VetHelp @ Noah's Ark

The ambitious project to spay to spay as many strays we hope too, is no easy feat as each surgical procedure requires a lot of time and concentration to be done properly. As such, Noah’s Ark has opened its doors to both vet students and volunteer veterinarians from Singapore, Malaysia and other countries.  These vet students come in as part of their internship to assist Raymund in diagnosing the daily vet work and cases that pass through the clinic.  

Volunteer veterinarians contribute their free time to assist in more complicated veterinarian procedures. We are very appreciative for both such contributions as their efforts have been most beneficial for our programs and to all our animals. We know that such hard work and dedication by both these groups is due to their common love and compassion for the animals. 

The students appreciate Raymund for demonstrating to them the various spay techniques. He displayed much patience despite their sometimes clumsy attempts, encouraging them to persevere and rewarding their  hard work by cooking delicious meals during their attachment. 

They believe that their experience at Noah’s Ark was extremely rewarding and do hope more people will be inspired to do what they have done. By partaking in the important job of sterilizing the stray population, they have been able to make a difference to the lives of these animals.

Our reflections by Dillon and Kenneth, final year vet students, University of Adelaide

Our placement at Noah’s Ark Natural Animal Sanctuary (NANAS) was truly a memorable experience. Upon stepping into the sanctuary, we were welcomed by dogs of all breeds, ages, colours and sizes (even number of legs). Although each of them had a different physical appearance and personality, one thing common amongst them was their freedom and happiness. This emotional state is possible because of the environment (and home) which the ark provides. The property is aptly named a sanctuary; a safe haven for the animals, a home for abandoned, abused and neglected pets and a place where the animals are protected and taken care of.

One of the many areas the dogs are allowed to roam.

The Cat Wisma, a 2 story house specially for the cats to live in.

The sanctuary also houses the Animal Birth Control clinic which aims to provide low cost sterilization of animals to the community. We spent most of our first week in here, performing spay and neuter surgeries under the watchful eye of Raymund. Under his guidance, we learnt many different surgical techniques and how to handle various situations in ‘shelter’ surgery. This has helped us to gain confidence and become competent in the tissue handling and resolving problems.  

From left: Kenneth and Dillon performing sterilization of female cats in Malacca.

In our second week, we were given the opportunity to perform numerous sterilizations on stray animals and pets in the different communities in Muar and Malacca. This has helped us to further develop our knowledge and skills set.  Besides the technical skills, we were also able to grasp a good understanding of shelter medicine. Raymund also shared with us the structure of the organization and its role in reducing the number of stray animals on the street. Through our interaction with him, we gained an insight into his passion and love for the animals, which is what motivates him everyday.

Among the many conversations we had with Raymund, there is one thing that stands out. He told us - the only way an animal can reciprocate your support and kindness (choosing to rescue, save, treat them etc) is with its love and affection. It is this innocence and purity that compels people to give back to the animal society.

Dillon with the playful cats in the wisma.

Kenneth bidding goodbye to the canine residents at Noah's Ark.

  

In summary, our experience at Noah's Ark has been a rewarding and meaningful one. We would like to express our gratitude to Raymund and his staff for their kind hospitality and for providing us with delicious food each meal. We would encourage anyone reading this to find out more about Noah’s Ark Natural Animal Sanctuary, to share in its vision and join its cause in providing a better tomorrow for all animals.

"The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated." - Mahatma Gandhi .

Written by Dillon & Kenneth

Final year vet students, University of Adelaide

  

SPAY Marathon @ Noah's Ark Animal Birth Control (ABC) Clinic

Kenneth and Dillon.

A total of of 210 dogs and cats were sterilised by Kenneth Yen & Dillon Devathasan both are Final Year Veterinary Students from The University of Adelaide. The spay journey started from 5 to 16 January 2015 with a weekend break of only two days.

After 4 days of surgeries under close supervision both Kenneth and Dillon proved their competency in handling "Spay and Neuter Surgeries" to qualify them to embark on this spay journey from Noah's Ark Sanctuary to Muar and Malacca. With their enthusiasm and veterinary training they completed 210 spay surgeries, one caudectomy, a cesarean on a cat successfully surviving 3 kittens and many consults without any post surgeries complications.

