March 6, 2009
I apologise, cats do
contract diseases that can be transmissible to humans, as an animal science major corrected me, but very rare, just like how the last outbreak of rabies is pretty faraway from us.
March 3, 2009
Sharing the contents of a letter
I'm passing to a senior caregiver who recently encountered an agitated housewife worked up over the issue of stray cats feeding. This is a case-specific letter of support.
To Whom It May Concern:
I am writing in fullest support of Mrs K's feeding of community cats and would like to share with you some pointers pertinent to and the benefits of her excellent service to this community:
1. Cats, domestic or stray, use their claws to grip onto grooves or crevices to climb -- for example, the bark of a tree. Where there are no grooves on the roofs of cars, there is no need for cats to utilize their claws, hence it is unlikely that cats will scratch the cars. Moreover, cats' claws, unlike dogs', are retractable, so when there is no need to use them, the claws remain unprotruded.
2. The stains on the floor are not caused by the cats or by cat feeding. If you'd noticed, the stains are deeply ingrained and have been present for a long time, probably as a result of used furniture, discarded cardboard boxes and so on dumped there. If you'd lived here long enough, you'd know that the current location used to be a provision shop with shelves, boxes and other objects placed along the footway previously.
3. All, if not most cats, in the neighbourhood have been sterilised in a humane move to reduce and manage street cats' numbers. Residents and shop owners are thankful for had it not been Mrs K's sound management of the community cats, we would have many stray cats running around. Obvious benefits include:
* Cats keep the number of pests down. Residents in the building and nearby houses, as well as the eateries, are spared from rats problems, as the presence of cats helps prevent pest intrusion in natural and effective ways.
* Infected cats are sent to the vet's to control the spreading of diseases such as feline flu, although there are no known cat diseases that are transmissible to humans. The cats are very well taken of.
* With the cats sufficiently-fed -- coupled with the fact that they are sterilised -- the community cats are satisfied of their basic need and distracted from entering residents' kitchens or rummaging through discarded trash to seek food. Cats-related nuisance is totally, if not greatly, reduced.
4. The statutes of Singapore does not forbid the feeding of community cats. In other words, it is okay to feed, but not litter. Mrs K does not leave trays and containers lying around but collects them and picks up surrounding litter (in fact, other litter left by passer-bys), keeping the environment clean and upkeeping hygiene.
5. It is part of the cats' natural healing system to regurgitate food to remove toxins from their bodies. However, we do not see or smell cat's vomit in this neighbourhood, nor see this as any sign of a problem. As a matter of fact, unpicked dogs' faeces along our pavements are more conspicuous and disturbing.
6. Feeding community cats, keeping cats in households -- these are common to our neighbourhood as a generally cats-friendly estate, as well as to residents -- a handful of whom have been living here for decades.
7. Community cats have been around for years. Residents and retail owners in this neighbourhood are not only tolerant but also supportive of the cats and cats feeding as these cats are well managed and feeding approaches are ethical and hygienic.
8. Cat feeding here is supported and endorsed by the Residential Committee and on a previous account, supported by a local cats welfare organisation.
9. Mrs K has been doing this community a great favour by sterilising, feeding and medicating cats out of her own expenses, in terms of time and money. We are nothing but appreciative of her efforts in making this neighbourhood a gracious one.
I would also like to share that I have been living in this neighbourhood for over 20 years and can vouch for the cats' caregivers involved that what they are doing is adding socio-environmental value to the estate, bringing more benefits to all of us. Cats are among the cleanest animals for they self-groom to keep their coats proper and are integral to our urban ecology.
Just like how we learn and adapt to live harmoniously with our neighbours, we do the same with these cats, and all the more so, with Samaritans like Mrs K who help control the cat population by her own means.
I encourage you to consider my comments and seek your understanding and good heart in this matter. Should you have any query, you may direct it to the residential committee or phone me at [mobile number].
Thank you for your support.
Best,
[Name]
Resident, [Name of estate]
Letter's modified to protect identities.
To Whom It May Concern:
I am writing in fullest support of Mrs K's feeding of community cats and would like to share with you some pointers pertinent to and the benefits of her excellent service to this community:
1. Cats, domestic or stray, use their claws to grip onto grooves or crevices to climb -- for example, the bark of a tree. Where there are no grooves on the roofs of cars, there is no need for cats to utilize their claws, hence it is unlikely that cats will scratch the cars. Moreover, cats' claws, unlike dogs', are retractable, so when there is no need to use them, the claws remain unprotruded.
2. The stains on the floor are not caused by the cats or by cat feeding. If you'd noticed, the stains are deeply ingrained and have been present for a long time, probably as a result of used furniture, discarded cardboard boxes and so on dumped there. If you'd lived here long enough, you'd know that the current location used to be a provision shop with shelves, boxes and other objects placed along the footway previously.
3. All, if not most cats, in the neighbourhood have been sterilised in a humane move to reduce and manage street cats' numbers. Residents and shop owners are thankful for had it not been Mrs K's sound management of the community cats, we would have many stray cats running around. Obvious benefits include:
* Cats keep the number of pests down. Residents in the building and nearby houses, as well as the eateries, are spared from rats problems, as the presence of cats helps prevent pest intrusion in natural and effective ways.
* Infected cats are sent to the vet's to control the spreading of diseases such as feline flu, although there are no known cat diseases that are transmissible to humans. The cats are very well taken of.
* With the cats sufficiently-fed -- coupled with the fact that they are sterilised -- the community cats are satisfied of their basic need and distracted from entering residents' kitchens or rummaging through discarded trash to seek food. Cats-related nuisance is totally, if not greatly, reduced.
4. The statutes of Singapore does not forbid the feeding of community cats. In other words, it is okay to feed, but not litter. Mrs K does not leave trays and containers lying around but collects them and picks up surrounding litter (in fact, other litter left by passer-bys), keeping the environment clean and upkeeping hygiene.
5. It is part of the cats' natural healing system to regurgitate food to remove toxins from their bodies. However, we do not see or smell cat's vomit in this neighbourhood, nor see this as any sign of a problem. As a matter of fact, unpicked dogs' faeces along our pavements are more conspicuous and disturbing.
6. Feeding community cats, keeping cats in households -- these are common to our neighbourhood as a generally cats-friendly estate, as well as to residents -- a handful of whom have been living here for decades.
7. Community cats have been around for years. Residents and retail owners in this neighbourhood are not only tolerant but also supportive of the cats and cats feeding as these cats are well managed and feeding approaches are ethical and hygienic.
8. Cat feeding here is supported and endorsed by the Residential Committee and on a previous account, supported by a local cats welfare organisation.
9. Mrs K has been doing this community a great favour by sterilising, feeding and medicating cats out of her own expenses, in terms of time and money. We are nothing but appreciative of her efforts in making this neighbourhood a gracious one.
I would also like to share that I have been living in this neighbourhood for over 20 years and can vouch for the cats' caregivers involved that what they are doing is adding socio-environmental value to the estate, bringing more benefits to all of us. Cats are among the cleanest animals for they self-groom to keep their coats proper and are integral to our urban ecology.
Just like how we learn and adapt to live harmoniously with our neighbours, we do the same with these cats, and all the more so, with Samaritans like Mrs K who help control the cat population by her own means.
I encourage you to consider my comments and seek your understanding and good heart in this matter. Should you have any query, you may direct it to the residential committee or phone me at [mobile number]
Thank you for your support.
Best,
Resident, [Name of estate]
Letter's modified to protect identities.
March 2, 2009
For three occasions, I'd been trying
to help an elderly stray feeder who tends to community cats in her estate capture a black-tabby cat suffering from an injured lip. But all to no avail for the moment he hears a motorcycle rev up or a stranger saunter past, he'll scurry lightning fast out of the strayfeeder's hold.
The feeder, Aunty S, suggested to prop the carrier vertically upright with its gate open so that when she's got hold of the tabby, she could put him in swiftly while I'd force the door of the carrier shut, in case the cat bolts its way out upwards. Our black-tabby with white socks is only familiar and friendly with his stray feeder, that's how wary he is.
