Her and Her Dogs

plus the cat

SOI DOG, CANADA

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MUTT MARCH – A HUGE SUCCESS IN TWO PROVINCES

In our previous post, we introduced you to SOI DOG FOUNDATION, an incredible organization dedicated to caring for the street dogs and cats of Thailand, and persistently advocating for much-needed change to animal welfare legislation.

Soi Dog, Indy

On June second, the Vancouver chapter of Soi Dog, Canada, held their very first Mutt March fundraiser, followed by the Ontario march, in Erindale Park, Mississauga.  I am happy to report both events were hugely successful. The funds raised from Ontario’s walk nearing ten-thousand dollars!  This money will help with the spay/neuter program at Soi Dog in Thailand, and a portion of the funds will assist the following initiatives:

Close to eighty participants pre-registered for Ontario’s first-ever Mutt March, with more people registering on the day. Over one hundred people turned up to support Soi Dog; including, many Soi Dog rescues, and two partner rescues!

Proud Participant

Even the weather cooperated; the sun shone the whole day. One of the event organizers, and Soi Dog volunteer, Sondra, agrees:

In all, we feel that for a first-time, it was a success. We hope people enjoyed themselves

Weather appropriate attire

Fun contests followed the walk, included:

  • Best dressed dog
  • Dog & owner look most alike
  • Waggiest Tail
  • Best Trick

Lookalikes

Best Trick

Waggiest Tail

Sponsors for the event included:

  • Green Shift
  • Canisource Gran Cru
  • Zyderma
  • Pet Love4Charity
  • Smith Werks
  • RC Pets
  • Island Veterinary Hospital
  • Bonnie & Clyde Premium Pet Food
  • Walks and Wags Pet First Aid
  • Earth Rated
  • Bosley’s, New Westminster
  • Tractive
  • The Kindergarten Class of Pineview Public School

these little kids raised almost five-hundred dollars, through their own initiative!

Sondra strongly agrees children will set the best example, and lead the rest of us to a more humane future for our animal companions. We need to educate young people first.

Vendors and exhibitors included:

  • Pet Love 4 Charity
  • The Bowtail
  • Ren’s Pets
  • Mobile Canine Care
  • Barker and Snouts (doggie ice cream)
  • Pets in Motion Chiropractic
  • Party Painterz (face painters)

I scream, you scream…

Pet Love 4 Charity

Adds Sondra,

We are grateful to the City of Mississauga, our vendors, and exhibitors, Cindy Cherry our MC, and, of course, we appreciate the support, and efforts of our volunteers. Much appreciation to everyone who came out and participated, helping to make the day a success. A special thanks to my team lead, Bev Cartright; an outstanding volunteer, in so many ways

I had the privilege of speaking with several attendees, all of whom agreed it was a day of fun for people and pups!

Pooped Pups

Once again, I am grateful to share the incredible work done by this organization.

Thank you, Soi Dog team,

 

 

 

 

Soi Dog Canada is a not for profit corporation run entirely by volunteers.

SOI DOG FOUNDATION

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HELPING STREET DOGS AND CATS WHO HAVE NO-ONE ELSE TO CARE FOR THEM

For some, the ideal retirement would include daily walks along the beach, on a tropical island. John and Gill Dalley envisioned this dream.  The couple wed on the island of Phuket, Thailand in 1996 and returned to the paradise many times before retiring there in 2003.  Having enjoyed successful careers in their homeland of England, they decided they wanted to give back to society; in particular, the local community in the place in which they created many happy memories.  Without wasting any time, the Dalleys set about finding a humane way to address the stray dog and cat problem on the island, which was, in fact, an issue throughout all of Thailand.

On previous trips to Phuket, the Dalleys were shocked, not just by the vast number of street dogs and cats (estimated at 70,000 at the time), but also by the horrific health conditions. John and Gill learned of another expatriate, Margot Homburg who had been taking dogs in her neighbourhood in Bangkok to be spayed and neutered by a local vet. To fund her efforts, Margot had set up a charity called Soi Dog Foundation.

Soi, meaning “street” in Thailand, is the perfect name for an organization committed to saving and improving the lives of the country’s street animals

The three joined forces and continued the process of mass sterilisation in order to first reduce the number of animals being born on the streets into a life of misery and suffering. Initially, they set up sterilisation clinics throughout the island. John, Gill, and Margot assumed the roles of dog catchers and vet nurses; spay and neuter procedures were carried out by volunteer vets, and occasionally nurses, from overseas. An Australian vet had established a small scale program, focusing her efforts on the many stray dogs taken in by monks. When she moved to Hong Kong, she gave her equipment to Soi Dog Foundation.

