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SOI DOG FOUNDATION

May 31, 2019 | 13 Comments

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

Categories: ADOPTABLES, RESCUE GROUPS & SHELTERS Tagged: Animal-welfare, International Rescue, Rescue, Rescue Organizations, STREET CATS, Street Dogs, Support Rescues

ISABELLA WANTS TO LIVE!

March 7, 2018 | 24 Comments

WE NEED YOUR HELP!

Dear Animal Lovers,

We are reaching out for your help. Beautiful, five-year-old Isabella is in desperate need of surgery! The cost of surgery will cost between $2500 – $3000. Donations required (and much appreciated). Please help us save her life!

Isa

It was during her spay operation the Vet discovered the trauma to Isabella’s hind end. Usually, during spay surgery, the team will straighten an animal’s legs, allowing them greater access to carry out the procedure. They could not bend or stretch either of Isabella’s back legs – at all.

X-rays were performed, and the extent of her injuries was discovered; both hips were badly broken. The orthopedic surgeon determined that surgery was required for her to have a good quality of life.

At this time, the veterinarian has prescribed medication which, cannot be used long-term as it will cause other issues including organ failure.

Isabella needs surgery, and we need your support to make that happen!

Georgina Feral Cat Committee is an organization that focuses on TNR efforts to reduce the overpopulation of feral cats in the community. The organization fosters, rehomes, and provides medical care for cats, and their kittens that are born before they have had the opportunity to spay or neuter the adult cats in feral colonies.

Overpopulation is a concern in most communities. These efforts require human resources and significant funds to make a difference. Although this case is outside their usual practice, Georgina Feral Cat Committee did not want to see Isabella euthanized, believing that ‘All Lives Matter.’

We just had to try to help her and cannot use funds that have been earmarked and raised for TNR efforts (Trap, Neuter, and Return)

There is a solution, but it costs money. Please donate today – every little will make a difference to Isabella and the feral cats being cared for by this organization.

We believe that, at one point, Isabella was a beloved family pet that found her way outside and was hit by a car. The trauma to her hind end is severe and will require significant surgery on both hips. As a result of the injury, and despite the option of having surgery, Isabella has arthritis which will require long-term medical treatment.

When I first met Isabella at the animal shelter where she had been residing for more than four months, she was so utterly terrified, and, as we now know, in such pain, I was unable to open her cage without having her hiss and lash out and scratch me. Thankfully, Georgina Feral Cat Committee saw the determination demonstrated by this little cat and agreed to request the shelter sign her over to their care.

Isabella wants to live!

During the three weeks that Isabella has been in my care, I have seen a significant improvement in her disposition. Her eyes look at me softly, and she is relaxed and comfortable. Initially, Isabella would not come out of her hide-a-box for treats, but clearly, she enjoyed them as they were all gone when I next visited. It didn’t take long until Isabella would come right out for her treats and would remain out of hiding to eat her meals (full meals when at first, she barely ate).

Isabella has found her little voice and can be quite chatty. I see hope in her eyes and hear the gratitude in her voice. Isabella’s personality is starting to show. She is a cheeky madam, tapping my fingertips as if to say ‘you can drop those right there, thank you.’ I can’t wait to see what other traits she shares with us in the near future.

I will continue to work with Isabella over the next few weeks. However, even though Isabella is finally receiving medical treatment for the pain, this isn’t a long-term solution as she cannot be treated with strong pain medication for the rest of her life.

It is clear that, with pain management, love and patience, she is starting to trust again. I can’t wait to see how much her personality shines once she has had the necessary surgery to relieve her from extensive pain.

Your support will give Isabella the opportunity to enjoy a good life. Please help her to get the surgery she needs to be able to thrive in a loving home.

Isabella is a fighter, and we believe she deserves to be comfortable and experience love, again. She deserves a chance! Please, help us help Isabella. Donate today!

Email transfer or PayPal payments accepted by Georgina Feral Cat Committee email address is georginaferals@gmail.com.

TAX RECEIPTS ARE AVAILABLE if donations are sent by email transfer to paws@pawsofgeorgina.com. Cheques also accepted by PAWS OF GEORGINA  . Full name and address required. Please state that donation is for Isabella.

Thank you,
Georgina Feral Cat Committee
& Foster Mom,

 

 

 

Be sure to check back for updates on Isabella – or sign up for free notifications!

 

 

Categories: ADOPTABLES, RESCUE GROUPS & SHELTERS Tagged: Animal-welfare, Cat, Rescue, Save-a-life, Shelt

COMPASSION FATIGUE

January 13, 2017 | 42 Comments

HOW TO RECOGNIZE IT – #BellLetsTalk

I started blogging as a coping mechanism. A creative outlet for the almost daily upsets experienced by animal-welfare advocates. As much as I deflected and emptied my emotions through these written words, I seemed to attract ten times as much negativity in the course of each week interacting with people in the real world. Knowing how much I care about animals, it seemed people felt compelled to share the most horrific stories with me. As if I am somehow immune or, during my years of volunteering, I must be void of emotions. Although I felt my emotions were, at times out of control, that was not the case!