So Saturday 4am, we decided to carry this out, perhaps in our final attempt, to catch black-tabby. I completely overslept and awoke nearly one hour after our stipulated time, drove to the feeding point, found the strayfeeder gone and drove to her home.
In good cheer, Aunty S carried out her post-feeding morning chores and with a smile, she told me there's no need to send black-tabby to the vet clinic anymore for he's recovered so much that he now eats twice the amount than when he was down with the injured lip. Thanks to Bonjela, the cream we use to treat mouth ulcers. Aunty gave it a try by dabbing a minute amount on tabby's lips, and it worked!
On Pommy's front: our Pomeranian look-alike is definitely looking good and doing well. It seems that after the infection on his wound, our boy has lost some weight, not just visually, but tactile-wise, when we felt his markedly protruding ribs.
In the clean, sterile environment of the clinic, Pommy's wound looks so much better and he seems to be adapting so well to the ward. Big thanks to J and Y for assisting with tending to Pommy; we took him out of his cage and cleaned him up a bit. The discharge around his eyes, [removed] a giant mother tick on his back, a few baby ticks on his ears, dirt in his dense pomeranian-like fur.
And probably with all the fingers and hands stroking him, Pommy almost fell asleep, droopy-eyed, tucked into J's laps. Ah, so lovely!
Even when his injury seems unsightly, Pommy is most powered up by boiled chicken shreds we fed him with. Eagerly, he moved about at the fragrance of the meat. Ambitiously, he ate from our hands, wolfing the shreds in nanoseconds.
On the same day, we phoned Uncle to give him updates on Pommy and the costs involved in this. Flatly, he told us he does not want to take Pommy back anymore for the sheer cost and time involved in taking care of him. In the long run of things, he doesn't see himself committing to Pommy.
Strange enough, he's happy that Pommy is alive and kicking for in bright spirits, he actually went around telling his neighbours (other farmers), "My dog didn't die. He is alive, he is alive!"
At times, we will never be able to make sense of how Uncle and his generation of farmers approach animals and animal life -- be it functional dogs to guard their farms or pet dogs to keep their grandchildren company. His is a generation of:
* It doesn't matter if dogs are chained up in the day. They are born to be tough.
* Table scraps of vegetable stalks, fish tails, prawn heads, mixed with porridge or wet rice -- dogs can survive on these.
* It's cruel and defies the order of nature to spay cats; let the mother cat give birth to her litters. I have use of these cats to keep rats out of my premises.
I'm still grappling with the chasm between them and the league of animal advocates I know of. And grappling with how to educate him on the ethical treatment of animals.
The feeder, Aunty S, suggested to prop the carrier vertically upright with its gate open so that when she's got hold of the tabby, she could put him in swiftly while I'd force the door of the carrier shut, in case the cat bolts its way out upwards. Our black-tabby with white socks is only familiar and friendly with his stray feeder, that's how wary he is.
So Saturday 4am, we decided to carry this out, perhaps in our final attempt, to catch black-tabby. I completely overslept and awoke nearly one hour after our stipulated time, drove to the feeding point, found the strayfeeder gone and drove to her home.
In good cheer, Aunty S carried out her post-feeding morning chores and with a smile, she told me there's no need to send black-tabby to the vet clinic anymore for he's recovered so much that he now eats twice the amount than when he was down with the injured lip. Thanks to Bonjela, the cream we use to treat mouth ulcers. Aunty gave it a try by dabbing a minute amount on tabby's lips, and it worked!
On Pommy's front: our Pomeranian look-alike is definitely looking good and doing well. It seems that after the infection on his wound, our boy has lost some weight, not just visually, but tactile-wise, when we felt his markedly protruding ribs.
In the clean, sterile environment of the clinic, Pommy's wound looks so much better and he seems to be adapting so well to the ward. Big thanks to J and Y for assisting with tending to Pommy; we took him out of his cage and cleaned him up a bit. The discharge around his eyes, [removed] a giant mother tick on his back, a few baby ticks on his ears, dirt in his dense pomeranian-like fur.
And probably with all the fingers and hands stroking him, Pommy almost fell asleep, droopy-eyed, tucked into J's laps. Ah, so lovely!
Even when his injury seems unsightly, Pommy is most powered up by boiled chicken shreds we fed him with. Eagerly, he moved about at the fragrance of the meat. Ambitiously, he ate from our hands, wolfing the shreds in nanoseconds.
On the same day, we phoned Uncle to give him updates on Pommy and the costs involved in this. Flatly, he told us he does not want to take Pommy back anymore for the sheer cost and time involved in taking care of him. In the long run of things, he doesn't see himself committing to Pommy.
Strange enough, he's happy that Pommy is alive and kicking for in bright spirits, he actually went around telling his neighbours (other farmers), "My dog didn't die. He is alive, he is alive!"
At times, we will never be able to make sense of how Uncle and his generation of farmers approach animals and animal life -- be it functional dogs to guard their farms or pet dogs to keep their grandchildren company. His is a generation of:
* It doesn't matter if dogs are chained up in the day. They are born to be tough.
* Table scraps of vegetable stalks, fish tails, prawn heads, mixed with porridge or wet rice -- dogs can survive on these.
* It's cruel and defies the order of nature to spay cats; let the mother cat give birth to her litters. I have use of these cats to keep rats out of my premises.
I'm still grappling with the chasm between them and the league of animal advocates I know of. And grappling with how to educate him on the ethical treatment of animals.
February 27, 2009
The vet has been most pleasant
to update me on Pommy every so often. This evening, she concluded that on the bright side of things, Pommy is lively and a healthy puppy. Like a baby, he only eats when fed with the hand (in fact, he fancies dry food!). Around a part of his urethra, the tissue has built up well overnight and it's a clear sign of recovery, probably because he's young to begin with.
Yet, no urine was observed to have come out of his penis and only through the back. Dr V deduced Pommy could be born with a non-functional penis, as an abnormality and she brought up the idea of constructing a vagina-like opening near his anus for him to urinate and defecate more conveniently in future. This idea currently stands as a possibility, so she'll observe longer and with the expertise of the chief vet, come up with a final solution for him.
Because of his non-functional penis, she's not able to insert a catheter to aid his urinating yet, but at the rate he's recuperating, she's optimistic it's not all doom-and-gloom for Pommy. I understand some might opt to PTS him for the cost and efforts in caring involved, but I'm geared towards giving him a chance.
As the caregiver reminded me, it's not as if he's completely listless. In fact, he's the complete opposite of that.
Another remark from Dr V is that even with his defecating, his buttocks remained relatively clean (hence, required less cleaning and disinfecting as expected), and so it points us again to the actual standard of care Uncle has provided, or failed to provide.
A glimmer of hope for Pommy, an extremely helpful and communicative vet we have engaged.
More updates to come.
Yet, no urine was observed to have come out of his penis and only through the back. Dr V deduced Pommy could be born with a non-functional penis, as an abnormality and she brought up the idea of constructing a vagina-like opening near his anus for him to urinate and defecate more conveniently in future. This idea currently stands as a possibility, so she'll observe longer and with the expertise of the chief vet, come up with a final solution for him.
Because of his non-functional penis, she's not able to insert a catheter to aid his urinating yet, but at the rate he's recuperating, she's optimistic it's not all doom-and-gloom for Pommy. I understand some might opt to PTS him for the cost and efforts in caring involved, but I'm geared towards giving him a chance.
As the caregiver reminded me, it's not as if he's completely listless. In fact, he's the complete opposite of that.
Another remark from Dr V is that even with his defecating, his buttocks remained relatively clean (hence, required less cleaning and disinfecting as expected), and so it points us again to the actual standard of care Uncle has provided, or failed to provide.
A glimmer of hope for Pommy, an extremely helpful and communicative vet we have engaged.
More updates to come.
February 26, 2009
Help to look out and spread the word.
On behalf of the owner: Please look out for a missing male Schnauzer. Lost today around Yishun Street 81. Please call 93378575 if you have any leads. Thanks.