The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated – Mahatma Gandhi

Two local vets offered to perform spay/neuter procedures at cost price. Although still small-scale, the program was proving to be highly effective. John and Gill’s vision of providing a humane and sustainable solution to managing the stray population and address their medical needs had become a reality.

The following year, their patience and dedication were tested. After running into a flooded buffalo field to rescue a tranquilized dog, Gill contracted a rare form of septicemia. She was airlifted to Bangkok and remained in a coma for several weeks. Given a slim chance of survival, Doctors advised that if she did survive, she would likely lose her arms and legs. Gill’s fighting spirit saw her through, and although she did lose both lower legs, she survived and was able to use her arms. Only three weeks after having her legs amputated, Gill was determined to enjoy Christmas at home, and discharged herself from the hospital, returning to Phuket on December 22nd, 2004.  Four days later, On December 26th, the devastating Indian Ocean tsunami struck, taking the lives of thousands – including Gill’s closest friend, and a dedicated Soi Dog Foundation volunteer, Leone Cosens.

After much loss, came hope. In 2005, after spending the first few days after the tsunami assisting with the human crisis, Soi Dog Foundation; including, Gill, initially in her wheelchair, began the colossal task of feeding and treating abandoned dogs. Thousands of dogs whose homes and food sources had also been washed away. One positive thing that came out of such devastation is that Soi Dog was now on the map. For months following the tsunami, the foundation was overwhelmed with offers of help from vets and other volunteers, enabling them to run multiple clinics.

Following the disaster, WSPA (World Society for the Protection of Animals), had been very successful with fundraising efforts and were looking for partners. They provided Soi Dog Foundation with a two-year grant. The foundation was now able to employ full-time vets and dog catchers.

Dog Catchers

Later in the year, Soi Dog became the first of its kind to be granted foundation status in Thailand, and a principally Thai board was established.

Experiencing ill health in 2006, Margot left the Dalleys to lead the foundation on an incredible journey of expansion during the next ten years, driven by their continued commitment to alleviate the suffering of Thailand’s street dogs and cats.

2011 – Thousands of dogs rescued and dozens of arrests made as a result of Soi Dog’s campaign to end illegal export of an estimated 500,000 dogs per year to Vietnam for use as dog meat.

2013 – Funding to build and finance a huge complex of shelters, as well as provide food and medication.

2014 – Thailand introduced its first animal welfare law. Soi Dog Foundation sat on the committee that drafted the law. The Prevention of Animal Cruelty and Provision of Animal Welfare Act makes it illegal to eat dog and cat meat.

2017 – Sadly, after a short battle with cancer, Gill passed away. She devoted the last four years of her life to designing and overseeing the construction of a new, state-of-the-art dog hospital, dedicated entirely to the treatment of street dogs.  The is the largest and most comprehensive hospital in Asia, and possibly the world.

The hospital is the fulfillment of Gill’s promise to provide the best possible treatment for the street dogs she loved

John and Gill’s vision is shared internationally. As others learned of their cause, and the difference the foundation is making to the animals, alliances were formed.  As well as International Partner Rescue Programs, SOI DOG has become a legally registered charity in other countries: Australia, France, the Netherlands, the UK, the United States, and has a growing presence on two Canadian coasts.

The organization’s continued success is apparent;

Soi Dog Foundation performed 80,000 spay/neuter surgeries in 2018 – an increase of 51% from the previous year, bringing the total to more than 300,000 procedures overall

Tourists are embracing the opportunity to experience John and Gill’s dream paradise. Travel to the foundation to walk dogs has become part of a destination vacation – guests rave about their FIVE STAR EXPERIENCE on Tripadvisor.

Before researching this incredible organization, I, like many, believed their efforts were focused on putting an end to the dog-meat trade. SOI DOG efforts include:

CNVR – controlling overpopulation and eliminating disease by Capture/Neuter/Vaccinate/Release.

MEDICAL TREATMENT – high-quality veterinary care to strays.

SHELTER – provided to victims of cruelty and abuse, disabled animals, abandoned puppies, and others who are unable to survive on the streets.

ADOPTION – Finding permanent homes in Thailand, and overseas for animals in the shelter.

