary Science.D.V.M.,Veterinary Medicine.Ph.D.,Veterinary Physiology."

Balance is a joy

to all who know him. He has taught us what it means to be cheerful amidst trials.

Despite his impeding e-collar (which was upsized due to his immense agility at reaching his bandage), which he has gotten used to for the past month, and the constant bandage on his left hind, and the regular trips to the vet to have it changed and his wound reviewed, plus regular medication/supplements, he has shown good cheer and put on weight with a good diet too.

The first skin flap done on his wound has not been entirely successful. The stitched-on skin did not integrate perfectly into the surrounding skin, being at a tricky angle where the leg can be flexed, causing a small open gap where we're hoping for new skin to grow over soon. A new treatment cream is now being used on Balance and we would know by next Monday how he is improving.



Good news for him is -- after all he has been through, his days on the streets, the painful car accident, his discomfort, Balance could possibly have secured his own forever home with his charming nature. We'll update when it has been confirmed.

He's Star's bro

Comet is his name. One of the blessed ones to have found his home, since he was just a few months old. He's grown big and handsome now. It's good to have a dose of happy pix.

Our dear Star. How different they look from each other. But we're sure Star will have the same blessing of his very own home too.

You can be their Guardian

Click for full view

Dear supporters

We move on. Strengthened in our united resolve to be the eyes, ears and mouthpiece of our silent animal friends.

We hereby seek your support to be a GUARDIAN to our 7 dogs

They've come a long way from daily abuse, accidents and threats of culling on the streets. Now safely residing at a shelter, we have hopes of good homes for them to come. Especially for Jamie and Jonah who are small in built, sweet-natured and easier to handle.

We thank you for your support in varying amounts for the past 2 months.

* To enable us to concentrate our time and efforts on more needy cases on the streets, we wish to secure a Guardian for each of our 7, from December onwards. To support 7 dogs each month is quite an effort. But if you are willing to be a GUARDIAN of ONE of them, it will be very manageable. Pls email us for more details.

http://projectjk.blogspot.com/2008/11/another-sun-shiney-late-morning.html
http://projectjk.blogspot.com/2008/10/found-some-older-photos.html
http://projectjk.blogspot.com/2008/09/while-ben-and-jamie-remain.html

THANK YOU.

~ Ben, Tiger, Tommy, Jordan, Jamie, Jonah, Star ~ (Anne is under Foster Care at the moment)

Junior and ex-fosters

Over the weekend, Junior, the handsome, all-black tough-charactered female, reunited with members of her past foster family. The fosters who took her in for three months or so, before she was entrusted into the care of a supposedly permanent home that later abandoned her.

A bittersweet reunion. Joyous was the occasion of meeting each other after a few years -- she still remembers the sights and scents of those whom she greeted every morning with a happy wagging tail. Those who took her out for walks and a grandmother who lavished her with meat and snacks.

Walking by a leash, our girl was a wonderful company as her ex-fosters shuffled through the aisles of a petshop and gave her bits of treats. Deja vu... scenarios from the yesteryears of fosterhood.

In a way, everyone, including Junior, has mellowed with age. And although Junior's bositerous side is still obvious, we can tell, with maturity, she's turned more patient and gentler. In subtle ways to the observers of her growth.

And when the fosters got into their car and drove away, our girl quietly turned and walked back to the inside of the shelter, with the silent knowledge that this is but a visit. They're not taking her back home -- a home where she feels she belongs to.

"I am only one,

but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something. I will not refuse to do the something I can do." ~ Helen Keller ~

Reminded of this quote that L sent me. Keep this in mind.

This is ChoCho

Dark brown furred, ears that perk up (the one behind is Spotty, whom we have sterilised). We estimate that she's 8-9 months old, two months well into female maturity and "at risk" of being impregnated and living her life as a mother to litters, cycle after cycle after cycle.

Not that W and staff are not willing to catch her for sterilisation, but they haven't got the coordinated teamwork and time to capture this sometimes-elusive female who's grown more confident to near herself to W during feedings times, but who's just lower on the hierarchy -- for she's often ousted by NiuNiu and gang.

Once, W got her into a carrier but ChoCho bulldozed her way out and fled, subsequently developing some fear of carriers and people like us who walk around with leashes to loop around unsterilised dogs unwares and bring them for sterilisation.

W, together with her clique of compassionate co-workers, are more determined to get ChoCho before she seriously turns into a mum. We're on standby to drive ChoCho to the clinic for the op when caught.

