Now, let's do more useful things and think of ways to help Pak Din and his puppies, shall we?
Chew told me yesterday when I met up with him that Pak Din's 2 adult dogs have died at the vet's. The cause of death is poisoning. This piece of news changes things now. I don't think it is wise to let the puppies grow up in such a place, especially when they would certainly roam freely (Pak Din doesn't have any proper place, he lives in a shack) and be subject to being poisoned.
So, yesterday evening I discussed Pak Din's dilemma with the manager of the local shelter. Long story cut short, here's my proposal for Pak Din, if he agrees, that is:
We will raise funds for food for the puppies for now. When they are 7 weeks old, we will arrange for the puppies to be vaccinated. Pak Din will continue to look after them until the next vaccination, at about 9-10 weeks old. At this age, we will blog for adopters and see how many we can get adopted. Those who cannot be adopted can then be sent to the shelter as they would be bigger, their immune system stronger and should be able to survive at the shelter while waiting to be adopted. The adoption rate at the shelter is actually 50%, which is really good, and our local shelter does not simply put down animals due to overcrowding. Knowing that Pak Din's adult dogs had been poisoned, we simply cannot run the risk of having these poor puppies poisoned as well.
So I proposed this to Chew.
Chew's response:
Frankly I could not agree with you more. I heard that due to some complaints from the neighbours, the authorities went round laying poisoned food for the dogs.
At moment Din's is very emotional as he lost the mother dog and yesterday his favorite dog Cha Cha, all to suspected poisoning. To see a 64 year old guy crying over the loss of his pets is heartbreaking to say the least. When I told him about your support and that he could keep all the puppies he was very moved. He keep blaming himself for not able to bring the dogs earlier to the vet due to lack of transport. I made the mistake to tell him that the food subsidy will be for as long as he wish(but may not be true). Anyway his other good friend Selvam(who helped take the dogs to clinic for him)also strongly suggested to him to put his puppies for adoption.
At moment he lives in a unoccupied piece of land(belonging to a Malay lady)which is idle and with secondary forest. Luckily its just next to a Muslim sponsored orphanage, where they were kind enough to let him tap electricity and water. There's no bathroom so he uses the orphanage's toilet facilities. Its far from ideal as a home and place to raise pets as they are subject to wild animals and poisonous creatures(just saw 8 inch centipedes running around today). Also hygiene is lacking. The place is definitely only a temporary shelter.
I'm now arranging to relocate Pak Din to a better dwelling place. Will speak with certain people who might be able to help.
On his part, Din is trying very hard to find work as part time musician, and i'm trying to find some contacts for him too. If he can earn a couple hundred more a month(plus his welfare of rm400) and some allowance from a good samaritan he should be able to sustain himself and get some food for his pets.
Another idea for brainstorming. I know a few musicians like Din who were great professionals in their heydays. Din has played music for several decades in many countries Korea, Japan, thailand, australia etc. He's like the old soldier who's slowling fading away but still has some fire left with the right motivation. I'm toying with the idea of organising a small scale fund raising concert roping in such old timers playing time tested favorites from Beatles, BeeGees, CCR, Chicago, etc etc. I can organize the musicians, and in our circle of contacts if we can find a venue(cheap or FOC better) then can we do a musical concert?? Do you think we'll get a decent audience who's willing to pay some money?? Some of these musicians can even teach music to the younger generation?? In fact I know many old timers teaching guitar, drums etc at music studios.
Lets move one step at a time.I'll help him to get his puppies vaccinated as first step. His seventh puppy came back today together with Char Char which was buried just outside his hut this afternoon. Took some photos which will post later.
I attach a copy of Din's bill for the treatment of his dogs today. Can you see if it can be subsidized partially as i believe its not your panel doctor.
We will pay for this bill since Din is in such dire straits. I have arranged to meet Chew today at the petfood store. I'll get some catfood for Din's cats as well.
It is good that Chew is now helping Pak Din relocate to a better place. Some arrangements are being made right now, and if all goes well and if Pak Din has a more proper house, he can then consider keeping some of the puppies as his companions. Our concern is that the puppies are safe and not subject to harm.
It is also good that Chew is also helping Pak Din get back to his feet since Pak Din was a former musician. We are going to work on this as well, and will update when we have firmer plans. If you can chip in with ideas about organising this concert, please leave a comment on this blog or write to Chew at jenahakchew@gmail.com.
For now, it is about raising funds for food so that the puppies can grow up and be vaccinated.
One step at a time....
If you'd like to chip in for Pak Din's puppy food fund, please channel your donations to Mary Yap:
Yap Mie Ling PBB 3084399300
Please follow immediately with an email to Mary Yap at maryyap@macp.com.my and state that it is for Pak Din.
Pak Din and the 8 orphaned puppies
More Articles By AnimalCare
|
|
Member Login