February 25, 2009
I named him, Pommy,
(although it didn't occur to me) as the vet staff said he looks like a pomeranian and thought he was one. Uncle, his owner, thought he was female as he urinated like a girl but after today's investigation, we verified he is a full-blooded boy with 'distorted' genitals.
And today's investigation was -- a shocking one.
Uncle rang two days ago to inform Pommy had a nasty wound on his behind, so we arranged for transport to the vet's to clean out, what I learnt later, was a maggots-swarmed wound on his rear. He's no doubt, biologically a male, but strange enough he lacks testicles. A list of medical instructions ensued and T, after dropping off Pommy, left Uncle with antiobiotics to be refrigerated and orally taken, antispetic cream and powder.
He left Pommy with his e-collar on lest our boy licks his wound. I called Uncle to explain to him the use of the e-collar and to enclose him in his wooden cage to minimize movement and bacterial exposure, and to fast him on Wednesday night for his stitching on Thursday.
Little did we know that today when I dropped by to clean out his wound with antiseptic, Pommy wasn't in his cage but Uncle had let him out in the morning for his 'run'. To our chagrin, Pommy was found under a van wallowing in mud, drenched leaves and his own faeces. When we lifted him to have a look at his bottom, it was nothing far from a messed-up rear, soaked in diarrhoea, dirt and what have you. His e-collar was on, but stained by mud. It was nothing close to a minimally clean and decently sanitized condition we had expected Uncle to provide for Pommy.
The 70+ year old farmer handed me all the medicine, including the antiobiotics he had absent-mindedly placed in the freezer and a syringe that laid on an undusted shelf.
Far, far from ideal.
Pommy's wound was deplorable, Uncle's floor was just too mossy and damp for me to clean his wound, the general hygiene is piteously poor for any dog with a gaping wound to recover.
We left and rushed Pommy to the vet (our second trip for the day after Chocho's booster shot). The vet had to halt her lunch and together with her assistants and me holding down to a writhing Pommy, we flushed out two more dead maggots from his wound with antiseptic and did a thorough cleaning of his behind and legs.
Pommy screeched in pain during the clean-out as his raw flesh was treated with the medicine. Along the process, Dr V explained:
Some 30 maggots were found and flushed out the first time T sent him for medical attention
Pommy let out loose on grounds of the farm
Close-up of his penis that hangs on the ruptured skin of his pelvis
Close-up: Amidst the fur on his buttocks which are now shaven off, you can see the pink flesh of his wound which is larger than I expected
Email projectjkteam@yahoo.com.sg if you'd like to help Pommy. We will keep you apprised of more developments on Pommy's progress and plans to handle Uncle's case, either to help him and/or intervene drastically in his attitude and approach in maintaining his pets.
And today's investigation was -- a shocking one.
Uncle rang two days ago to inform Pommy had a nasty wound on his behind, so we arranged for transport to the vet's to clean out, what I learnt later, was a maggots-swarmed wound on his rear. He's no doubt, biologically a male, but strange enough he lacks testicles. A list of medical instructions ensued and T, after dropping off Pommy, left Uncle with antiobiotics to be refrigerated and orally taken, antispetic cream and powder.
He left Pommy with his e-collar on lest our boy licks his wound. I called Uncle to explain to him the use of the e-collar and to enclose him in his wooden cage to minimize movement and bacterial exposure, and to fast him on Wednesday night for his stitching on Thursday.
Little did we know that today when I dropped by to clean out his wound with antiseptic, Pommy wasn't in his cage but Uncle had let him out in the morning for his 'run'. To our chagrin, Pommy was found under a van wallowing in mud, drenched leaves and his own faeces. When we lifted him to have a look at his bottom, it was nothing far from a messed-up rear, soaked in diarrhoea, dirt and what have you. His e-collar was on, but stained by mud. It was nothing close to a minimally clean and decently sanitized condition we had expected Uncle to provide for Pommy.
The 70+ year old farmer handed me all the medicine, including the antiobiotics he had absent-mindedly placed in the freezer and a syringe that laid on an undusted shelf.
Far, far from ideal.
Pommy's wound was deplorable, Uncle's floor was just too mossy and damp for me to clean his wound, the general hygiene is piteously poor for any dog with a gaping wound to recover.
We left and rushed Pommy to the vet (our second trip for the day after Chocho's booster shot). The vet had to halt her lunch and together with her assistants and me holding down to a writhing Pommy, we flushed out two more dead maggots from his wound with antiseptic and did a thorough cleaning of his behind and legs.
Pommy screeched in pain during the clean-out as his raw flesh was treated with the medicine. Along the process, Dr V explained:
- Lack of testicles: the maggots could have eaten them, hence we found no scrotum on Pommy
- Source of problem: maggots -- not only had the maggots consumed his testicles, but they had also eaten into his urethra such that urine flowed both out of his penis and from the rectum area
- Each time Pommy urinates and poos, the urine and faeces contribute to the wound's infection. Continual cleaning is required to minimize the infection.
- Prognosis not too good: we are unsure if the maggots have eaten beyond his urethra and into his insides. If so, it will be a lot of work done.
- Plan: to hospitalize him for 3 to 4 weeks and do the best to treat his infection. Thereafter, the vet will stitch the wound
- Penis: there is a tear on his pelvis which also needs to be mended to hold his penis in place
Pommy is 3-4 months old. What we had intended to be a simple trip to the vet's to vaccinate him turned out to be an extensive in-progress medical treatment of a gaping wound after his owner raised the red flag.
We had questioned Uncle on his intention to keep Pommy and dropped hints on his deficient care to keep any dog, but he wouldn't have it and reasoned that he plans to rear him to guard the front part of his farm and also "my grandkids want to play with him."
As of now, we don't think we can return Pommy to him and we don't expect him to fork out generously for his half-pet. We'll get more updates from the vet tomorrow.
Another serious case caused by poorly informed pet owners. An unintentional lack of care due to deeply rooted values in animal treatment? Or a deliberate lack of care attributed to 'senior lethargy' and a known inability to provide for his pet? Or just plain ignorance? Burying ethics into a remote corner of his mind?
Absolute filth on a wound that needs recovery on Pommy's rear
Some 30 maggots were found and flushed out the first time T sent him for medical attention
Pommy let out loose on grounds of the farm
Close-up of his penis that hangs on the ruptured skin of his pelvis
Close-up: Amidst the fur on his buttocks which are now shaven off, you can see the pink flesh of his wound which is larger than I expected
Email projectjkteam@yahoo.com.sg if you'd like to help Pommy. We will keep you apprised of more developments on Pommy's progress and plans to handle Uncle's case, either to help him and/or intervene drastically in his attitude and approach in maintaining his pets.
February 24, 2009
This post is dedicated
to letting the world know Chocho, our chocolate-brown, medium-sized female dog who, a few months ago, was caught by use of wire cables and 'redeemed' to life. After an episode of what must have been traumatic to this already-ostracized dog.
Last weekend, J took the effort to walk her on a leash, out to get some fresh air, her paws on grass, the warmth of tarmac and the sunlight beaming on her soft chocolate coat.
Still skittish in demeanour and near-terrified in the way her eyes scanned her surroundings, Chocho was tugging against the leash quite a bit and possibly during her walk in the compound, her mind was nothing but disoriented and escape was the only idea that occurred to her.
For our girl sought the darkness of the shade under stationary cars and seemed for many moments to go for places that are cavernous, tunnel-like and dark. Maybe it's always been what she finds comfort in. A dark quietness; alone but nevermind that.
Two months down the road, she still shivers inwardly and flinches when we go so far as to touch her. It seems, everything is so alien to her, so coarse to her feel. Even with familiar smell of chicken meat, she would only go so far as to sniff it in apprehension and continue, as always, to treat us with terrified, starkly popped out eyes.
There's no way we can return her to the community and it's become rather tricky to even integrate her into existing packs at other shelters. Naturally 'lower' in the pack hierarchy, she's piteously short of confidence, as well as even the strength to fend off more dominating dogs in any pack.
