Volunteering at Noah's Ark

My first visit to Noah's Ark
 with my sister Angeline. 

2 April 2016 was my first visit to Noah’s Ark as part of a tour was just a week before I decided to volunteer with them and my reason was simple – I truly enjoyed being there. - David Puvan 

Selfie time.

Stepping into the field with a hundred dogs running towards me felt surreal and I fell in love with the sanctuary instantly. I remember feeling really excited about volunteering with the sanctuary and getting to know the residents a bit more.

My first day volunteering at Noah's Ark.

After being warmly welcomed (best welcome ever!) by the dogs who yearned for our touch, we kicked start our first activity of designing the names of the horses.  Art wasn’t really my zone of comfort but the idea of adding my personal touch to the stables was truly fulfilling.  It was then that I foresaw how I would enjoy the rest of my day – personally interacting with the animals and making their day better as it would mine.

I was given the opportunity to give Primus a bath.

When we got to the stables to watch the horses roam freely within the field, it was an experience like no other.  Watching the horses gallop alongside the dogs made me feel like I was part of an extravagant movie.  The interaction between the horses and with the dogs was something I could marvel at the whole day. This to me, was the best part of my experience – watching animals in an unbounded zone, free of human restrain and control. 

That is me with Melody.

The cutest interaction I observed was between Melody, the oldest and wisest, and Accolade (who apparently adored the former).  Accolade kept nudging his way toward my camera as I was trying to take a selfie with Melody – he either was jealous or wanted to be a part of our family portrait (which I would gladly have loved to accede if my camera was wide enough >.<)

Together with Accolade,
the tallest horse at the
sanctuary.

My next most memorable experience would be brushing the fur of the big dogs – this could have gone on forever but I enjoyed every bit of it.  Grooming the dogs was actually more therapeutic than I thought it would be – I guess because there was this attachment that brew between me and the dogs that it felt this way.  The love I felt was boundless; they enjoyed being touched and brushed and never wanted you to move on to another dog.  See, brushing them wasn’t only doing them good, it was also making me feel really loved. These animals have so much love to share and they just need people to shower them on.

Me giving Bullet an endless brushing.

Learning from the team, especially Lynda, was both enlightening and inspirational. There was so much that was done to help these vulnerable animals and there is still so much more that can be done.  Really, it isn’t how much we can do but what we can do that matters. I am a student who probably can’t contribute financially but simply being there and helping out in the smallest ways possible made a difference to the sanctuary, and most importantly to the ever-loving animals.  The appreciation of the team and the friendships I made there with my fur-buddies only makes me want to do more in my future visits…  And yes, I am definitely going back again – I miss my friends already! 

By David Puvan, an undergrad at NUS

To volunteer
If you would like to volunteer, please email to Noah's Ark Natural Animal Shelter at nanasmalaysia@gmail.com with your details.  Thank you.

The courage of our conviction

Team Noah's Ark

Front row from left: Alicia, Gek Hiang, Shalom (German Shepherd), 
Raymund, Madeline, Joanne, Canto Pop (Shihtzu), Ester and Sharon.

Back row from left: Suan, Lynda, Clement, Ah Long, Beatrice, 
Fong Yee, Vivian and Agnes.

A covenant with the creator to sustain and to respect all life.

We reap what we sow. Our legacy to future generations will grow from acorns of our action as well as the personal values we demonstrate to those of this and future generations through our everyday behaviors and attitudes.

Integrity is not what we do as much as who we are. And who we are, in turn, determines what we do. It establishes priorities in our lives and judges what we will accept or reject.

Our intentions are pure and with one thing in mind to make Singapore a Stray Free City.

The Guardians of the Ark

SPCA Singapore Volunteers at Noah's Ark

SPCA Singapore @ work in Noah's Ark! 

SPCA volunteers are important to the organization, and we show our appreciation of their time and effort in volunteering with us, by organizing activities for them; one such activity was a visit to Bollywood Veggies in appreciation for our volunteer fosterers. SPCA volunteers are also encouraged to give their time to help with other causes so we spent a day at Noah's Ark Natural Animal Sanctuary in Johor Bahru, Malaysia .