© Soloviova Liudmyla / Adobe Stock

It seemed each time I turned on the news there was a heartrending story relating to animals: abduction, abuse, house fires resulting in death, etc. Some stories would haunt me for days, and I would start crying at the thought of it.

WHAT IS WRONG WITH ME?

My husband urged me to take a break from it all: the writing, the reading and research, and volunteering. No chance. Advocating and Volunteering gives me a sense of purpose and makes me feel that, in a small way, I can contribute to making a difference.

I am blessed to have an incredible support system in place. After deciding this can’t be what every animal-welfare advocate feels, I reached out to this group of amazing people and soon learned I had been suffering from ‘Compassion Fatigue.’

Compassion Fatigue is the deep physical, emotional, and spiritual exhaustion that can result from working day to day in an intense care-giving environment

– Figley & Roop, Compassion fatigue in the animal-care community, 2006

Also, I am grateful that, as a volunteer, I have access to workshops provided by the shelter. When they listed an afternoon learning about Compassion Fatigue, I made sure my name was on the list. Our host Dr. Stoewen, DVM, MSW, Ph.D is the “Care and Empathy Officer and Director of Veterinary Services” for Pets Plus Us , and is an expert on the topic.

I want to share this information with you so that you will recognize the signs. In yourself, or in others.

When people feel powerless, they become vulnerable. What makes us vulnerable? We’re human beings. It’s human nature.

Is it compassion fatigue or burnout? Burnout results from stress at work. People suffering from burnout can usually bounce back after having a weekend off from issues at work. If they are not able to switch off from the day to day frustrations, they may be left with a sense of low personal accomplishment and the minor stress that causes burnout can escalate, contributing in some cases to compassion fatigue.

Burnout may be caused by:
-problems with coworkers
-job loss (financial security)
-demotion

Characteristics of burnout: 
Emotional & Physical Exhaustion:
you may feel overloaded with pressure, tired and lacking energy.

Avoidance & Alienation:

as you become more frustrated with your job and the work environment, you may develop a cynical attitude feel that you are no longer able to trust your coworkers. During this time you may feel alienated or choose to distance yourself emotionally and physically from your work and coworkers.

Diminished Performance & Negative Attitude:

Daily tasks at work, and home, including caring for family members can be affected. People experiencing burnout find it difficult to concentrate, tend to be negative about duties, are less innovative and may be lethargic.

If you aren’t able to leave work behind at quitting time it might be time for a change of environment – or job, to prevent burnout from escalating!

It can become a vicious circle. The overlap of any of the following, in any combination, and in any amount can contribute to Compassion Fatigue.

© Soloviova Liudmyla / Adobe Stock

Examples of Traumatic Stress:

Primary:
-personal pain, trauma, or loss
-death of a loved one (including animal companions)
-separation/divorce
-car accident
-alcoholism/addictions
-major disease diagnosis
-mental illness
-family violence

Secondary:
-dealing with someone else’s trauma, pain, and loss
-animals
-customers
-each other

Examples of Cumulative Stress:

Professional:
-intense workplace demands and stress
-long hours
-inability to achieve work-related goals
-unmet expectations
-boredom with routines
-powerlessness
-staff discord

Personal:
-intense family demands and stress
-family conflict
-personal health problems
-financial concerns
-housing difficulties
-social isolation

(Mathieu, The Compassion Fatigue Workbook, 2011)

Depending on each person’s coping skills, and mental health, some people are more vulnerable to experiencing compassion fatigue. Depression can be a symptom of full-blown compassion fatigue.

Compassion Fatigue is the natural consequent behaviors and emotions resulting from knowing about a traumatizing event experienced by a significant other – the stress resulting from helping or wanting to help a traumatized or suffering person (or animal) 

– Figley, Treating Compassion fatigue, 2002

 

Symptoms of Compassion Fatigue may include:
-personality change
-reduced sympathy and empathy for others
-Mood swings, anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts or gestures
-anger and irritability
-being easily startled
-negative self-image
-lethargy, physical and emotional exhaustion
-memory loss, forgetfulness
-loss of efficiency and reliability
-indecision
-inappropriate judgement
-interpersonal problems
-tearfulness
-unpredictable work habits and patterns
-becoming accident prone
-excessive time at work OR
-increased sick time and time away from work
-alcohol on the breath
-heavy ‘wastage’ of drugs
-physical deterioration
-customer and staff complaints about changing attitude or behavior
-increasing personal and professional isolation
-skepticism, cynicism, embitterment, and resentfulness
-avoiding certain animals, customers, & euthanasia (in the shelter and veterinary worlds)
-some people experience self-denial (soldier mentality)

The Consequences:

Physical: headaches, gastrointestinal upsets, and chronic pain and fatigue

Mental: mood disorders (anxiety and depression), eating disorders, dissociative disorders, personality disorders, and addictions (smoking, alcohol, and gambling)

Professional Competence: poor interpersonal relationships and compromised (animal) care.

Organizational Welfare: spreads like a contagion to the detriment of the workplace climate and outcomes.

Vocation: premature job changes, and different career path.

(Mathieu, The Compassion Fatigue Workbook, 2011)

Compassion fatigue has driven both promising and seasoned professionals out of their professions entirely, permanently altering the direction of career paths

– Mitchener & Ogilvie, 2002

In my next post I will be outlining the Compassion Fatigue Process, how to manage it and turn our experiences into ‘Compassion Satisfaction.’

 

 

 

 

Categories: HEALTH & WELLNESS Tagged: Animal-welfare, Compassion Fatigue, Mental Health

NEW NAME, NEW LOOK, AND A (SLIGHTLY) NEW OUTLOOK

January 4, 2016 | 25 Comments

out-look (n.)

1. A point of view; an attitude: a positive outlook.
2. Expectation for the future
Banner

For our new friends and faithful followers that perhaps have not yet noticed, we changed our tag a while back from ‘Tails Are Wagging – there’s a new dog in town,’ to ‘Her and Her Dogs (plus the cat).’

Tails are wagging was meant to be a take on ‘tongues are wagging’ and we felt that sounded a bit like gossip. We try not to engage in idle talk or spread rumors or misinformation. We care less about the personal or private affairs of others and prefer to dish about positive, upbeat situations, fun and useful products, valuable training and nutritional information, or friends in need of support. Okay, we tattle when it comes to situations that may harm members of our pack. But only when that information will benefit our animal-loving community.

As far as the literal wagging of tails, Henry and Reese are the only ones who have mastered that trick. Ricky the Rooster aka ‘the cat’ has a big, fluffy blonde tail that appears to be made up of feathers.

The Rooster can shake those feathers, but sadly, his mama is no J-Lo.

Sadie & Co. fits the whole pack, and it seemed the time was right to make the transition.

When I writing the children’s book, Henry says “Hello” I somehow never thought of my involvement as more than author and illustrator. I know, I know, how would the message get out if I was hiding behind the book and the writing on this blog.

I firmly believe, that children need to learn to interact appropriately with and behave respectfully around dogs.

So now we are a PACKage deal. I stand alongside the furries, united in our crusade to learn and share information that will be useful and, some fun stuff, for all animals and their people. I will continue to work with my peers in the animal-welfare community to address some tough issues, generate awareness and together, make a difference.
shoes

 

 

 

 

 

That’s the name, now for the look:

The Theme
I am a romantic. I love pastels and lace, gardens full of flowers, woods full of trees with leaves of all shapes and colours, and the critters that roam amongst them. I love picnics on quilts with lemonade and food served on mismatched plates and sipping (herbal) tea from a teacup with saucer.

It had to be vintage!

After deciding what changes and additions I wanted to make to my page, I searched for weeks comparing themes and ultimately settling on one I thought complimented those components. Thank you, Ashley of Dinosaur Stew, for creating the Elissa Theme, and for your assistance.

The Logo
As an artist, I wanted a look that reflected something from my easel. I knew I did not have time to create something myself, in the timeline I had set. I was so happy to find Kimberly from Kimberly Paige Designs, a graphic designer that was able to translate my design digitally, from some rough sketches and a few messages. The finished product turned out exactly as I envisioned it. Gold font, with Henry, Reese, Ricky, and a pair of ‘her’ shoes conveyed digitally, in pastel shades of ‘watercolour.’

Your Heart Dog
I have heard it said that you only get one “heart dog” in your life. The one that speaks to your soul and with whom you experience a bond, a connection unlike any other. The notion may be true; however, I believe each of our companions teach us different lessons about being better humans.

Heartdog

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This ‘heart dog’ signifies the companions from our past that we still hold deep in our hearts, and those whom we will be blessed to know and make room for in our hearts, in the future.

We hope you continue to visit and find some things here that resonate with you.

Heart

ALL THE BEST TO YOU AND YOURS IN 2016!
signature5

 

 

 

 

Categories: OUR PACK Tagged: Animal-welfare

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Welcome to Sadie & Co!

We’re Sadie & Co. (her and her dogs plus the cat). Would you like to share your rescue story or tell us about an amazing service or product? We’d love to hear from you! Thank you for visiting, we hope you’ll stop by often. Better yet, subscribe and don’t miss out on the latest and greatest tips, tricks and treats!

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