Next to Pets Villa (run by ALL) there is a Dog run and just before the gate to the Run there are tables and chairs for people to sit, relax and admire or play with the dogs that come and visit the run.
Sunday is the best time to be there. Many beautiful dogs come by. Some are breed, some are cross, some big and some small but all with their families, happy and excited. After the run, many dogs are washed and shampooed as owners diligently towel dry, comb, brush their pets. It is a beautiful sight to behold as we see how devoted the owners are to their pets. Some families make it into a picnic as kids get involved in this bonding activity.
As one watch the dogs enjoying the attention from their indulgent owners, the contrast over on the other side is stark. Just steps away are the rescued strays staying at Pets Villa. Over here, dogs are fighting tooth and nail for attention. They do get visitors and some people are nice to pass treats through the fence for them but the treats are never enough. The fronting has a selection of a few dogs, there are some over at the back who do not come to front because of territorial rights among the dogs, more at the back and even more in the kennel proper.
The dogs squabble with each other not just over treats but the soft words, the pats and the strokes. As hands stretch through fencing to pat them, the dogs bark in excitement nudging each other for that precious touch. Sometimes fights erupt as a small or weaker one lose to his stronger rival. Back at the cattery, it is no better, every cat wants a stroke, every cat wants you to look at them, to coo at them as different ones curl their tails around your leg as you move along. It gets hard to stop and say hello to one as the next just comes by followed by another. One never know when to stop as line is never ending.
For these at the Kennel, they are their luckier ones, many of their compadres have since perished in the wild, though these are homeless, at least they still have shelter and food at the kennel. They are safe. The kennel staff try to give as much attention to each one but there are many of them. This is the only home they now know. Some of them were abandoned a long time ago and ALL has rescued them and have brought them to safety. Some have been abandoned while at the Shelter as the people who have taken them here no longer pay for their boarding nor do they visit. But all have the same desire, to go home to a family where they do not need to fight for attention, where they can belong to a family.
How is it some people would go through thick and thin for their beloved pets while others would dump them at the slightest change in their plans.
Over at Seletar where we feed, there are still many dogs to feed. We are not as familiar with them as our old Rat Pack but there is always a different pack as the new dogs replace the old ones. Many of these dogs were left behind when their families relocated and some were driven here and left to die. We have seen Retrievers and Spaniels, looking confused and puzzled. Recently we received an email about a nine year old Springer Spaniel being put up for adoption as the family is moving and not intending to take their pet with them. There was a timeline given and they would put it down if not rehomed before they left. How do you explain that to a dog, that his family have moved on and so he had to move out.
Don't we teach our kids that we need to treasure family. That's the whole point, we suppose. Whether you regard your dog as family. For those who do, it would be unthinkable for us to leave a member behind when we relocate or migrate. Or dump it when it got sick. Can anyone imagining putting our kids in a hospital or orphanage just because they had an illness, never visit or take them home again. But that is how it appears to those of us who have been doing rescuing and rehoming. We have seen dogs thrown out because - they grew older? Talked a bit too much. Ate a bit more than they should. Didn't look so cute anymore. Didn't match the newly renovated house. Given up over trivial matters that one does not know whether to laugh humorlessly or cry miserably. Families don't quit. If that is the only thing we have learnt, we know that we can count on our family to be by us and support us. And one beloved member of our family is our dog.
We know our dog will be there when we are happy or miserable and down. That we would be loved whether we deserved it or not. That the licks and hugs we get would not be measured by the amount of kibble given. We know when we walk into our home, she would be waiting as she always does, with a big smile, a big wag and wuffs of joy and definitely prancing around in excitement. It will not matter to her that we had just left to go out for a short while or a long time. The fact is we are back and she is happy to see us and announcing to the whole world that we are home. And we are proud to be hers just as she is to be ours. Because we are family.
From the Kennels
As Christmas approaches, we appeal for sponsorship for those who are staying at the kennels. Our own rescued strays have boarding and medical bills that we are finding hard to cover.
Here is a message from the dogs in the kennel:
Tis the night before Christmas and all through the town,
every shelter is full - we are lost, but not found,
every shelter is full - we are lost, but not found,
Our numbers are hung on our kennels so bare,
we hope every minute that someone will care,
we hope every minute that someone will care,
They'll come to adopt us and give us the call,
"Come here, Patches, come here Junior - come fetch your new ball!!