And here's sharing illustrations of the peace-loving dogs on the farm, where their enclosure is in the process of being built:


Buffalo is the obvious alpha male, but a lone ranger-like veteran, who has no qualms hanging around almost anyone. The young ones lick his muzzle sometimes to gain his favour, continually re-establishing their positions in their canine family

No specific resting spots for NiuNiu and co. W showed me one afternoon her charges snoozing the afternoon away in the nooks between boxes, wire mesh, canvasses and cupboards


W said this boy is a newcomer to NiuNiu's pack that has somewhat welcomed him to the premises. Like many, he's also not an easy target to catch for sterilisation

Taken in Oct 08, this is Blacksnout under a van. Unfortunately, we learnt that in recent weeks, he was found dead foaming at the mouth -- a reaction we suspect to be a result of poisoning. He was one of the three remaining pups we want to sterilize

Times like these, I feel like

our blog is alive and interactive. Keep the comments coming, because constructive discussions and discourses are what keep us thinking about animal welfare, and what brings attention to its micro-issues -- pet ownership, pet care, stray situations, population control, wildlife trade, ethical treatment, euthanasia.

ANIMAL WELFARE EDUCATION.

He's a newcomer on the streets.

Still unfamiliar with me, he was retreating as I approach.

Which means he was just dumped there by his previous keepers. Now left to fend for himself. With the many strays, still walking our streets. Right this moment.

I look forward to the day when we humans look at an animal, and see the same LIFE in their eyes. As they see in us.

Enclosure

For weeks, we've been working with an employee on a farm -- who takes care of stray puppies born on the premises -- on the issue to mediate between those who take actions to rid the dogs and those who think the dogs give no trouble with their existence.

Yes, to many who are unfamiliar with even pet dogs, our pups are perceived as eyesores to the farm business, who faithfully trail after their caregiver all over the place, or who are deemed as 'nuisances' with their audible squabbles or the random poo on the floor.

But these dogs, as far as we know, are sheltered by ground workers who have given them adorable names and who fairly treat them as part of their worklife. Niu Niu, for one, is a delight to kids who visit the farm for even though he can be labelled as a 'stray' by all standards of our legislation, he's a friendly, carefree and confident kid. The apple of the caregiver's eye.

Which is why after some 'ding-dong' with the management, the authorities and our ground workers, we have:
* Sterilised 6 out of 9 of the puppy pack, on top of the adult males we have brought for neutering a few yrs ago
* Come to some form of middleground between the management and the caregivers.

This week, a proper enclosure tucked behind the compound, installed with roofing and sturdy fences, will be constructed to house the dogs for indefinite time frames, in the sole aim to minimize all possible conflicts between dogs and the humans who avert them.

Here are two images of the pre-construction stage enclosure:






And in ways we didn't expect -- while we negotiated with contractors and worked through the plans and purposes of this enclosure -- Mr Y who allowed us to keep our initial Mama Girl-Ben-Jamie-Jordan etc. pack -- has offered to pay for the enclosure. On top of that, construction materials now come in kind by a close relation of one employee of the farm as well as the management!

As of now, nothing actually looks less than promising and we're right on track in kickstarting a responsible management of community dogs who can come into harmonious co-existence with humans -- workers, visitors, caregivers -- without the need for culling for the reason of population control.

All possible with kind sponsors, like Mr Y.

And hey, reconciliation is not exactly a remote goal or possibility. Likewise, you, as a member of the public, can do your part. Talk to the stray caregivers in your estate; they could be senior ladies in need of help to mediate between residents who can't bear the stench of cats' poo and the caregivers themselves who just want to help the cats.

Talk with uninformed individuals calmly. It could be matter of realigning perspectives. A matter of revealing to them the value of caring for the community cats or dogs. And demonstrating the strength of those who believe in their cause and are willing to take actions to better animal welfare in small ways they can contribute to.

Influencing them to have a heart.

And driving messages of humane/ethical treatment across to those whose decision to pick up the phone and call the authorities means 'life and death' to animals blended in our urban ecosystem. Daunting could be the task of mediation, but your voice matters, for it adds to the collective advocacy of animal welfare.

Enclosure. Let's see how it goes this week.

Balance is moving steadily

onwards towards full recovery. This little fellow has been a most cheerful patient so far (except of cos during bandage change when he'll be whining and grumbling throughout the session!). But other than that, it is a miracle that he's keeping his leg, despite the initial negative prognosis.

Yesterday, we were informed that his leg was swollen (which was something we had to look out for, as advised by Dr C). Initially a bit concerned, we rushed him to the vet and were once again relieved when the attending vet removed his bandage, checked through his leg and assured us all is well. No reason for concern. So, after another bandage change, Balance was taken back to caregiver's home to rest.

Good care and good food has added some chubby fats to our boy. Puts a smile on my face each time I meet him. Such a good and contented boy he is.