If anything, Saturday's walk complements the boarders' efforts to (re)socializing her to the outdoors, to humans and other dogs. We will continue to do what we can to make sure that we didn't bail her out for negligible worth but extend this new lease of life. Our resources, our experience with the strays and in dog behaviour, our support, and our heart to boost things up for her.
Undeniably, Chocho needs help.
And in this move, we would like to ask for an extremely experienced, and at the same time, patient, foster to take Chocho in. The role of the foster is more often than not an emotionally-ridden one, but in this guardianship of Chocho, it will be doubly rewarding if he/she can totally rehabilitate a skittish, wary girl and transform her with a new lease of life.
In this foster home, we foresee a safe home environment devoid of any escape gap or route. A home to keep her within securely, a care to resocialize her and integrate her to urban life.
It's been possible with many dogs of miraculous stories, those who live to tell their tales. I believe it is possible for Chocho, a redeemed girl to experience the exuberance of life. If you are or know of anyone we're looking for, please email projectjkteam@yahoo.com.sg
Thank you.
J walking Chocho on leash. Chocho's first time being leisurely walked on leash, apart from the time we first moved her into the kennels
J patiently leading her on the leash
Chocho in the kennel -- look how beautiful she actually is!
In this picture, she adopts more of a cowering stance, etched into the corner of the kennel
* Sex: Female
* Age: One year old
* Colour: Soft chocolate brown fur
* Size: Medium and manageable in an apartment
* Sterilised: Yes, and experienced her first heat
* Microchipped: Yes
* Vaccinated: Yes. 2nd booster to be given this week
* Personality: Skittish, wary, low-confidence, fearful, not fussy about food
* Requirements: In need of foster to resocialise/rehab her with walks, patient conditioning and consistent training; comfort and trust she needs to gain of her leader. Can be ok with existing dogs in residence.
* Current location: Shelter
Last weekend, J took the effort to walk her on a leash, out to get some fresh air, her paws on grass, the warmth of tarmac and the sunlight beaming on her soft chocolate coat.
Still skittish in demeanour and near-terrified in the way her eyes scanned her surroundings, Chocho was tugging against the leash quite a bit and possibly during her walk in the compound, her mind was nothing but disoriented and escape was the only idea that occurred to her.
For our girl sought the darkness of the shade under stationary cars and seemed for many moments to go for places that are cavernous, tunnel-like and dark. Maybe it's always been what she finds comfort in. A dark quietness; alone but nevermind that.
Two months down the road, she still shivers inwardly and flinches when we go so far as to touch her. It seems, everything is so alien to her, so coarse to her feel. Even with familiar smell of chicken meat, she would only go so far as to sniff it in apprehension and continue, as always, to treat us with terrified, starkly popped out eyes.
There's no way we can return her to the community and it's become rather tricky to even integrate her into existing packs at other shelters. Naturally 'lower' in the pack hierarchy, she's piteously short of confidence, as well as even the strength to fend off more dominating dogs in any pack.
If anything, Saturday's walk complements the boarders' efforts to (re)socializing her to the outdoors, to humans and other dogs. We will continue to do what we can to make sure that we didn't bail her out for negligible worth but extend this new lease of life. Our resources, our experience with the strays and in dog behaviour, our support, and our heart to boost things up for her.
Undeniably, Chocho needs help.
And in this move, we would like to ask for an extremely experienced, and at the same time, patient, foster to take Chocho in. The role of the foster is more often than not an emotionally-ridden one, but in this guardianship of Chocho, it will be doubly rewarding if he/she can totally rehabilitate a skittish, wary girl and transform her with a new lease of life.
In this foster home, we foresee a safe home environment devoid of any escape gap or route. A home to keep her within securely, a care to resocialize her and integrate her to urban life.
It's been possible with many dogs of miraculous stories, those who live to tell their tales. I believe it is possible for Chocho, a redeemed girl to experience the exuberance of life. If you are or know of anyone we're looking for, please email projectjkteam@yahoo.com.sg
Thank you.
J walking Chocho on leash. Chocho's first time being leisurely walked on leash, apart from the time we first moved her into the kennels
J patiently leading her on the leash
Chocho in the kennel -- look how beautiful she actually is!
In this picture, she adopts more of a cowering stance, etched into the corner of the kennel
Chocho's Profile
* Background: Brought up on a farm and constantly marginalized by dominant dogs. Mixed with selective individual dogs and was heavily reliant on caregiver for food and comfort. Caught by authorities and discharged a few days later.
* Sex: Female
* Age: One year old
* Colour: Soft chocolate brown fur
* Size: Medium and manageable in an apartment
* Sterilised: Yes, and experienced her first heat
* Microchipped: Yes
* Vaccinated: Yes. 2nd booster to be given this week
* Health: Generally healthy. Infected with mange when young but completely recovered now. Like most mongrels, she's hardy.
* Personality: Skittish, wary, low-confidence, fearful, not fussy about food
* Requirements: In need of foster to resocialise/rehab her with walks, patient conditioning and consistent training; comfort and trust she needs to gain of her leader. Can be ok with existing dogs in residence.
* Current location: Shelter
February 18, 2009
February 17, 2009
Finally the fencing is done!
Tommy behind the fencing
After months of waiting, we finally have our mini enclosure, separated by a steel fence, ready to welcome possibly Mama Rock and her son. It's the caregiver's wish that when Rock and son move out of their present location, she can start to make plans to retire from a three-decade long of animal welfare dedication and for once, go for her knees' operation.
At the age of 70, her movements are slower but her passion burns for her animals. She has a soft spot for Mama Rock, our accommodating female dog armed with such strong motherly instincts that she's seen her carrying kittens and puppies (not hers) in her mouth! The joy shared between V and her dogs.
Thank you C for dishing out useful advice on the construction, for actually coming down to the site to assist in measurement of the width, foreseeing the issue of corrosion, acquiring sturdy BRC fencing and bringing his contractor to pitch up the fences -- construction completed in a matter of a few days! Also thanks for securing a very good price of this sturdy fencing, after a collective effort of haggling and negotiating.
Thanks to the management for aligning their perspective with ours -- that it's for the benefit of the shelter as a whole, for the future dogs seeking refuge there. Thanks to Junior & Ginnie for chaperoning the construction guys. Thanks to our boys for staying still while they watched the welding and construction go on with eager eyes.
Thanks to SB for arranging for her crew to transport and reassemble the doghouse. And the patient crew for taking time to put the doghouse into a perfect structure. It all takes so much time and effort.
Don't think I have ever done so much coordination in one month. More updates to come!
Thanks to the management for aligning their perspective with ours -- that it's for the benefit of the shelter as a whole, for the future dogs seeking refuge there. Thanks to Junior & Ginnie for chaperoning the construction guys. Thanks to our boys for staying still while they watched the welding and construction go on with eager eyes.
Thanks to SB for arranging for her crew to transport and reassemble the doghouse. And the patient crew for taking time to put the doghouse into a perfect structure. It all takes so much time and effort.
Don't think I have ever done so much coordination in one month. More updates to come!
February 16, 2009
Davee has gone home
to the Lord and joyfully she sits at His right hand. No more pain, plague or affliction. But in His peace and joy.
My heart goes out to N and SB for their focused dedication for Davee, for taking the initiative to take Davee out and walk with her in this journey. For letting the world know Davee, know the work that animal activists all over are doing and for letting Davee be part of our lives. Each of us.
With tears still flowing, we know in surety that Davee is alright now. Her story lives in our hearts. Thank you all for your generosity, your prayers and for being part of this.
My heart goes out to N and SB for their focused dedication for Davee, for taking the initiative to take Davee out and walk with her in this journey. For letting the world know Davee, know the work that animal activists all over are doing and for letting Davee be part of our lives. Each of us.
With tears still flowing, we know in surety that Davee is alright now. Her story lives in our hearts. Thank you all for your generosity, your prayers and for being part of this.
Please read:
February 13, 2009
A picture that touches
my heart.
"You may have seen this famous photo showing a firefighter giving water to "Sam" the koala as she holds his hand. The firefighter found Sam walking painfully on scorched paws along the smoldering forest floor. Sam was rushed to the Southern Ash Wildlife Shelter, a group IFAW is supporting with an emergency grant."
