Desperate times calls for desperate measures

Recently, Noah’s Ark Natural Animal Sanctuary(NANAS) responded to a call for help from a Singaporean lady, Clara who had a crisis on her hand which had affected her in ways unimagined which included her pet dog, Brownie as well. Noah’s Ark has responded to such cases before but this is one case that we could not ignore as it was exceptional and based on compassionate grounds.

Clara and her cousin, Joseph had approached many platforms to find the necessary help and assistance in resolving their dilemma which meant that they had exhausted all means of assistance.  Due to her genetic medical condition which is classified as of Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) which is a systemic rheumatic disease, meaning it affects the entire body. The symptoms range from severe joint inflammation, spine degeneration, chest pain and generalised fatigue.  This long-term affliction has rendered Clara the inability to care for Brownie and to provide the best for her.

To add to her mounting woes, she is undergoing a separation from her husband who is abusive and thus, she has no choice but to seek a personal protection order against him to safeguard her well-being. However, every month, she is given $350 for maintenance from her husband as instructed by the district judge.

The story of Brownie, a mongrel is equally heart-wrenching as Brownie’s mum gave birth to a few puppies on Pulau Tekong which took place 10 years ago. A kind-hearted army boy brought the puppy home but due to objections from his parents, he had no choice but to look for another home for Brownie. This is the time where Clara took ownership of Brownie and she has been caring for her since the last 10 years.

For Clara and Brownie, both of their situations got tougher when she received a complaint from the Housing Development Board (HDB) that Clara is not the rightful owner of her flat and that she cannot reside anymore in the flat. Despite her difficult dilemmas, Clara did not give up on Brownie; she was determined to be together with her beloved pet.  Her cousin’s friend soon proved to be a second option for Clara to allow her to house Brownie in her home but there were only certain times that she must meet to be able to see Brownie. Therefore, she has to adhere to the strict regulations set aside by her friend in order to maintain the sense of responsible ownership for Brownie which is the existing love and care for her.

After 11months of staying at Clara’s friend’s home, Brownie started to develop recurring bouts of diarrhoea, she was bitten by ticks, and the loss of fur left her with red scaly patches on her body.  To her horror, she discovered that Brownie was locked up in a room to prevent her from barking at strangers.  This caused Brownie to scratch her skin which bleeds periodically due to the pent up stress due to her unfair confinement in the room.  Lynda, a volunteer from Noah’s Ark proposed a plan to take Brownie out of Clara’s friend’s house due to the strict arrangements and to find an alternative solution for Brownie.

The volunteers at Noah’s Ark were moved by Clara and Brownie’s plight and unfortunate situation that we are appealing to raise funds to substantiate the costs of bringing Brownie to find her permanent home which is at the sanctuary. The funds are as follows:

1. Boarding fees @ $235.40
2. Transportation and documentation to Noah's Ark in JB @ $550
3. Medical bill for health check @ $187.25

    Total: $972.65

Overall, Brownie health is generally alright aside from the slight skin problem, her health is good for a senior dog.  Currently Brownie is being temporary housed at a boarding kennel so as to facilitate her transportation to Noah’s Ark.  Clara goes to visit Brownie at the hotel and she says, “I just now visit Brownie and bring her for a walk, she’s very happy.  Really need to thank Lynda for letting me and Brownie a chance to be together.”   Brownie loves Clara very much due to the special unbreakable bond of owner and pet which is evident from their perseverance through thick and thin.

These words of appreciation and gratitude shows the amount of love she is willing to sacrifice for Brownie but due to unforeseen circumstances, it does not allow her to provide the shelter and protection for Brownie.  The sanctuary extends help to such situations that are based on compassionate grounds in hopes of helping the owner and their pet to find the respite that they need.

We hope that Clara finds the help that she needs to lead a better and more stable life. We knew that Clara wants to see to the well-being of Brownie which is her first priority, to recover from health-wise and to secure a job when her health is more stable.  Also, we would appreciate for your kind generosity needed to give Brownie a second chance at living out her remaining years with dignity and the love that she deserves.

If you would like to contribute towards Brownie's welfare:

By cheque

Payable to Noah's Ark CARES, please write "In Aid of Brownie" on the back of cheque and mail to: 42 Cairnhill Road #02-01 Singapore 229661 

By fund transfer

DBS Bank	OCBC Bank
Bank: DBS Account type: DBS CURRENT Acct number: 012-900823-0 Acct name: Noah's Ark CARES Branch Code: 012 Bank Code: 7171	Bank: OCBC Bank (OCBCSGSG) Acct No: 501-827745-001 Acct Name: Noah's Ark Companion Animal Rescue & Edn Society Branch: OCBC Head Office Branch Code: 501 Bank Code: 7339

Please email to noahsarkcares@gmail.com when you have made a transfer in order for us to send a receipt to you. 

Thank you.

By Darren Chan 

Footnote:
To protect the identity of the family, the names in the article have been changed.