What are the right channels to surrender a pet?

Numerous cats and dogs are unceremoniously and illegally abandoned by owners who view their pets are disposable commodities once their allure wears off. 

Owners who cite one reason or another often want to get rid of their pet but do not know the proper channels of surrendering of their pets.

The reality is that due to their owner’s hasty decisions, they are starting a ‘snowball’ effect which subjects their pets to dire consequences of letting them fend on their own and away from their normal routine. Their behaviors might be altered due to the traumatic experiences they face such as being more wary of humans. Their overall health will worsen due to prolong exposure to the harsh environment and they may even die in the end. 

A mongrel dumped with a huge neck wound filled
with maggots and he was too frightened
to be caught for medical attention.

A sorry sight where abandoned animals suffer 

the consequences of their owner’s actions. 

Their wounds take months to heal and complications 

could arise if left untreated such as deadly infections.

Thus most pets are in bad conditions by the time kind-hearted members of the public or animal welfare groups (AWGs) render their assistance to take them off their streets. Mr Raymund Wee, Founder of Noah’s Ark Natural Animal Sanctuary (NANAS) said: “It is more humane to surrender it first and properly to shelters or AWGs.”  Adding on he said: “Sometimes, the animals come to us in conditions where euthanasia is needed as their quality of life has been greatly compromised.”

Some of the challenges that Raymund encounter in cases of irresponsible abandonment are that these animals are too wary of humans and great efforts are needed to catch them to bring them in for immediate treatment. At times, these animals are abandoned outside the sanctuary. Raymund questions, if these people can transport their pets to the sanctuary, why can’t they surrender them properly to us? 

Raymund also shared two videos regarding animal shelters and euthanasia.

 “Kiss the Animals Goodbye” 

“The Truth about Euthanasia”

These animals were euthanized in a humane way as there were too many animals being abandoned or surrendered by their owners. It is a tough decision to euthanize these animals but the fault lies with humans who are not responsible enough to sterilize them. Education in enforcing the neutering of pets is important to prevent them from having more litters which will add to the increase of the stray population when they become unwanted.

Animals that are abandoned come in with wounds 

that are serious due to accidents or abuse sustained 

while they were homeless.  

It is always a tough decision to put them down 

as they are in pain from their injuries.

With the stray population increasing in numbers, the local town councils are forced to round up these strays to be culled due to complaints by members of the public.  It is a sad reality that begins with the owner’s mindset of not doing anything to help the situation. Noah's Ark strive to make people aware of the right channels in surrendering of pets so that more innocent lives can be spared.

Written by Darren Chan

Juno - Neglected & Mistreated by her Owner

This is Juno the Great Dane 

Her previous owner kept her in a cage 24/7 — whether she was fed at all, bathed or cared for in any way, we are unsure. But one look at her and it is painfully obvious the kind of neglect and mistreatment she had to live through.

A kind pet transporter contacted Uncle Raymund after getting to know of Juno’s situation. She was brought in to Noah's Ark about the time a group of us students from the School of the Arts (SOTA), Singapore, were staying a weekend at the sanctuary doing volunteer work.

"We were appalled, and
it was really heartbreaking
to see a dog in that state."

When we all saw her for the first time, I can safely say we all shared the same sentiments - we were appalled, and it was really heartbreaking to see a dog in that state.  She was literally skin and bone, with these gaping wounds on either side of her hips that were painful even to look at.

Juno was literally skin and bone.

Juno had a wound on both her hind legs,
it could fit a ping pong ball.

The wound on her right hind leg.

I’m sure most of us students would have come across animal abuse cases on the news or on TV, but I doubt any of us had actually seen one like Juno’s so up close and personal. It was a real slap in the face, back to the reality that there does exist people who can neglect their pets to such a cruel extent. It is hard to believe but it is a sad truth.

Juno refused to move, all she wanted was to be loved.

Alysha leading Juno to the clinic for a check-up.

However, I could feel that despite her condition, she still had so much life and spirit in her. It was touching because having been neglected the way she was for so long, she really only wanted to be loved and I could see that. There was absolutely no malice in her behaviour despite what she had been through, and she would sit quietly by you and allow you to pet her. I believe she knew she was safe and in good hands. How one could look an animal in the eye and treat them with such cruelty… I could never understand that.

Juno's weight.

An ideal weight for a female Great Dane is
between 45 Kg and 59 Kg

Le Ying drawing blood from Juno to test
for heartworm and tick fever.

Great News!!  Juno was tested negative
for both heartworm and tick fever.

Juno had to be put on drip due to dehydration.

We brought her over to the clinic to be checked. She was barely 30 kilos, far below a healthy weight for a Great Dane like herself.  But she could gobble up her food like it was nothing! We took her out for a short walk and much to our surprise she was stronger than one would imagine, and so enthusiastic!