These will be the future vets whom I hope will take over Noah's Ark Legacy by giving back their services to the Animal Society.

I am proud of you for your enthusiasm which keeps my passion going and I would highly recommend them for clinics that are hiring veterinarians.

By Raymund Wee

From left: Dillon, Puan Mariam, Kenneth and Raymund.

Dillon attending to a caregiver for Noah's Ark
spay and neuter programme.

Getting ready to sterilise the cats.

The making of a compassionate vet.

Standard incision length for a dog's spay.

Incision for a cat's spay.

Standard incision length for a cat's spay.

Dillon and Kenneth attend to
new born kittens.

Visiting Vet Students at Noah's Ark

Since November '14 till January '15 - we had several vet students that were back in Singapore for the holidays and they took the opportunity to volunteer at Noah's Ark ABC Clinic in Johor as part of their attachment.

At Noah's Ark ABC Clinic, the vet students gained hands on experience working with street animals and attending to our sanctuary residents.

Our sanctuary residents had a great time with our vet friends and we would like to thank them for helping to keep our streets stray free for sterilising the street dogs and cats.

We hope the vet students had gain a valuable experience and knowledge during their stay and we would like to wish them all the best in their  future endeavours

Nally from The University of Glasgow.

Nally a final year veterinary student from The University of Glasgow did her clinical placements at Noah's Ark ABC from the 24 November to 6 December '14. 

A place for aspiring vet to pick up their surgical skills. 

Dr Irving Kay graduated from University of Queensland.

Dr Irving Kay fresh grad from the University of Queensland, Australia did his internship at Noah's Ark ABC (Animal Birth Control) Clinic to familiarise himself with the procedure and to understand shelter medicine and TNR programme. It was a rewarding experience for him before he embarks on a veterinary journey with The Republic Clinic in Singapore.

Left: Pei Xiang, a year three veterinary student and Esther a final year veterinary student from the University of Glasgow did their clinical placement at Noah's Ark ABC clinic for two weeks.

Left: Dillon Devathasan and Kenneth Yen final year veterinary students from University of Adelaide.

Kenneth and Dillon attending to Prisma. 

Seniors from Singapore veterinary clinics were at Noah's Ark ABC clinic on 12 January to guide and share their surgical skills with veterinary students. 

A group of rabbits were castrated by Dr Wan Lin and Dr Nicole with Dr Kesia keeping a close watch on Dillon.

From left: Raymund, Kesia, Wan Lin, Nicole, Dillon and  Kenneth.

After a hard day's work, the vets were rewarded with a sumptuous dinner at The Garden Restaurant in Gelang Patah and a farewell dinner for Dr Nicole Sia who will be starting a new journey in New Zealand soon.

VetHelp@Noah’s Ark

Warning 

The photographs below contain contents that is graphically disturbing, viewer's discretion is advised.

Dr Keisia and Dr Nicole performing a spay and neuter on a cat.

To assist in our ambitious project to spay as many strays we hope too, is no easy feat as each surgical procedure requires a lot of time and concentration to be done properly. As such, Noah’s Ark has opened its doors to both vet students and volunteer veterinarians from Singapore, Malaysia and other countries.  These vet students come in as part of their internship to assist Raymund in diagnosing the daily vet work and cases that pass through the clinic.  

Volunteer veterinarians donate their free time to assist in more complicated veterinarian procedures. We are very appreciative for both such contributions as their efforts have been most beneficial for our programs and to all our animals. We know that such hard work and dedication by both these groups is due to their common love and compassion for the animals.

Left: Dr Bernice performing a leg amputation on Lordy a rescued
German Shepherd with her colleagues from Allpets & Aqualife Clinic.

Kaylen and Wey Yin are such two intern veterinarians from Hong Kong and Penang. They believed that they have benefited from their internship with Noah’s Ark.  They were able to practice many of their skills on actual animals with guidance from both Raymund and other vets and they believed that they have grown in terms of skills, mindset and direction as young veterinarians.

From left vet interns: Kaylen and Wei Yin. 