Click here to read about Soi Dog success, and loving adoptions.

FIGHTING THE ASIAN DOG MEAT TRADE – Dismantling the organised meat trade across the borders and putting an end to eating cats and dogs in Asia.

DISASTER RESPONSE – Initiating fast and effective action to save dogs and cats after natural or man-made disasters.

ERADICATING PUPPY FARMS – Encouraging people to adopt rescue dogs and not buy puppies from pet stores.

ANIMAL WELFARE LAWS – Soi Dog Foundation was instrumental in the introduction of Thailand’s first animal welfare law and sits on committees designed to improve it. Also, the organization campaigns to ensure the law is enforced and the sentences applied (by courts) for cruelty to animals are as severe as the new law allows

EDUCATION AND TRAINING – An emphasis is being put on educating children; both local, and abroad, to change the attitude of future generations, to the welfare of animals.

Soi Dog Canada, a non-for-profit group of volunteers, support the organization through independent fundraising, education, partner rescues, foster, and adoptions.

Mutt March

DON’T MISS SOI DOG MUTT MARCH

 

If you live near Richmond, BC, be sure to sign up for Mutt March

taking place this Sunday, June 2nd, in Garry Point Park.

Join us Sunday, June 9th, in Erindale Park, Mississauga, ON for Mutt March,

a day of fun for the whole family.

 

Thank you,

 

 

 


photos courtesy of Soi Dog Foundation

SHADES OF HOPE WILDLIFE SANCTUARY

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TREATING AND RELEASING HEALTHY ANIMALS BACK INTO THEIR NATURAL HABITATS

Shades of Hope, is a registered charity dedicated to treating, nurturing, and rehabilitating injured and orphaned native wildlife, Including, a large number of wild birds, mammals & reptiles.

Porcupines are cute!

Located in Georgina, Ontario, Canada, Shades of Hope serves the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), and surrounding areas throughout the South Central Ontario corridor.

Sadly, commercial and residential growth continues to explode, taking over the habit that was formerly occupied by our wildlife. The lack of suitable habitat mean animals have less space, and food sources, and are more likely to become victims of road accidents, and human cruelty

As the need for rescue of these orphaned and injured animals increases, Shades of Hope is committed to providing veterinary care, proper nourishment and a safe place for them to flourish until they are ready to return to their rightful place in nature.

In the event of a wildlife crisis, Shades of Hope will do their best to help. When unable to assist directly, the organization will, where possible, help you find an alternative resource.

My first experience with Shades Of Hope was the day a Finch flew head first into my kitchen window. I ran to the garden and found the little bird more than dazed; I was not hopeful.  I contacted Animal Control, and by the time I had made a warm bed in a shoebox for the bird, an officer had arrived to collect him.  I asked what would happen to the little bird and the officer informed me she would take the bird to Shades Of Hope for treatment.  Since I volunteer at the shelter, I was able to follow up and learned my little friend had made a full recovery. Now that I have seen, firsthand, this incredible facility and equipment, as well as the care given to each patient, I am not at all surprised.

ALL LIVES MATTER

Click here for tips, from the refuge, about how to deter such accidents from occurring.

The facility is not open to the public; I am grateful for the opportunity to visit Shades Of Hope and share my experience with others.

I was welcomed, by founder, and manager Gail, and we proceeded with the tour. Immediately, I was impressed by how incredibly well-organized the facility is; thus, enabling the highest level of efficiency. As emergency cases are constant, everything needs to run smoothly.

The bird corner is comprised mainly of shelves containing rows and rows of makeshift homes for baby birds and will be full this time of year (spring). The baby birds require feeding every fifteen minutes, and feeding stations are set up along the walls to accommodate this full-time job. The birds are housed in cloth cages, so they don’t harm their feathers.

Also in this area are incubators for patients with head injuries, providing them with oxygen, and keeping their body temperature stable. An example given is of a little sparrow who hit a window. The facility sees a large number of collision cases. Road accidents and frostbite are other reasons patients end up at the refuge for treatment.

The bunny room is a quiet area, chosen with these easily stressed beings in mind. Nearby, are neatly arranged shelves of food and milk. The bunny milk is shipped from Australia. There is no other manufacturer of bunny milk in the world. It all comes from Australia. Although they have tried creating blends of their own and using different products, they have found this formula, made specifically for bunnies, gives them the best result. Doing so helps their success rate with bunnies.