Juno showing good appetite,
which is a good sign.

"There was absolutely no malice in her behaviour despite what she had been through, and she would sit quietly by you and allow you to pet her. 

I believe she knew she was safe and in good hands. How one could look an animal in the eye and treat them with such cruelty."

Seeing her strength, her heart (and not to mention how truly majestic she looked with her ears up and all), we knew we wanted to give her a name fit for a queen! So we decided to call her “Juno”. In Roman mythology, Juno is the most important and most highly regarded goddess and wife to Jupiter, equivalent to the Greek goddess Hera, wife of Zeus.

Under the care of Uncle Raymund and everyone at Noah's Ark, we know that the next time we return, Juno will be a changed dog, and we look forward to seeing her recovery.  

Written by Alysha Nair



Pet Sponsorship
To support  Juno's medical aid and animal sponsorship, please email to Noah's Ark CARES.


Footnote:
The Great Dane is a  "gentle giant". Sometimes referred to as the "king of dogs," this extremely large dog breed is known for being strong yet elegant, with a friendly, energetic personality. This breed is also popular as a family pet. Coat colors can be brindle, fawn, blue, black, harlequin and mantle. 

Lady Emerald Aiyana

Lady Emerald Aiyana

Rescued on 6 April 2013

Passed away peacefully on 15 April 2013

I thought that I would have the opportunity to introduce a new member into the family at Noah's Ark and I never expected her to leave us so soon.

She was Lady Emerald Aiyana, her name was given by Rosina and Clement. Lady Emerald to heal her heart from being neglected.  Aiyana in Native American means eternal blossom - and may our Lady blossom into a beautiful princess.

Lady arrived at the sanctuary on Saturday, 6 April and she passed away peacefully in her sleep on 15 April. 

Lady was given up because her owner defaulted in her boarding fees and the riding school fed her on cow pellet that caused her to be under nourished.  This is what happens at the stables when the owners do not pay their boarding fees for their horses and the horse will get low grade food.

It was the authority that alerted Noah's Ark about the horses situation in JB.

As an owner, your kindness did not go that long after all.  You made a promise to your animal (whether it’s a dog, a cat or a horse) to take care of it for the rest of its life - you did not make that promise to your pet - to you its just an animal.  Only cowards will run away from the problems and will never dare to face reality.

 

We can always get back at the owners if they do not keep their promise.  Animals will always forgive your misdeeds but humans will never forgive another human.

Noah's Ark rescued her for a good reason. Why would we let Lady suffer in the hands of a human?

It is not cheap to upkeep a horse, it costs an average of S$600 to feed a horse every month. We had to think very carefully and work out our sums whether we could rescue and provide her daily needs.

Time was running out for Lady when the authority in JB called Raymund to ask if we could help her before putting it down. When Raymund visited the horse at the stables, with deep sadness a few of them were just skin and bones and there was a horse which was semi blind.

Day 1: Saturday, 6 April

When Lady Emerald Aiyana arrived at Noah's Ark on 6 April, you could see her ribs and sadness in her eyes but at Noah's Ark we will accept her as she is and we will love her for who she is.  What is important is her inner beauty.  I gave her reiki to calm her and to allow her to settle down.

She received her first nutritious meal on Saturday evening, although she was hungry - she did not rush her food, she was so gentle and ate like a lady. She also enjoyed juicy apples from Joanne.

Day 2: Sunday, 7 April

In the morning, we allowed Lady to roam free and she had settled very fast - she didn't mind the dogs and she got along with them.  The animals know that Noah's Ark is a safe heaven for them.

In the afternoon, we arranged for her to have her horse shoes done which was long overdue.

One week has passed, Lady was doing fine and eating well, give her another one month she will soon be a beauty.

Day 10: Monday, 15 April

Monday morning, we never expected to find Lady motionless in her stable - the day before, she was running and playing with the rest of the horses.  We suspected that Lady had low respiratory, gastric and colitis.

I was looking forward to introduce Lady to Rosina on Monday, 22 April but we know that Lady is running freely on rainbow bridge with her friends and showing them her new set of horse shoes.

At Noah's Ark - although her stay was short, our horses Whatmore, Apache and Melody showed her the fun side of life and taught her how to have a good time.

Lady Emerald Aiyana - may you rest in peace.

By Lynda Goh

Message from Lady to Raymund

"Thank you for giving me a happy time and for not turning me away.  You did not judge me by my unpleasant appearance - you still accepted me for who I am."

Eulogy for Lady by Clement

"Enduring the very dirt and filth that surrounds her.  A beauty white lotus, blooms, ever dear.  With petals ever spotless and pure.  Thanking all, whose love  ensure. Her finest moment now, with no more  gloom, Aiyana, her name means Eternal Bloom."

The Flood Victims

The flood victims: