The long-awaited day was finally here. Being an avid animal lover, it was hard to contain my excitement at the thought of the dogs and the other different animals I’d meet at NANAS. The barks of the dogs greeted my ears as I stepped out of the van, and it was like food to the famished. I smiled in delight and walked towards the main gate in anticipation. The first glance of NANAS was as I expected and more! Seated in the heart of quietness, the tranquil paradise was a sight to behold. With its wood-like architecture, the place beckoned us to take a closer look at its occupants. The dogs greeted us with enthusiasm and many barks. Many rushed over, clamoring for a pat or simply just a touch of affection. Hands were washed, licked, washed again and then licked again. Thereafter, the sink did not have any patrons till the end of the trip. =)
 As we embarked on a tour of NANAS, we had little canine bodyguards following behind us, ensuring that we would not get lost. Our volunteer tour guide, Sharon, was excellent, showing us the different parts of this animal haven while keeping up an animated chatter. We were provided some entertainment en-route when two dogs - Sharuma and Princess, put up a dramatic ‘fight’. I’m sure there were smirks on their faces as our faces changed from one of horror to one of amusement. We paid a visit to a monkey going by the moniker of Starbuck at our first stop, carefully observing his little hands and feet. It is not often that one gets such an intimate encounter with a monkey. He first showed his strength as he shook his cage in welcome, but calmed down after awhile to stretch out his fingers and gripped mine in a sign of friendship. All barriers between man (or girl) and animal were broken in that instant, as he stared into my eyes.
 Accompanied by the dogs Mozart and Princess as well as our other guides, we then made our way to the horses’ stable where we met the big friendly giants. Contrary to their sizes, the towering creatures were gentle in nature and did not even harm Sharuma when she teased them mercilessly by entering their stable and refusing to budge. After many carrots, apples and much drool, we reluctantly said our goodbyes in our bid to visit the other animals at the sanctuary.
 Moving on to the canine apartments, we saw many dogs housed in the different cages. Amidst their welcome barks of excitement, we tried our best to pat a hello to each and every single dog around. Tilby put up another show by showing us the versatility of water – for drinking and as a fountain! He happily kicked and splashed the water out of the drinking bucket and then waited for the amused reaction from us. He definitely got what he wanted. Many dogs eyed us while safely hiding underneath a wooden kampong-like house, I figured that these dogs must be rather wary of humans and wondered just how much of a traumatic experience they must have experienced in their life. As much as I wanted to reach out to them to show them that not all humans are callous and unfeeling, I knew that it was in their best interest that I stayed away for now.
 On the way to the Cat Sanctuary, we passed by a huge pond with lotus and other fauna floating in it. Tilby, Mozart, Princess, and Sharuma all jumped in and went for a good swim! It was such an amazing sight to watch – the dogs frolicking in the water while everyone else whipped out their cameras to snap a photo of the unforgettable moment! The dogs had the time of their lives and we, had the time of ours, laughing at their silly antics and trying to dodge them as they came out of the water to shake themselves dry.
When we finally arrived at the cat sanctuary, we were greeted by numerous cats that just came up to us and rubbed against our legs. I immediately felt at home, with them and plunked myself in the middle of the sanctuary to bask in the adoration of the cats. Although dogs have always been my thing, I must admit that the cats won me over almost at once with their endearing purrs and leg rubs. As I sat in the cat sanctuary, no fewer than five cats took turns to lie on my lap and snuggle in my arms. All previous thought about cats being very arrogant vanished and I started to see a different side of our feline friends. One particular little cat sat in between my legs and simply looked up at me, as though to say, ‘why did you take so long to get here?’. I looked back at it quietly, and my only reaction - a shrug of my shoulders and more pats.
  Seated in the heart of tranquility and contentment, I could have stayed at the NANAS for an indefinite period of time. The peace and happiness that come with being around animals is to me simply indescribable. What amazed me was the fact that so many animals could live in the same area so harmoniously, and with humans as well. The passion and love I saw for these animals, from the volunteers and workers at NANAS, left me wondering how else I could show my love for Mack - my cheeky big mongrel, and what else I can now do for the other animals who do not have the good fortune of being cared for and loved.
 This trip has reminded me once again that just like us humans, who are living creatures, with feelings and the need to be loved and respected, animals are definitely no different…
 *Article and pictures contributed by Shelford
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