14 of us made a trip to Noah's Ark on 2 August as part of our volunteer outreach programme with other non-profit groups.

We were greeted by the resident dogs upon our arrival, after which Noah's Ark volunteers led us into the premises. After a quick breakfast and a personal, warm greeting by Raymund Wee, the founder of Noah's Ark who gave an impassioned talk on the work he and his volunteers undertake to care for the animals, we headed out to work.

As was arranged prior to the trip, the volunteers were assigned in teams to work with Noah's Ark volunteers at the various sections like the monkey's enclosure, horse stables, catteries, kennels, quarantine, and the clinic.

The first stop was to visit the monkeys’ enclosure where some of us had the chance to feed them with bananas!  After visiting the monkeys, we were led to the stables where 10 horses were looked after by Noah's Ark volunteers and workers.  A volunteer in charge of the horses provided insightful tips and information about caring for them, including what the horses liked and disliked. We even had the rare opportunity of feeding them with carrot sticks! 

After horsing around (no pun intended!) we were led to two large kennels and catteries as well.The volunteers at the catteries got busy with cleaning and grooming the cats, most scuttling away when our volunteers approached with cotton buds and cleaning solution, but did not shy away when food was placed for them. Other volunteers spent time at the open areas mingling with the dogs grooming, cleaning ears, and even made attempts to bathe some.

Soon it was time to say goodbye, but we hope to return soon. We hope our volunteers had a fruitful day trip and enjoyed the experience of mingling with the wonderful animals at Noah's Ark.

Heartfelt thanks to Raymund and the volunteers for a great day, they were gracious hosts indeed. 

Submitted by SPCA Singapore

My Reflection by Siang Li Ting

It was a lovely cloudy morning as we headed into Noah's Ark. I was especially looking forward to this trip again as it has been 3 months since I last visited the sanctuary.

The last 3 months has passed by in a blur as my own 16 year old dog was battling canine cognitive dysfunction for quite a while, and it has gotten worse after his 2 major operations last year for cancer, and I had to juggle work commitments together with caring for him, which has proven to be an uphill task. I had to make the tough call of putting him to sleep last month as he was not getting any better and I wanted him to go in peace and without pain before his condition worsened.

After I took some time to heal and gotten over much of the grief, I knew JJ wanted me to continue to spread the love that I had to other animals. And with much expectancy I went to Noah's Ark, knowing full well my soul will be very much recharged again and I can spread my love to the many animals there.

Having volunteered with the horses in March this year during a Volunteer's Open House, the horses have left a deep imprint (or hoof print, if you may!) in my heart. Interacting with them gave me a sense of peace and deep calm, and grooming them gave me a chance to be up close and personal with these majestic creatures.

I loved horses since I was a child, but due to a lack of finances, was unable to take regular riding lessons to continue being with horses as much as I would like to. Noah's Ark's amazing work with rescuing these retired racehorses and riding school horses have allowed people like me who love horses to come and work with them in a way quite unlike any other stable.

Horses get to roam free with the dogs.

Because in Noah's Ark, there's one thing that is starkly lacking with many stables elsewhere, and that is freedom – something horses need and crave for. Without the pressure and stress of having to make top spot in a race, or having to take rider after rider on their backs at a riding school with, the horses returned to their most natural self. Watching them get turned out to graze and roll over their backs in the sand to relieve an itch was amazing and soul-fulfilling. They were happy, and it showed.

Giving Cinzano a bath. 

And it's not just the horses, every animal that walked through the doors of Noah's Ark has been given a second chance in life. They know and cherish it. Dogs run free through green fields, cats receive tender loving care in their catteries, and even the monkeys got an upgrade to their enclosures recently! It was truly amazing knowing there are dedicated volunteers who dedicate their time, money and efforts into making sure the animals do not experience the same and often traumatic past they had.

This time round I connected more so with another horse named Chun Doong, also a retired ex racehorse, his name means Thunder in Korean. But what may have once been a name given by his ex owners to ensure a top spot in a race has given way to a sweet soul that stood by with his eyes closed in contentment for a long while as I stroked and scratched his chin. There and then I realized we have so much to learn from them-for enjoying a pleasurable given moment you have now in the present, despite your past.