Read more here and here
Many things will not touch us nor bother us too much, if we have not been physically involved - when we have not been up close, right in the midst of things. For this Australian bushfire emergency, we will never sense nor fully comprehend the need cos we are not right there, walking on the scorched plains, smelling the charred bodies and trees, hearing the pain of the burnt animals...it is so easy to flick a piece of news aside cos of geographical dilution of empathy.
It's understandable.
Many stray feeders and caregivers on the streets would identify with being labelled 'fanatics' at one point in time or another. Maybe being labelled as 'playing god'. Why not let nature takes its course, maybe?
I guess you have to be there, physically, involving your time, your hands, your energy, your emotions - to understand the psyche of each person now involved in animal welfare in one area or another.
For Sam the koala above, and for many strays on the Singapore streets or injured wildlife somewhere out there, you would have to there with them, even if only to see them in their actual habitats for just one time -- to fully understand and accept the realities of such situations. Cos in the comfort and urban distractions of an everyday life, it is just too easy to offer our opinions or flick an issue aside. And Sam would just be relegated to yet another colour pictorial on the great wide web.
Only in this case - Sam is so very much a living, breathing, sentient being - with many more of her kind out there now, right in minute, suffering the consequences of the bushfires.
If you have a heart for animal welfare, don't just talk about it. Get involved. Start somewhere. Cos the distance is great when you simply read of issues on print or web. And thus the heart can be detached. And hands inactive. But make some time to really get close, get into it, to see, hear, smell, touch. Then you would begin to know the answers to the many 'whys' in your mind. And your heart may bring you to places you may never have imagined.
Many things will not touch us nor bother us too much, if we have not been physically involved - when we have not been up close, right in the midst of things. For this Australian bushfire emergency, we will never sense nor fully comprehend the need cos we are not right there, walking on the scorched plains, smelling the charred bodies and trees, hearing the pain of the burnt animals...it is so easy to flick a piece of news aside cos of geographical dilution of empathy.
It's understandable.
Many stray feeders and caregivers on the streets would identify with being labelled 'fanatics' at one point in time or another. Maybe being labelled as 'playing god'. Why not let nature takes its course, maybe?
I guess you have to be there, physically, involving your time, your hands, your energy, your emotions - to understand the psyche of each person now involved in animal welfare in one area or another.
For Sam the koala above, and for many strays on the Singapore streets or injured wildlife somewhere out there, you would have to there with them, even if only to see them in their actual habitats for just one time -- to fully understand and accept the realities of such situations. Cos in the comfort and urban distractions of an everyday life, it is just too easy to offer our opinions or flick an issue aside. And Sam would just be relegated to yet another colour pictorial on the great wide web.
Only in this case - Sam is so very much a living, breathing, sentient being - with many more of her kind out there now, right in minute, suffering the consequences of the bushfires.
If you have a heart for animal welfare, don't just talk about it. Get involved. Start somewhere. Cos the distance is great when you simply read of issues on print or web. And thus the heart can be detached. And hands inactive. But make some time to really get close, get into it, to see, hear, smell, touch. Then you would begin to know the answers to the many 'whys' in your mind. And your heart may bring you to places you may never have imagined.
February 9, 2009
Feeding with responsible management
If you want to feed, sterilise. If not, don't feed at all.
A mental argument that plays over and again in the minds of animal controllers.
In our times on the streets with the caregivers, we have witnessed the hordes of dogs that emerge from the bushes, under the cars, from the drains when the caregiver's car inches in. The familiar sound of the engine or the mere sight of the car changes the landscape: from a quiet street of tranquil and rustling dead leaves to a dramatic stage of eager, excited dogs hopping in delight.
Yet, truth be told, there are many we cannot touch nor even get close to in an arm's reach. Most shy from us when we encroach in a radius of, say, a few metres. Or gingerly stand behind a guarded space of imaginary barrier. I can safely say, most tackle the food, only after we'd left.
We'd wondered to each other if the caregivers are doing the right thing by even feeding these dogs that they or we can almost never get hold of. One camp posits that feeding, without actively sterilising 80% of the population, only causes the dogs to become healthier and make them breed faster. The numbers proliferate so rapidly.
Another camp claims feeding in one area strategically, even without actively sterilising the dogs, lures the dogs away from more densely populated places and reduces humans-strays conflict and minimizes potential disturbances, such as messing up trash cans, street dogs can cause.
To other animal advocates, it is through feeding that one is able to get close to the wary stray dogs. Once trust is gained of the caregiver, it's much easier to get hold of the target dogs and send them for sterilisation.
The 'responsible management' package in Singapore includes sterilisation + vaccination + licensing + microchipping, but reality has it that we often fall short of a few items, even when we can get hold of the dogs, simply because we lack the funds to carry them out or that the supposed owners or farms are unable or unwilling to license the dogs. Licensing is a tag of legitimacy, a liability they do not wish to have.
Recently, I encountered a lady who wanted to save a dog she's been tending to from a unit (lest he's surrendered to SPCA) and literally demanded for a heavensent landed home to take him in. None that I know of at the moment, I told her.
When asked if the dog's sterilised, she said no. Which means for the one-and-half years she's entrusted the dog to the supposed owner, neither she nor the owners had bothered to sterilise a dog they could get their hands on.
That said, with the limited resources these caregivers are armed with, I wouldn't suggest being harsh to them, as some might condone, by removing the dogs they feed without helping them in some way to better manage their charges (for instance, sterilising and microchipping their dogs).
For the work we're doing, it defeats the purpose to extinguish their passion and discount, altogether, their kindness in caring for the strays, by declining to help them or leaving them in the lurch of their struggles. With owners, with authorities.
For now, STERILISATION tops the list in responsible management that complements an individual's feeding and caring for his or her strays.
A mental argument that plays over and again in the minds of animal controllers.
In our times on the streets with the caregivers, we have witnessed the hordes of dogs that emerge from the bushes, under the cars, from the drains when the caregiver's car inches in. The familiar sound of the engine or the mere sight of the car changes the landscape: from a quiet street of tranquil and rustling dead leaves to a dramatic stage of eager, excited dogs hopping in delight.
Yet, truth be told, there are many we cannot touch nor even get close to in an arm's reach. Most shy from us when we encroach in a radius of, say, a few metres. Or gingerly stand behind a guarded space of imaginary barrier. I can safely say, most tackle the food, only after we'd left.
We'd wondered to each other if the caregivers are doing the right thing by even feeding these dogs that they or we can almost never get hold of. One camp posits that feeding, without actively sterilising 80% of the population, only causes the dogs to become healthier and make them breed faster. The numbers proliferate so rapidly.
Another camp claims feeding in one area strategically, even without actively sterilising the dogs, lures the dogs away from more densely populated places and reduces humans-strays conflict and minimizes potential disturbances, such as messing up trash cans, street dogs can cause.
To other animal advocates, it is through feeding that one is able to get close to the wary stray dogs. Once trust is gained of the caregiver, it's much easier to get hold of the target dogs and send them for sterilisation.
The 'responsible management' package in Singapore includes sterilisation + vaccination + licensing + microchipping, but reality has it that we often fall short of a few items, even when we can get hold of the dogs, simply because we lack the funds to carry them out or that the supposed owners or farms are unable or unwilling to license the dogs. Licensing is a tag of legitimacy, a liability they do not wish to have.
Recently, I encountered a lady who wanted to save a dog she's been tending to from a unit (lest he's surrendered to SPCA) and literally demanded for a heavensent landed home to take him in. None that I know of at the moment, I told her.
When asked if the dog's sterilised, she said no. Which means for the one-and-half years she's entrusted the dog to the supposed owner, neither she nor the owners had bothered to sterilise a dog they could get their hands on.
That said, with the limited resources these caregivers are armed with, I wouldn't suggest being harsh to them, as some might condone, by removing the dogs they feed without helping them in some way to better manage their charges (for instance, sterilising and microchipping their dogs).