Having spent more time with cats these past months, I see the distinct difference between cats and dogs. One obvious example is the warm eagerness of a dog versus the cool placidness of a cat. Once I visited Balance while he was waking up from his nap. Seeing me, I got no eager beaver clammering of paws greeting I would have gotten from Junior, Ben and the rest of our canine clique. Rather, dear little Balance greeted me with an acknowledging meow in his sleeping stance. And then, in his own sweet feline time, he yawned....he stretched...he arched his back....he rolled over and gave me a back glance....he yawned again....and when he was finally ready, he sauntered over to welcome a touch from me. If I was ultra-senstive, I would have been highly insulted. :)

Well, things are looking good for Balance. How can it be not for a good-spirited cat like him? Flesh is growing well over the initially exposed bones which can be seen no more. Come Monday, he will be ready for stitching. Extra skin from his thigh area will be taken to cover up the new flesh. Give the area a few more weeks to heal fully, and our Balance will be good as new! Hey, he'll be New Balance! (ok...bad joke...)

Many thanks to all of you who have shown concern and support for Balance during this period of his life. It is a victory for him!

I find this pix of FurBall

real cute. Like a canine Yoda!

Well, some good news - got an email from a lady who remembers seeing FurBall being walked by his owner before at Toa Payoh. Apparently, his owner (a man) used to let FurBall run free. Maybe FurBall just managed to run off too far that day and somehow got lost.

Awaiting reply from the lady for more info on which block FurBall comes from so we can trace his owner back. Keep him in prayer for his owner to be found real soon!

Email us at projectjk@gmail.com if you have more info.

____________________________________________________

* UPDATE:

We have got info that FurBall has been seen before around Toa Payoh Block 4. Those staying around there, pls help to ask around.

Apparently his owner will let him out to run free at the park. However, if he indeed is a lost dog, his owner has not made much efforts to contact SPCA or respond to Lost ads.... So, we're not too sure how responsible his owner is, and whether he has been abandoned instead.

Anyway, let's give it a few more days to try to trace his owner, by walking FurBall around that area and talking with the people there. Failing which, FurBall will be rehomed to a good family.

On behalf of a rescuer:

"By the grace of God, Max narrowly escaped death and bounced back to life. Though he is still on the road to recovery (from the medical perspective) but he shows no sign of illness except for the infection of his left eye.

Max is about one-year old, an active and intelligent boy who longs for human interaction. He has great temperament and is generally non-barkish. His most enjoyable activities are eating and walking. He has great appetite and preference for home cooked food.

He can be left alone for most part of the day but will await eagerly for his food, walk and play when we return. He is an ideal companion for a working family and those living in flat as he is only about 1.5 feet tall and less than 10kg. Max is also good with dogs and cats.

Max was first treated for tick fever & leg infection, which resulted in bacteria infection in the blood in Sept 08. The diagnosis was poor and the vet was not sure if he could make it. Truly by the grace of God, he overcame the infections and victoriously bounced back to life!

As Max was previously attacked by tick fever, he needs to maintain a strong immune system to avoid another tick fever attack. Daily supplements like Vitamin C, D, E may help. Also, his vision on the left eye may be slightly affected as a result of the eye infection though we are trusting God for complete healing. His right eye is perfect though.

As a growing pup, he also needs to be trained on chewing & housebreaking. Max is ready for a new home and if you can provide him with a loving family and devote time to interact & socialize with him, he will be a great addition to the family.

Please write to JoyEng1@gmail.com if you would like Max to be a part of your family. "

I am opinionated when it comes to

people dumping their cats or dogs away because of reasons borne out of personal convenience and sheer irresponsibility. A contact told me that she gave her then-kitten to a young couple who promised her they would never give up on their pet. The kitten came in addition to the cat they already had.

Now, in the best interest of their baby girl, they asked my contact if she could take back her kitten (who has grown into a full-blown adult cat) and their own cat!

What disappointment, what anger. C then replied that there's no correlation between a newborn contracting anything and a pet animal, really. C, a mother now, had three cats when her daughter was born. A mammoth task, on top of post-natal depression, but she loved her pets more than the average person.

A promising near-adolescent now, her daughter has developed a love for cats and animals and exudes a graciousness beyond what most could comprehend.

For those who have been through adoption, or those in the animal welfare circle... do you often face this dilemma? The dilemma of not wanting to help the 'dumpers', yet so fearful that they'll indiscrimately get rid of their pets? So mad at the family, yet you can't do much to confront their irresponsible approach to a pet's life?

Didn't they think of the consequence before adopting the cat? What if they have a baby, what if they move countries? What if they can't collectively commit to the cat?

One more week to stitches

Balance, Balance, Balance... the boy who's as vocal as he gets. This warrior of a cat made Dr C ask somewhat in disbelief, "Is he really like that?"

For when we'd placed him backside-first into the carrier, he was pawing on the newspapers, semi-somersaulting in the crammed space of the carrier and howling like a suppressed, stressed-out being. One volume of a kid. Too active for a recuperating cat.