When evening neared, we were given a chance to ride some of the horses leisurely. I jumped at the opportunity to pick up where I left off many months ago, and was much appreciative to the big boy Cinzano, a beautiful 16 hands high horse who allowed the very inexperienced me to be on his back. I have much to learn! But I am so ever grateful to my beautiful four-legged teachers for being gracious with me.

The skies soon darkened quickly and it was time to pack up and leave. Fun times always pass by in a whizz. We left for a sumptious dinner of crabs with great company, and everyone left feeling satisfied in body, soul and spirit.

Noah's Ark is and will continue to be a legacy, where God's creations can freely roam and are all given a second chance. I urge all who have never visited the Ark to drop by sometime. A word of caution though.. you may find yourself wanting to come back again and again, just like many of us!

A determined volunteer who made a difference in an animal’s fife

Noah’s Ark Natural Animal Sanctuary (NANAS) has a team of dedicated volunteers in Singapore where they are known as an extended arm under Noah’s Ark Cares and in Malaysia as NANAS volunteers. 

Shalom Tye is one of our hardcore and hardworking volunteers has been named as a “Slave of Noah’s Ark” for his dedication in helping the street animals in Malaysia which has been referred to Noah's Ark Animal Birth Control (ABC) clinic.

Shalom did a street rescue and took time off his busy schedule to collect a young cat from a Malay lady in JB who took the cat in after a road accident. The grey and white cat whom is named Mass met with an accident in front of her warong (stall). 

As a stall owner, she could not afford to send Mass to the veterinary clinic for treatment due to the high incurred treatment costs and was referred to the Noah's Ark ABC clinic for medical help by Shalom.

The Noah's Ark ABC clinic found the cat to have slight scabies and lower body injuries which was sustained by the accident. The clinic performed an orthopedic examination and diagnostic imaging to confirm his injuries. Mass still has trouble walking due to the legs being injured which left them slightly wobbly and temporary paralysis.

Mass was given medication for his nerves which was slightly damaged and glucosamine as a supplement to boost his bone support and speed up the healing process. The kind Malay lady also donated RM$50 to show her appreciation in the help rendered to Mass. Being a street cat, Mass was sterilised at the clinic and is now recuperating in the sanctuary.

Raymund said, “For a volunteer to remain satisfied and committed to their work, they have to sense that their work means something and is recognised and appreciated.” The volunteers in Singapore and Malaysia have one cause in mind which is to help the animals that require help. The clinic also renders help through sterilisation such as spay days in Malaysia, animal rescue cases and animals that need medical help. Through the ABC clinic, Noah's Ark hopes to bring about a time when there are less homeless animals on the street and to avoid healthy animals from being euthanised. Through the volunteers, they are special individuals who have helped people and helped the animals.

by Darren Chan 

Noah's Ark Volunteer Day: 11 October '14

Noah's Ark Volunteer Day is back!

If you have missed the volunteer's day in March, we are organising one on Saturday, 11 October 2014.

We need your help to groom the dogs, cats and the horses - if you do not have grooming experience we will be there to teach and guide you.  A professional pet groomer will be present to give us grooming tips and a helping hand.

Grooming can be therapeutic for both the animals and you.

The benefit of grooming:

• helps to keep their coat shiny
• remove under and dead coat
• keeps the skin healthy 
• helps to bond and socialize with the animals 

Programme

10.00 a.m.     Depart S'pore from Bishan MRT station for Noah’s Ark

11.30 a.m.     Arrive at Noah’s Ark followed by orientation

12.30 p.m.     Lunch at the Ark (lunch is provided)

1.30 p.m.       Lets groom...

5.00 p.m.      Get ready to go home

5.30 p.m.      Depart Noah’s Ark for home

Fees:  S$50 (includes transport, lunch and tea)

Closing date for registration: 
Friday, 26 September '14 

Seats are limited to 12 paxs

To register, please email to noahsarkcares@gmail.com as well as indicate the following details:

Name:
Email:
Hp:

Q1.	Areas of interest, you would prefer to work with: (a) Dogs  (b) Cats  (c) Horses
Q2.	Have you visited Noah’s Ark before?  Yes / No If yes – which animal do you know at Noah’s Ark?
Q3.	Do you own a pet/pets? Yes / No If yes - what do you own?
Q4.	Please let us know if you have dietary needs.