Patients are separated into ‘Adult’ and ‘Baby’ buildings.

Adult animals are easily stressed; the babies don’t know to be afraid of us, yet

The team limits their interaction with wildlife, doing so only as much as required to medicate and monitor them.

There is also a Meal-worm Farm, which, provides nourishment for the thirty bats Gail is currently feeding.

At this time, there are twenty-nine Opossums at SOH; they’re everywhere, Gail points out. As they’re nocturnal, most were sleeping during my tour. I kept my voice to a little more than a whisper so as not to disturb these guests.

Enclosures decorated to mimic natural habitats

Five-star service at the facility means each guest’s room is cleaned every morning. Some even have a second clean at the end of the day.

Room Service with a smile!

There is also a feeding area for baby squirrels. This process runs like clockwork; one baby is fed and moved to the ‘done’ section until all have been fed and are returned to their original accommodations.

Twelve interns work shifts during the spring, sitting at the feeding stations to accommodate the demand.

The remainder of the team is made up of three full-time employees, and many volunteers; mostly students hoping to work in fields such as zoology, conservation, animal sciences, or pre-vet. Some students travel from other parts of the world for the opportunity to work and learn from their experience at the refuge.

Shades Of Hope is the first wildlife centre with an accredited surgical centre for wildlife. After passing all qualifications to gain certification, SOH is recognized by The College of Veterinarians of Ontario. Veterinarians come to the sanctuary twice a week to perform surgeries. Having a Vet Technician on the team, SOH is able to perform many medical procedures, themselves. The centre includes an x-ray station and a lab (for blood and fecal tests), an isolation space, and the surgical area. The team worked late into the night, last night, on an injured opossum that travelled from Waterloo, Ontario.

As we walk past the pigeon wall, I notice an interesting machine:

Gail proudly explains the device is a ‘large animal incubator,’ fashioned out of a freezer. The team has used the incubator, successfully, to treat larger animals such as deer, a swan, and foxes. This type of machine would have cost eight to ten-thousand dollars. This Money can be used elsewhere.

DIY Incubator

The medication distribution area is a hub of activity first thing in the morning, and again in the evening. Those are our busy times, explains Gail. Patient files and a white board keeps records methodized and the process streamlined.

Food prep and laundry areas are also uncluttered, and orderly.

I meet resident Wood duck, Woody at the ‘indoor pond;’ a little pool enclosed in a horse-type stall where he is visiting the ducks and geese.

Indoor Pond

When he sees us, he comes out to join in the conversation; he’s a chatty fellow.

Woody, the resident Wood duck

A beautiful Barred Owl is recovering, nearby, from having his wing caught-up in fishing line. He was found hanging from a hydro wire. X-rays did not show any fractures; however, there may be some ligament damage. Time will tell. For now, he’s on antibiotics, and the pain and swelling is being managed.

Barred Owl

In the backyard, an intermediate area serves as an adjustment area, before the birds are transferred to larger pens. Aviaries provide shelter to the songbirds; some are winterized to house a large number of opossums.

This area is usually quite a noisy corner with all the screaming and chirping

One guest, a bluejay, is in residence until his tail grows back. Something got a hold of him, and although he managed to get away, he lost his tail.

A winterized section of accommodation

Nearby is a one-hundred-foot-long covered building, this is the ‘flight testing’ centre. When staff feels a bird has recovered from their injuries, they are brought to this centre to see if they can fly. When the birds aren’t using it, the donkeys do. Gail laughs: but not to fly!

Test Flight Centre

The premises also has a quarantine building, a chicken coop, equipped with heat lamp, and a storage shed for various feed suplies.

A winterized facility has been created for baby squirrels born late last year. They were too young to be released before spring.

I’m shown where, on the grounds, there will be four, fully-caged outdoor water-fowl enclosures, comprised of multiple ponds. This new addition will house the more than one-hundred and fifty baby ducklings raised by Shades Of Hope, each year. They’ll now be outside, instead of inside.

When I suggest that Shades of Hope is more like a resort than a treatment facility, Gail responds:

We owe them the best we can give them

Since opening in 2013, the organization has helped more than fifteen thousand wild lives. Click  to view species cared for. Learn how you can help this incredible charitable organization save more wild lives.

Founder/Board Member Gail Lenters

Thank you, Gail, and SOH Team for inviting me to visit your beautiful facility, and for allowing me to share information about Shades of Hope, and the animals you help,

 

 

 

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