Find Me A Home, Please?

One of the biggest source of stray dogs in Malaysia are building and road construction sites. Tycoons who are awarded million-dollar projects try to stinge on hiring guards. Instead, they encourage the construction workers and the lone guard to keep dogs to protect machinery and equipment. The foreign workers take care of the dogs quite well, no doubt. But when the project is completed, they move on and their faithful dogs and puppies are left to roam the streets on their own.

Sometimes, the loyal dogs are ordered shot or poisoned by the owner as they continue to hang around to guard the spanking new buildings.

Rescued this abandoned, unwanted puppy some time ago. Found it a home subsequently. Do not buy a cat or dog from a pet shop or puppy mill. Thousands of animals are waiting for adoption at pounds and shelters. Many will be put down 🙁

Find Me A Home, Please?

1 Malaysia 0 Heart

Almost zero. Ever since the Pulau Ketam Dog Rescue Mission, I regularly get e-mails from well-meaning Malaysians seeking advice and help in rescuing abused or injured animals. Big hugs to them.

Lately, I have also been receiving plenty of mail from angry foreigners condemning two (globally-publicised) incidents involving our citizens. One guy brutally abused his ‘pet’ dog and another girl trampled a few kittens to death. As a Malaysian, I hold my head down in shame.

To quote Gandhi (again); “The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated” Yes. Not by its shiny towers and shallow Bolehness. As my faith in humanity floundered further, I received an e-mail from two students from the Multimedia University (MMU) in Cyberjaya last night. It read:

“hi… there is a dog stuck in a deep hole in cyberjaya… we tried to get it out but we do not have anything to get it out with.. this is the second day it’s been stuck in there.. is there a chance you could help get it out..??”

Dog In A Hole - Lonely, Hungry & Scared

Dog In A Hole - Lonely, Hungry & Scared

Photo credit: Sello Leteane

I called the given number and spoke to Sello Leteane and Siphiwe Mililo from Botswana. They told me a stray dog had fallen into a sink hole of about 2 meters deep. It was stuck inside for two days already and crying desperately. I told them to give it some food (which they already did) while I revert.

After consulting with Wani of the NGO Malaysian Dogs Deserve Better (big thanks to her for picking up the phone late at night), I explained to the students that is best to call the Fire & Rescue Department in Cyberjaya. Neither of us have the equipment nor expertise to get into that hole.

I decided to go see myself the next day. Just before my arrival, the Fire & Rescue Department had already rescued the dog and it ran back into the woods. Kudos and gratitude to the Bomba team for responding swiftly.

After the rescue, I advised Sello to cover up the hole to prevent another mishap.

After the rescue, I advised Sello to cover up the hole to prevent another mishap.

Standing Tall: Sello Leteane and Siphiwe Millio (not in pic)

Standing Tall: Sello Leteane and Siphiwe Mililo (not in pic)

Sello, Siphiwe and I felt greatly relieved. Interestingly, Sello told me that back home in Botswana, dogs and cats usually have families. Notice he said family instead of owner? I hope more Malaysians will embrace their attitude. To take action and not walk away!