Kaylen says, “Uncle Raymund is such a patient teacher not only in surgical skills but also in life.”  “I have learnt so much from him as he is both wise and inspiring.”  They are also determined in becoming better veterinarians so that they will apply the most appropriate procedure for the animals to minimize any discomfort.  Wey Yin says, “I admire how Uncle Raymund cares for animals as much as people. His life story shows that he knows without determination, one would never achieve or attain one’s goal.”

They appreciate Raymund for demonstrating to them the various spay techniques. He displayed much patience despite their sometimes clumsy attempts, encouraging them to persevere and rewarding their  hard work  by cooking delicious meals during their attachment.

From left vet interns: Cheryl and Ivan.

They believe that their experience at Noah’s Ark was extremely rewarding and do hope more people will be inspired to do what they have done. By partaking in the important job of sterilizing the stray population, they have been able to make a difference to the lives of these animals. 

A Journey as a Vet Intern at Noah's Ark

From left: Kaylen and Wei Yin. 

An animal’s life cannot be saved by only words as it requires something more. It requires an intricate mix of time, resources and most importantly a truly devoted and determined heart. 

A trip to Noah’s Ark Natural Animal Sanctuary (NANAS) was thought to be a well-deserved celebration after my graduation from veterinary school. However, it would prove to be a learning experience as I travelled to the sanctuary that is founded by Raymund Wee. The impression that I took away from the sanctuary was that it was the perfect life lesson for young people who is looking for their passion in their lives.

Upon arriving at the sanctuary for the first time, I was impressed by the facilities as it is spacious, well equipped and managed. The happiest scene as I am a veterinarian that you could ever ask would be more than hundreds of dogs just so happy to see visitors interacting with them. The dogs at the sanctuary are the most friendliest as they have been given another chance to be treated in the right manner. The dogs are well groomed, have a good coat of fur and endless energy.

During my stay at the sanctuary, I have become accustomed to the barking and getting kissed by the dogs in the morning that it has become my favourite part of the day. I stayed for five days at the sanctuary and that I appreciate that the sanctuary has limited internet access which means I can focus on what I am supposed to do.

On mornings while enjoying breakfast at the sanctuary, I had the opportunity to understand Uncle Raymund’s strong belief in the work that he is doing for the animals which I think is a valuable lesson that I will treasure. Also, I enjoy talking to him as he has numerous stories to share and they are all very inspiring. He taught me not only the skills to be a better veterinarian but to think through something before we act. I still remember his words of wisdom when he corrected me as I did not perform the procedures correctly by saying, “If you cannot create lives, you have no right to take away lives.” His words left a deep impression and always serve as a reminder to me when I do surgeries on animals.

I believe that Uncle Raymund is doing an amazing job running Noah's Ark daily and to know the reason to as to why he is still doing it after so many years has left me deeply humbled and touched by his efforts. Hopefully through the volunteer veterinarian program and the veterinarian internship at the sanctuary, more people will get to know more about Noah's Ark because it deserves more support than it is having at the moment. I will always value the advices and lessons that he has imparted to me during my stay.

This trip to Noah's Ark which is located at Gelang Patah, Johor Bahru marked the beginning of my professional career as a veterinarian. I am thankful, joyful and satisfied with the experiences and lessons that I have learned during my short but fruitful stay. I hope that someday I can go about to help with more of the veterinary procedures because it marks a new beginning as I embarked with a better perspective as a vet.

Written By: Kaylen Kwan


For enquries on Vet Internship with Noah's Ark, please contact Alice via FaceBook message or email to Noah's Ark Cares. 

Internship at Noah's Ark by UPM Students

February 2014, we had 6 year one Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) students from the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University Putra Malaysia (UPM) attached to Noah’s Ark for a week to understand veterinary animal shelter practice.

The students had to observe the daily operations of a shelter management and to gain skills in animal shelter practice.  They also had the opportunity to understand the importance of "Animal Birth Control" and a holistic approach towards a stray free environment by Raymund.

Student clipping the cat's nails.

Raymund giving the students a tour of the facilities.

Visiting the Wisma which houses close to 100 cats and 4 dogs.
(including Mr Max)

Hi 5! from Jasmine.

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Oso (left) and Hachika (right) want to be in the picture too!

A group photo for the album.