Priority will be given to volunteers who have visited Noah’s Ark before and are familiar with animals.

Executives by day, cat-women by night

• By Janice Lim and Yeo Kai Ting

Two volunteers explain why they devote their after-work hours 

to the Trap-Neuter-Return-Manage (TNRM) Programme, 

which they believe is a better way of controlling 

Singapore's stray cat population compared to culling. 

SINGAPORE: Relationship manager Sharon Tang and lawyer Thenuga Vijakumar are busy executives by day, but at night, they turn into cat-women - they trap stray cats and send them for neutering, in a bid to save them from being culled.

They are doing their part in what's known as the Trap-Neuter-Return-Manage (TNRM) Programme, which Ms Vijakumar describes as a long-term solution to controlling Singapore’s stray cat population. According to the Cat Welfare Society, there are about 60,000 stray cats in Singapore.

"If you do TNRM, you're talking about taking 10 cats, neutering 10 and the number stays at 10," said Ms Vijakumar. “Cats reproduce very quickly, so culling is a very short-term solution. If you could have neutered your two cats before they became 20 cats, then you are not wasting 18 lives for no reason."

Each session spent trapping stray cats for these volunteers can be as quick as 20 minutes for three cats, but that is a rarity, they say. More often, they end up waiting for hours just to get one cat.

The work they do is also frequently misunderstood. "I think the public needs to know what we're doing here. We're not taking cats away or throwing them somewhere else,” said Ms Tang. “We even have cases of people who pass by and just decide to release the cat, not knowing what we are really trying to achieve here."

Once the cats are trapped, they are sent to the veterinarian for neutering. After surgery, the cats' left ears are slightly tipped - to identify them as neutered. Recovery takes a couple of days, after which the cats are released back to where they were found.

"There is now more recognition that TNRM is actually the most humane way of managing the cat population," said Ms Vijakumar Thenuga. "I know that each cat neutered means one less cat fight, one less potential deployment of an AVA (Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority of Singapore) trap, one less potential cat for culling." 

Source: Channel News Asia

POSTED: 29 Jul 2014 23:43

Volunteers feeling connected with our furry friends

8 March, it was Noah's Ark Volunteer Day at the sanctuary in Johor. 

Nineteen participants took part and they volunteered to groom, play and had fun with the cats, dogs and horses.

It was an eye opening experience for some participants who were not pet owners, their willingness to learn to bath the dogs.  We have to salute these brave souls for their courage to work with the dogs at the sanctuary.

The cats had the privileged of having play time after being groomed by the team of cat volunteers.

The volunteers who helped at the horse stables - did not get enough of their doze of horse therapy.  They are looking forward for their next visit for more horsey time.

Many went home feeling connected with our furry friends.

We would like to thank our friends for making time and for being with the animals.

Please stay tune on Noah's Ark CARES facebook for the next Noah's Ark Volunteer Day.

Meanwhile, lets go behind the scene and check out what happened at Noah's Ark.

On behalf of the doggies at the sanctuary, thank you for the lovely gifts.

At the catteries...

Weisheng and Lynette helping to groom the cats at the Wisma.

One of our cat checking out Lynette's bag as part of the security check.

Audrey giving the cat a good groom.

Amrys helping out with the cats at the open air cattery. 

Siew Luan with the cats at one of our first cattery which was built in 2000.

At Fortune Lodge...

George spending time with Rico

Vivian helping to bath the dogs at Fortune Lodge.

At the Stables...

Le Ying giving Primus @ Sanuk a good scrub.

Final rinse down for Primus @ Sanuk.

Halim explaining to the volunteers about caring the horse's hoof.

At the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Clinic...

Lui Ping is a visitor from USA and she came with her friends
to help to clean the dogs' ears after their bath.

George and Jessica helping to dry the dogs.

Luke (left) is a visitor from USA - he came to help us too!
Joanne (in orange tee) helping to clean the dog's eyes while
Esther helped to hold the dog still.