And so just a few hours ago, we picked him up from the foster's to the vet clinic for his change of bandage. His wound looked a little swollen and smelled kind of stale. Dr C tied a looser bandage around his wound which still showed a white spot of bone. The 'proud flesh' have formed around his exposed tendon. A sign of granulation, says Dr C.

Come Monday morning, we will bring Balance to the vet's for his stitching. Dr C explained she'll pull the skin from his thigh down to cover the exposed portion and in no time, he will be fine. If he's lucky, one stitch operation will suffice. But some cats require more than one just so the skin is stitched firmly over in place.

And because of the slight stench and swell, we've resumed antibiotics on the guy to reduce inflammation. The foster will keep a careful lookout on him: size of both feet, how he lands his foot on ground, how he walks around, his diet and how his bandage progresses throughout the week.





The red flesh are granulated portions surrounding his wound. Too much of this can make stitching difficult,

The estimated cost of this stitch operation is $200. We're hoping to raise as much as we can, not only to cover this cost, but also all costs that pertain to his boarding, maintenance fees, consultation fees and all medical treatment that has spanned a few weeks.

While J and I take turns to bring him to the vet for his regular bandage and back again to the foster's, we're also responsible for adopting him out -- hopefully finding him a home where I'm certain he'll tell his owner how hungry he is by letting out a meow in full stereo volume. That'll be as obvious a communication between species.

But before we strive for this outcome, we require your help to pitch into his medical costs which come additional to our maintenance of 9 dogs at the shelter.

We sincerely appreciate your help, esp. in these tough times. Email projectjkteam@yahoo.com.sg if you could be part of Balance's new lease of life -- wound healed and full walking ability restored.

With your support, Balance will epitomize a success story of recovery enabled by a caring foster and members of the public who do care -- with a true heart of compassion and kindness.

Alright, unfortunately,

no microchip on our little Shih Tzu boy - FurBall. No owners anxiously looking for him either. So poor fellow could have been kicked out of his home and left to fend for himself on the streets.

Furball's teeth aren't too good, so vet estimated him to be either 3 to 4 years with dirty teeth, or possibly 6 to 7 years. In any case, he's an active, playful, very friendly fellow. "Happy like a jumpy rabbit!" His pee-marking should subside after sterilisation.

Keep FurBall in mind - let's find him a good home now. Email: projectjkteam@yahoo.com.sg to meet him.

http://projectjk.blogspot.com/2008/11/this-little-fellow-could-be-lost.html

Another sun-shiney late morning. Junior cooling off in the pool with Tommy close by.

Jamie, cleared of the dreaded heartworms, would like him to fatten up more.


The true alpha? Ben (right) is the winner for now.

Star out in the outer enclosure, soaking it up.


Jonah, bit more apprehensive.

We aim to take our 6 regularly out into the outer enclosure to join Junior, Ginne, Tommy and see when they are each ready to be released to integrate.

With the year-end drawing close, we hope for your open hearts in being a part of their life for now. While long-term plans are sought out.

Supporting 9 dogs at the first look seems daunting. But individually, if each of them has a Guardian, it is very manageable. $130 a month will guarantee one dog a safe place to stay. Away from abuse and threats of culling. Away from premature death.

* We are in the midst of confirming a Guardian for each of our 9. Do email us at projectjkteam@yahoo.com.sg if you have the big heart to be a Guardian. $130 a month will secure for one of them the dignity of LIFE. Thank you so much.

Visited our 7 + 2

this morning.

It's interesting to see how Tommy is getting along so well with Junior and Ginne. He's usually around them both, and will ocassionally join Ginne when she chooses to laze under a flower shrub.

Guess the first encounter is always the most important determining factor in any kind of interactions - human or animals. I'm sure Tommy could sense that Junior and Ginne belonged to us, when I let him out to join them in the outer enclosure, cos both the girls were sticking close around me, nuzzling and coming for pats. He could sense their bond with us, and thus he feels safe and natural to bond with them.

Let Star and Jonah out one after the other for a romp around the pool. Tommy greeted Star happily, both licking and rubbing faces in greeting. Could see that he was more glad to be up close with Star. He was pretty neutral with Jonah though!

Under the late morning sun, Star enjoyed soaking up the coolness of the water, lying on his belly on the first step into the pool. Jonah was more interested to sniff around. Didn't quite sense that they are ready to be out on their own yet, cos when I let Star off leash after some time on leash with me, he became visibly antsy and showed some of his bratty self to the other residents. Jonah on the other hand was not confident enough, refusing to walk on at certain points.

Will try again. They all just need some time to strike that balance of security, confidence and politeness to live amicably in a free-roaming shelter environmant. Tommy integrated very well in this count.

Will share some photos soon.