For the work we're doing, it defeats the purpose to extinguish their passion and discount, altogether, their kindness in caring for the strays, by declining to help them or leaving them in the lurch of their struggles. With owners, with authorities.
For now, STERILISATION tops the list in responsible management that complements an individual's feeding and caring for his or her strays.
February 3, 2009
Davee, not operated yet
Image taken from maovellous.wordpress.com
Davee was slated for surgical removal of her tumour today, but because she had a relapse of tick fever (Blood PVC as low as 15 per cent), the vet couldn't operate on her.
A donor dog is in place for blood transfusion. Thereafter, I surmise, the vet can put her on anaesthesia and surgically remove the lumps. Detailed updates can be read on http://maovellous.wordpress.com/
Meanwhile, Davee recuperates at the clinic. Estimated medical cost is a conservative $2-3K. We'll see how this pans out eventually. THANK YOU generous supporters who have contacted either J, N or myself to contribute to Davee's medical expenses. No amount is small for every bit builds up to a substantial amount.
Arguably, one school of thought has it that the amount spent can be better channelled to sterilising the hordes of stray dogs out there. Rather than concentrate so much resources on a single dog, why not use this money for the larger picture of welfare?
What happens to Davee? Euthanasia? A slow withering to the end?
Or... should we all have HOPE that no amount should come in the way of saving a dog's life? A dog's life, as most might debate, is still a life.
Times like these, we admit that as humans, we have dominion over the earth, beings great and small, but who can really say for sure he's making the right decision?
I find myself at odds with this dilemma that plays over and over again in our work on the streets with the animals. But one thing's for sure, I have hope for Davee.
January 31, 2009
I truly enjoy
our time out in the sun. In the fields. On the streets.
Just being with our dogs. Watching them run, play, sometimes fight. Watching them soak to coolness in the pool. Watching them relish the treats we bring. I like their smells. Their touch. Their kisses. Their hugs.
They seem to exist to help us know ourselves better.
Star
Big Ben
Jonah
Jordan
Tiger
Jamie
Tommy, outside enclosure
Tommy, for now, has to kennelled up cos of his frequent fights with the other resident dogs. But only for awhile longer cos a doghouse has been set up within the enclosure, big enough for 2 dogs (thanks SB!).
Soon a fence will be put up to segregate our enclosure into 2 compartments and Tommy can then be placed back with our pack - we just have to make sure he and Tiger are not within the same compartment at any one time - Tiger is still bitter with Tommy, for whatever reason he has!
Just being with our dogs. Watching them run, play, sometimes fight. Watching them soak to coolness in the pool. Watching them relish the treats we bring. I like their smells. Their touch. Their kisses. Their hugs.
They seem to exist to help us know ourselves better.
Star
Big Ben
Jonah
Jordan
Tiger
Jamie
Tommy, outside enclosure
Tommy, for now, has to kennelled up cos of his frequent fights with the other resident dogs. But only for awhile longer cos a doghouse has been set up within the enclosure, big enough for 2 dogs (thanks SB!).
Soon a fence will be put up to segregate our enclosure into 2 compartments and Tommy can then be placed back with our pack - we just have to make sure he and Tiger are not within the same compartment at any one time - Tiger is still bitter with Tommy, for whatever reason he has!
January 24, 2009
Much as we wish
to see each and every dog in his/her very own safe and loving home, I have come to see, through our time on the streets with our strays (dogs and cats) that some are born with the streets so strong in their blood -- that to take them out, to place them in kennels, and even if eventually in a safe human-home, we would be taking away from them the very thing we're fighting for ... freedom.
Free. Freedom.
Been thinking of this word lately. FREE. And it's interesting how this one word holds many meanings, including the below.
Free: a very welcomed word - FOC. Free of charge. Free favours.
Free: having time on hand, as in "I am free".
Free: to set at liberty, to let loose from captivity, not confined/imprisoned, capable of voluntary activity, without restraint.
We want to offer to each animal, or rather to hold onto, the gift of freedom that each of us, human or animal, are born with.
Our free will. Free choice. Freedom from chains both physically and emotionally. Voluntary movement.
We want our animals to be free. To enjoy the land that they are born on. To have free choice in companionship. Most of all, in our current context, we want our animals to be free from the human intervention of animal control.
Culling. Arising partly or largely from the inability to give our animals the freedom of space. Because their freedom intrudes into our preferred lifestyle.
So, in order for us higher beings to be free, in our own choices of living, there are among us who make the authorised decision to take away the freedom of the lower beings. And they cannot fight back. They do not have the ability to.
In fact, this same pattern plays out in every social class of highs and lows. Fractions. Discriminations. Segregations. Actions of force and quick remedies seem to frame scenarios where one party has visibly greater powers over the other. Where retaliation is seldom if not impossible.
But as much as I want to protect all animals from the outcome of culling, as much as I want them to be free from this ongoing threat in the name of animal control, as much as we wish to rehome the many strays on our streets -- I have to stand still and see, and accept the truth that some of our strays are simply and totally born for the streets. They do not need our companionship. They have each other. And wide expanses of fields, jungles, sun, wind, rain. We should not feel slighted. But rather celebrate the fact that we are different.
Theirs is a freedom that understands not the touch of a leash upon their necks. A freedom that does not require clean bowls and freshly changed water each day. A freedom that smirks at nice-smelling doggy shampoo and being towelled dry. A freedom that turns its head on manmade crunchy treats and stringy rawhides. A freedom that squeals against car rides and riding lifts and trips to the vet. A freedom that dies if we put them behind the metal bars of a kennel. Freedom that will endure pain and blood to escape from captivity.
These are the animals who are born wild. Born free. Born not for us to keep.
And if we choose to take them off the streets and into the kennels or homes, to keep them SAFE, safe from a possible death by culling, we would be slowly killing them off as their full-blooded freedom slowly ebbs with the days.
So, as many caregivers have learnt and are learning - for some of the strays out there who choose their liberty anytime over human companionship, we respect them by not stealing the freedom they are born into. It could mean a shorter life on the streets, if they get caught, while we live with the practice of culling. But I believe - they are much happier living the way they choose.
Free.
Just my thoughts.
Free. Freedom.
Been thinking of this word lately. FREE. And it's interesting how this one word holds many meanings, including the below.
Free: a very welcomed word - FOC. Free of charge. Free favours.
Free: having time on hand, as in "I am free".
Free: to set at liberty, to let loose from captivity, not confined/imprisoned, capable of voluntary activity, without restraint.
We want to offer to each animal, or rather to hold onto, the gift of freedom that each of us, human or animal, are born with.
Our free will. Free choice. Freedom from chains both physically and emotionally. Voluntary movement.
We want our animals to be free. To enjoy the land that they are born on. To have free choice in companionship. Most of all, in our current context, we want our animals to be free from the human intervention of animal control.
Culling. Arising partly or largely from the inability to give our animals the freedom of space. Because their freedom intrudes into our preferred lifestyle.
So, in order for us higher beings to be free, in our own choices of living, there are among us who make the authorised decision to take away the freedom of the lower beings. And they cannot fight back. They do not have the ability to.
In fact, this same pattern plays out in every social class of highs and lows. Fractions. Discriminations. Segregations. Actions of force and quick remedies seem to frame scenarios where one party has visibly greater powers over the other. Where retaliation is seldom if not impossible.
But as much as I want to protect all animals from the outcome of culling, as much as I want them to be free from this ongoing threat in the name of animal control, as much as we wish to rehome the many strays on our streets -- I have to stand still and see, and accept the truth that some of our strays are simply and totally born for the streets. They do not need our companionship. They have each other. And wide expanses of fields, jungles, sun, wind, rain. We should not feel slighted. But rather celebrate the fact that we are different.
Theirs is a freedom that understands not the touch of a leash upon their necks. A freedom that does not require clean bowls and freshly changed water each day. A freedom that smirks at nice-smelling doggy shampoo and being towelled dry. A freedom that turns its head on manmade crunchy treats and stringy rawhides. A freedom that squeals against car rides and riding lifts and trips to the vet. A freedom that dies if we put them behind the metal bars of a kennel. Freedom that will endure pain and blood to escape from captivity.