Luke and Esther drying a poodle.

When asked about their experience at the sanctuary - this is what they have to say:

"It was my first experience with  horses and I enjoyed working and being with them very much.  I thank Noah's Ark very much for this experience!  I enjoyed meeting and interacting with many of the dogs as well. (I have always loved dogs!) And even had the opportunity to pat 2 cats and of course see the gibbon.  So a very wholesome and amazing day.  And the Noah's Ark building  itself is very homely and at 'peace'with the environment. Great work and thanks for giving all these lovely animals a sanctuary.  God continue to bless your work!"- Michelle 

"The day was awesome! Can't wait to visit again as a volunteer to help look after the horses." - Le Ying

"Thank you for the eye opening and deeply moving experience. I found a great sense of joy, peace and calm working with the horses. Thank you for the opportunity to interact with cats and dogs who lit up my heart and soul.  I can't stop beaming."- Nadia

"Today's session is great exposure, especially for new comers. Would love to be more involved to our capabilities."- George & Jessica 

"Enriching experience.  Feel good to interact with many calm dogs."

A day with the horses at Noah's Ark

From left: Li Ting, Le Ying and Nadia

Life tends to bring us in straight lines, passing through each period of our lives that we can relive only through our memories. But once in a while, we come full circle to where we started from. It’s been a good 14 years, but here I am again, at Noah’s Ark. A different place, a different time, but the feelings remain the same.

I was just a little kid then, when my Father rented a space to keep his birds in the farm next door on Seletar West Farmway 5.  I used to go there with him on weekends and while he was busy with his birds, I was often next door at Noah’s Ark Lodge. I’d spend long hours there just watching the animals and playing with some of them, and that was when my weekly affair with Noah’s Ark started. Memories are hazy as I was so young then, but I remember one friend I had there very well – a little grey pony named Melody. She was always out in the paddock at the front and was the first one I’d see each time I visited. You can bet how happy I was to see that she’s still around after such a long time!

All these time, I’d known that Noah’s Ark relocated to JB, but I never got to visit as my parents wouldn’t allow me to travel there on my own. As I grew up, those sweet memories of my childhood moved further and further to the back of my mind, and though my love for animals continued, I stopped thinking about Noah’s Ark. It was only when my friend shared the link for a Volunteer’s Day to Noah’s Ark that I finally took notice again.

I was so excited for the trip that I barely slept the night before and was so chatty in the morning on the car ride there (sorry to Joanne, Nadia and Audrey, who had to listen to me talk and talk non-stop!)  It was a little overwhelming when we first walked into the sanctuary, seeing so many dogs I didn’t know, and getting pushed around and stepped on by the larger ones while going up the stairs, but I quickly settled in. And the day proved to be one of the best days I’ve had in a long time!

Of course, I chose to volunteer with the horses and after a quick tour of the property and lunch, it was HORSEY TIME! My first task for the day was to groom and bathe Primus @ Sanuk, the grey pony who likes to roll on everything and he was practically brown on some areas. Brushing all that caked mud off him was no joke and with the weather so scorching hot, I was all ready for a rest by the time I was done. 

But… Nope, not done yet. I still had to give him his bath! A lot of scrubbing and shampooing soon followed and I swear my arms felt like they were going to fall out of their sockets. He wasn’t the most cooperative either, trying to squish me against the wall and neighing very loudly in my ear.

Guess he was cranky about not being able to get to Melody (I’m told they’re a couple). When I was finally done and the brown parts were light beige, I let him free and he cantered all the way to the end of the paddock to look for Melody. I would have liked a little more appreciation on his part, but I guess his girlfriend’s a lot more important than me!

Prisma was next to be showered and with 4 pairs of hands instead of one, it was so much easier! And yes, we all got a free shower as well but it was a welcome change from the crazy heat. The last we bathed was Apache, and boy was he the loveliest ever! He just stood there quietly and let the 4 ladies work on him and at one point, he was enjoying it so much that he even closed his eyes!

It was truly a day where I recharged and rested my soul. The connection we can have with animals is the most wondrous thing in the world and I am glad to be back. I can’t wait to be back again!

Contributed by Soon Le Ying