"Come here, Patches, come here Junior - come fetch your new ball!!
But now we sit here and think of the days..
we were treated so fondly - we had cute, baby ways,
Once we were little, then we grew and we grew
now we're no longer young and we're no longer new.
now we're no longer young and we're no longer new.
So out the back door we were thrown like the trash,
they reacted so quickly - why were they so rash?
We "jump on the children:, "don't come when they call",
we "bark when they leave us", climb over the wall.
we "bark when they leave us", climb over the wall.
We should have been neutered, we should have been spayed,
now we suffer the consequence of the errors THEY made.
If only they'd trained us, if only we knew...
we'd have done what they asked us and worshiped them, too.
we'd have done what they asked us and worshiped them, too.
We were left in the backyard, or worse -let to roam-
now we're tired and lonely and out of a home.
now we're tired and lonely and out of a home.
They dropped us off here and they kissed us good-bye...
"Maybe someone else will give you a try.
"Maybe someone else will give you a try.
"So now here we are, all confused and alone...
in a shelter with others who long for a home.
in a shelter with others who long for a home.
The kind workers come through with a meal and a pat,
with so many to care for, they can't stay to chat,
with so many to care for, they can't stay to chat,
They move to the next kennel, giving each of us cheer...
we know that they wonder how long we'll be here.
we know that they wonder how long we'll be here.
We lay down to sleep and sweet dreams fill our heads..
of a home filled with love and our own cozy beds.
Then we wake to see sad eyes, brimming with tears –
our friends filled with emptiness, worry, and fear
If you can't adopt us and there's no room at the Inn –
could you help with the bills and fill our food bin?
could you help with the bills and fill our food bin?
We count on your kindness each day of the year –
can you give more than hope to everyone here?
can you give more than hope to everyone here?
Please make a donation to pay for the heat...
and help get us something special to eat.
The shelter that cares for us wants us to live,
and more of us will, if more people will give.
Anon.
Better yet, make one of the Kennel dogs, your family so that there can be a special package for them under the Christmas tree with their names on it. While you are enjoying Christmas and a special dinner and opening Christmas presents, there will be none for them. No stockings with treats nor that special turkey dinner.
For those who are thinking of getting a pet, do consider carefully if you are ready. A dog (or any pet) is not a commodity nor is it a toy. It has life, it has feelings. Please discuss thoroughly with your family members before you embark on an additional member in your family. While we wish for our dogs to go to homes, we want them to go to committed loving homes and live there till their end. They will be around for the next ten to fifteen years and you must be committed to their care as they become your responsibility. If after much thought and you are ready, please consider adopting as there are many dogs out there looking for homes.
Our beautiful HoneyBunch puppies are looking for homes. They are now 4 months old, adorable with wonderful temperament. Still young enough for you to train them to fit your lifestyle and watch them mature into adult dogs. This is the best time of their lives and yours too, as you enjoy their youth and romps and be with them into their growing years. Don’t let them grow up in a shelter as puppies need lots of cuddles and hugs.
Friendly Buddy, Male
Playful Oreo, male
Loving Latte, female
Give a chance to our mature dogs too. They may be older than puppies but no less sweet nor lovable. Mature dogs can learn as quickly too, to adapt to changes. These are smart dogs and have great personality. They are good with people and children. They have been abandoned before by their families who have moved on without them. Yet they have survived ... for a reason. Can you give them that reason? They are looking for a chance at a new family who can give them the love they are missing so much and they will repay you with their loyalty. It is not their fault they grew a little bigger and a little older than they should – they couldn’t help it. Time and tide waits for no man nor dog.
Handsome Milo
2 plus years, Male
Sweet MamaBrown
1 plus year, Female
Devoted Cara
1 plus year, Female
Our mature dogs also need sponsorship for boarding and medical as they will be harder to rehome than puppies. If there is anyone out there who may not be able to give them a home but is able to contribute some amount, please remember them. No amount is too little, every donation count. Your contribution will go a long way into their welfare. Help us to help them. Email us at anaterry@singnet.com.com.sg or homelessinseletar@yahoo.com.sg or call 98383820.
Remember the dogs in the kennel this time of the year…-
a season of giving and sharing.
And a Blessed Christmas to One and All.
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