These are the animals who are born wild. Born free. Born not for us to keep.
And if we choose to take them off the streets and into the kennels or homes, to keep them SAFE, safe from a possible death by culling, we would be slowly killing them off as their full-blooded freedom slowly ebbs with the days.
So, as many caregivers have learnt and are learning - for some of the strays out there who choose their liberty anytime over human companionship, we respect them by not stealing the freedom they are born into. It could mean a shorter life on the streets, if they get caught, while we live with the practice of culling. But I believe - they are much happier living the way they choose.
Free.
Just my thoughts.
Davee: open wound
One of the few times I see the purity of a soul so discordant with the pain distorting the body in which it dwells.
And this is shown in Davee's condition. While most get ready for CNY festivities, I feel I need to post this. With some urgency and a hope that we can help poor Davee.
Side view: the gaping, crater-like wound on Davee's lower back can't be more obvious
A close-up of the wound
So friendly: Davee sniffed our hands and willingly took our treats with a welcoming wagging tail when we visited her at the shelter
Top view: a good part of Davee's coat is shaven off. Her crater-like wound is stark to the human eye
While I gather more information of Davee's situation and how her wound came about, just want to share, perhaps again, succintly what's affecting her:
And this is shown in Davee's condition. While most get ready for CNY festivities, I feel I need to post this. With some urgency and a hope that we can help poor Davee.
Side view: the gaping, crater-like wound on Davee's lower back can't be more obvious
A close-up of the wound
So friendly: Davee sniffed our hands and willingly took our treats with a welcoming wagging tail when we visited her at the shelter
Top view: a good part of Davee's coat is shaven off. Her crater-like wound is stark to the human eye
- Background: Davee is part of the five dogs residing in a home. Max and Zoe have been removed from the environment by a rescuer.
- Tick fever plagues her and is suspected to be linked to the open wound. With low PVC, her wound is bleeding and this could lead to bacteria infection.
- Still, Davee does not show any improvement from the tick fever treatment.
- Vet's prognosis is not optimistic but treatment ensues.
- Davee is a four-yr-old female who requires daily administration of medication, plus cleaning of wound 2x/day with simple bandaging.
- Sits quietly to allow wound cleaning and gentle in spirit.
I'd like to ask if you could keep Davee in mind as most of us usher in the lunar new year. Davee resides in a shelter but we estimate that her treatment costs can reach hefty amounts. If you'd like to contribute to Davee's medical bills (any amount is appreciated!), please contact us at projectjkteam@yahoo.com.sg or joyeng1@gmail.com
For now, Davee needs help, so does this soulful dog's rescuer, in helping her tide over this. Thank you for sharing Davee's story with your pals.
Every age has a certain spirit or mood
or climate to it. Our is busyness. We're all running like lemmings from sunup to way past sundown. What's with all the energy drinks? There must be dozens now. RocketFuel. CrankYouUp. Not to mention the coffeehouses on every corner. Why do we need all this caffeine? And why do so many of us now need sleep aids to rest at night? Our grandparents didn't. We thought the age of technology would make life simpler, easier. It has us by the throat. We need to operate at the speed of computers. Seriously, I'm irritated that my e-mail takes four seconds to boot up now, when it used to take ten. I realize I'm not the first to put this down on paper. People have been making this observation for a long time. We are running around like ants do when you kick in their hill, like rats on a wheel, like Carroll's Mad Hatter.
And for some reason, we either believe we can't stop or we don't want to.
How true. Excerpt taken from J. Eldredge's "Walking with God" (2008)
And for some reason, we either believe we can't stop or we don't want to.
How true. Excerpt taken from J. Eldredge's "Walking with God" (2008)
January 22, 2009
Watching our dogs
at play yesterday, out in the mid-day sun - I'm reminded again of how real animals are. And how refreshing it is to meet a real person amidst much of the usual human 'niceness' out there.
Real. Fresh. Child-like.
We see the delight on Star's face as he was let out of the enclosure and the utter blissful expression as he immediately hopped into the pool and laid down flat on the first step, cool water over his body.
I'm overwhelmed by Ben's unabashed affection as he stand-hugs me with fullbodied closeness, unaware that his nails are giving me more than just his tenderness, and slurps wet doggy kisses whiningly all over my face. He must be my most ardent fan.
We smile at Jonah and Jamie's gladness that lights up their twin-boyish faces as they runs laps around the field, enjoying the sun and wind. Till they decided to pick fights with the neighbours. :)
We laugh (and sometimes sigh) at Jordan's mighty kangaroo hops that express his heightened joy at seeing again his human pals - he'll jump right in front of you and if you ignore him, he'll make sure he kangaroo hops you from the back, and yes, he is a tall fellow. He can floor you!
We brace ourselves as Tiger charges towards us, wiggling his 30+kg sumo-body that's so fleshly compact you can't help but give him big sounding pats on his tubby frame.
And Tommy ... our dear ol' Tommy ... who comes to us with a goofy grin on his face - and so happy to see his fav gal Junior -cos for now, he has to be kept in a separate kennel after his frequent quarrels with other resident dogs. Being the odd one out and constantly bullied by Tiger even as they were growing up together, his fights with other dogs seem to arise from the need to protect his turf which he claims over the field and pool area and shares with his good mate Junior. It is an unfortunate occurence as we have to be fair to all other resident dogs, cos Tommy was chasing and fighting many dogs out of his 'territory' and depriving many the use of the field and pool. So Tommy has to be kenneled for the safety of other dogs, especially the smaller ones who are not his match, and fairness to their rescuers.
Young Tommy - his days on the farm
Tommy now
But this will be for a short while only, as we're making plans to fence off a part of the enclosure just for Tommy. With his very own doghouse which will be moved in tomorrow. And steadily, with monitored interactions, we hope Tommy will realise that there is no need to fight anymore. That the field is to share. That he has his space in there. And no one will fight him out if he will only relax and live in harmony with the pack.
Watching our dogs and their canine dynamics among themselves and with us, the close friendship between dog and dog, and man and dog reminds me again so clearly - it takes courage to love. To open your heart and welcome a person or an animal into your world, not knowing where it will lead. How many of us have shunned close relationships cos of this fear to get close, the fear to know and be known.
Many fosterers/caregivers/guardians will share that in their care for an animal, many times the animal teaches them so much.
About unconditional love. Frank affection. No pretense nor excuses. No worries about later, tomorrow, next month, next year. The 'what if I get hurt'.
They live in the moment. Now. Just as they are.
They love without fear. What about you?
Real. Fresh. Child-like.
We see the delight on Star's face as he was let out of the enclosure and the utter blissful expression as he immediately hopped into the pool and laid down flat on the first step, cool water over his body.
I'm overwhelmed by Ben's unabashed affection as he stand-hugs me with fullbodied closeness, unaware that his nails are giving me more than just his tenderness, and slurps wet doggy kisses whiningly all over my face. He must be my most ardent fan.
We smile at Jonah and Jamie's gladness that lights up their twin-boyish faces as they runs laps around the field, enjoying the sun and wind. Till they decided to pick fights with the neighbours. :)
We laugh (and sometimes sigh) at Jordan's mighty kangaroo hops that express his heightened joy at seeing again his human pals - he'll jump right in front of you and if you ignore him, he'll make sure he kangaroo hops you from the back, and yes, he is a tall fellow. He can floor you!
We brace ourselves as Tiger charges towards us, wiggling his 30+kg sumo-body that's so fleshly compact you can't help but give him big sounding pats on his tubby frame.
And Tommy ... our dear ol' Tommy ... who comes to us with a goofy grin on his face - and so happy to see his fav gal Junior -cos for now, he has to be kept in a separate kennel after his frequent quarrels with other resident dogs. Being the odd one out and constantly bullied by Tiger even as they were growing up together, his fights with other dogs seem to arise from the need to protect his turf which he claims over the field and pool area and shares with his good mate Junior. It is an unfortunate occurence as we have to be fair to all other resident dogs, cos Tommy was chasing and fighting many dogs out of his 'territory' and depriving many the use of the field and pool. So Tommy has to be kenneled for the safety of other dogs, especially the smaller ones who are not his match, and fairness to their rescuers.
Young Tommy - his days on the farm
Tommy now
But this will be for a short while only, as we're making plans to fence off a part of the enclosure just for Tommy. With his very own doghouse which will be moved in tomorrow. And steadily, with monitored interactions, we hope Tommy will realise that there is no need to fight anymore. That the field is to share. That he has his space in there. And no one will fight him out if he will only relax and live in harmony with the pack.
Watching our dogs and their canine dynamics among themselves and with us, the close friendship between dog and dog, and man and dog reminds me again so clearly - it takes courage to love. To open your heart and welcome a person or an animal into your world, not knowing where it will lead. How many of us have shunned close relationships cos of this fear to get close, the fear to know and be known.
Many fosterers/caregivers/guardians will share that in their care for an animal, many times the animal teaches them so much.
About unconditional love. Frank affection. No pretense nor excuses. No worries about later, tomorrow, next month, next year. The 'what if I get hurt'.
They live in the moment. Now. Just as they are.
They love without fear. What about you?
January 19, 2009
Speaking to those in power
On a note of thankfulness.
Last week, we drove to the centre in our attempt to catch the officer and explain what we've been doing all this while. And debunk any belief that our caregivers are doing nothing but feeding and feeding the dogs. Feeding them such that they're healthy enough to breed and add to the stray population.
It was to bring closure to Long Long's and Chocho's episode by bringing our points across to them. And thank goodness, they were receptive to us. They could've just shut their doors on us, like most government agencies. For them to cram in a good half hour just for us, it was graciousness beyond expectations.
And so we clarified the following:
Last week, we drove to the centre in our attempt to catch the officer and explain what we've been doing all this while. And debunk any belief that our caregivers are doing nothing but feeding and feeding the dogs. Feeding them such that they're healthy enough to breed and add to the stray population.
It was to bring closure to Long Long's and Chocho's episode by bringing our points across to them. And thank goodness, they were receptive to us. They could've just shut their doors on us, like most government agencies. For them to cram in a good half hour just for us, it was graciousness beyond expectations.
And so we clarified the following:
- Culling is no quick and effective method to solve the source of complaints, neither is it the way to control stray populations sustainably
- Minusing Long Long and Chocho from the picture, the problem still persists
- The area where Long Long and Chocho were from, it's a place of low population density. An industrial builtup made up of horticultures, agribusinesses and other independent farms; it's a sub-urban location with vast fields and secondary forests.
- Dogs, monkeys, stray cats, monitor lizards and snakes are not uncommon to the area
- An open perimeter surrounds the farm in question. Meaning, their fences are either fraught with unfixed holes or just distorted and in need of repair and replacement
- Where bushes, trees and weeds have formed seamlessly with the farm's premises, dogs -- feral, semi-feral, industrial stray or newly abandoned/born -- can move in and out of the farm all the time (so what do you expect?)
- Our ad-hoc group has been actively helping to control and manage the stray dogs in the area. In terms of figures: sterilising close to 10 of them, encouraging licensing in the area, constructing an enclosure to contain the dogs and removing litters of newborn pups from the area, lest they grow into adults and become too hard to handle
In any case, it was a weight off my heart and I am filled with all satisfaction that their team has been receptive enough to hear us out -- our perspectives, our work and recommendations. They opened their ears to us, so it's not all red tape in this respect.
To forge ahead, I learn again that a cool and composed discussion is necessary. Needless to go on a hunger strike, stage sit-outs or barge through the glass into the office. But handle those in power with tact. Speak confidently and calmly. Present your points well. There can't be a better way to communicate, from what I see.
So glad we talked.
'Dogs don't wear condoms,' says Baywatch star Anderson
19 Jan 2009, MUMBAI (AFP) - - US actress Pamela Anderson has appealed to the authorities in India's financial capital Mumbai not to put down nuisance stray dogs, instead calling for them to be sterilised.
An Indian labourer sits with a pair of dogs on a promenade on Mumbai's Marine Drive in 2007. US actress Pamela Anderson has appealed to the authorities in India's financial capital not to put down nuisance stray dogs, instead calling for them to be sterilised.
"It is well established that killing stray dogs is not a permanent solution to controlling their populations," the former "Baywatch" star said in a letter to the municipal commission of Greater Mumbai.
"Dogs cannot use condoms, but with the municipality's help, they can be 'fixed' -- painlessly, quickly and permanently," she added in the letter made public by activist group the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA).
There are thought to be some 70,000 stray dogs in India's financial and entertainment capital and there are widespread concerns about their role in spreading disease, including deadly rabies. Anderson's letter, which cited World Health Organisation and Animal Health Board of India support for mass sterilisation, comes after a legal ruling here to destroy nuisance dogs.
Expressing her concern at the court decision, the 41-year-old star called instead for civic authorities to promote a sterilisation programme for stray dogs as well as those adopted and bought from animal shelters and pet shops.
Anderson's stance was supported by the Mumbai-based charity Welfare of Stray Dogs, which has been carrying out mass sterilisation of stray dogs since 1989.
Its chief executive, Abodh Aras, told AFP: "It's not only Pamela Anderson but a lot of children have also been writing to the commission saying that one should have the policy of sterilisation rather than killing stray dogs.
"Killing has proved to be ineffective in terms of bringing down the stray dog population and human rabies death. It's not just from the dog point of view but also from the human point of view."
Mass killing of stray dogs was implemented by India's British colonial rulers in the 19th century. But by the early 1990s the policy was stopped as it was found to be ineffective in controlling the dog population and reducing human rabies deaths.
An attempt was made to revive the practice in 1998 but was rejected while the latest bid is currently subject to an Indian Supreme Court ruling due in the coming weeks.
India has so many dogs roaming its streets because of its high numbers of slum and street dwellers, who often keep the animals as pets, plus a large amount of garbage, which provides readily accessible food for scavenging mutts.
An Indian labourer sits with a pair of dogs on a promenade on Mumbai's Marine Drive in 2007. US actress Pamela Anderson has appealed to the authorities in India's financial capital not to put down nuisance stray dogs, instead calling for them to be sterilised.
"It is well established that killing stray dogs is not a permanent solution to controlling their populations," the former "Baywatch" star said in a letter to the municipal commission of Greater Mumbai.
"Dogs cannot use condoms, but with the municipality's help, they can be 'fixed' -- painlessly, quickly and permanently," she added in the letter made public by activist group the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA).
There are thought to be some 70,000 stray dogs in India's financial and entertainment capital and there are widespread concerns about their role in spreading disease, including deadly rabies. Anderson's letter, which cited World Health Organisation and Animal Health Board of India support for mass sterilisation, comes after a legal ruling here to destroy nuisance dogs.
Expressing her concern at the court decision, the 41-year-old star called instead for civic authorities to promote a sterilisation programme for stray dogs as well as those adopted and bought from animal shelters and pet shops.
Anderson's stance was supported by the Mumbai-based charity Welfare of Stray Dogs, which has been carrying out mass sterilisation of stray dogs since 1989.
Its chief executive, Abodh Aras, told AFP: "It's not only Pamela Anderson but a lot of children have also been writing to the commission saying that one should have the policy of sterilisation rather than killing stray dogs.
"Killing has proved to be ineffective in terms of bringing down the stray dog population and human rabies death. It's not just from the dog point of view but also from the human point of view."
Mass killing of stray dogs was implemented by India's British colonial rulers in the 19th century. But by the early 1990s the policy was stopped as it was found to be ineffective in controlling the dog population and reducing human rabies deaths.
An attempt was made to revive the practice in 1998 but was rejected while the latest bid is currently subject to an Indian Supreme Court ruling due in the coming weeks.
India has so many dogs roaming its streets because of its high numbers of slum and street dwellers, who often keep the animals as pets, plus a large amount of garbage, which provides readily accessible food for scavenging mutts.
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