Franciscan friars bless animals in relocated sanctuary in JB

by Darren Chan

Source: Catholic News
Date: 1 December 2013

News from Noah's Ark - November 2013

To view eNewsletter please click here.

What do I know about "Golden Retrievers" ?

The Golden Retriever is one canine breed that many people identify with. Beautiful fur, strong posture, the kindness of a pure heart, focused only on loving the master whom he/she will come to grow with and protect. Many of us want this beautiful companion and I am one of the many who yearned for this beautiful creation of nature.

However, I flawed as many people will come to flaw. Why? Cos we all have the perception of having the ideal companion and many, many of us forget that "with love, comes responsibility".

Simba and Whisky watching our worker preparing food. "Yummy".

I had the privilege of having 2 Golden Retrievers as my companions and I brought them home the day they were 3 months old. Chubby and cute... they were simply adorable. I fed them and spent some time once every few days to play with them. The first few years were easy going or was it as easy going as I thought it was.

I fell into difficult times and it was then that I failed to be the master who was to take care of them. Yes, I fed them and I showered them and when they needed medical attention, I brought them to the vet. Read my words and to many, they will say I have done my part. In actuality, I have truly failed because ask yourself this, "How would I want my life companion to do for me as I would do for them?"

I am sure many would find such a question silly and ridiculous with the notion of a man talking about commitment to a dog?! My answer to everyone out there is this notion is very real.

Mohammad Gandhi made a statement saying, "How far has man progressed can be witnessed by the way he treats an animal." Your pet is a companion for life, not just a temporary past time.

I failed my companions and when my companions fell sick due to age such as skin problems, having tick fever, etc...I came to understand that my dogs are creatures of flesh, blood and emotions but what have I treated them as...? Have I been fair to them? I always tell people that I own these dogs but in what fashion can I be called a master? If I reflect on Gandhi's statement, the question is what progression have I witness in myself as man, with education and a mind to think!

In my time of difficulty, I was fortunate to find a place where they can call home and 2 people made 2 statements that made me reflect upon myself...

"... there is a lot of sadness in their eyes."

"... you owe them."
 
You know what? These statements are very true...



Whisky looking gorgeous each day after receiving TLC (tender loving care)
from Uncle Raymund and the caregivers.

In their new home, even though I see them only once in a while, they have grown to be so much healthier and the joy they display is something that puts me to shame; nevertheless, I am happy for them. Today both are close to 10 years of age.

I share the story here with people who may choose to read this because I wish to let you know that Goldens are not ornaments or trophies; they are creatures of passion and companionship... crossing our paths to bring us joy and teaching us a lesson on humanity.

I challenge you to think what our humanity is worth? Is it just the cost of purchasing a pet that we deemed them to be or is it valued on how much we learn from them as our life companions?

Since Simba arrived at the sanctuary, he has gained some weight and looking good.

I am well aware that many, many of us want a Golden Retriever as a companion but before you jump into this relationship -  ask yourself whether you are willing to commit your life with this companion for the next decade.

I assure you that they are wonderful and beautiful companions but how far they progress as a companion will also depend how much education you impart with them. As their master, will you handle your responsibility to the fullest? It is not about feeding them and bathing them only; it is about how much quality time you spend with them.  At each phase of their lives, are you willing to find out more about what they need?

This companionship is one of time and mutual understanding and this will last 12 to 15 years. Are you willing to commit to this, through thick and thin?

Answer yourself truthfully about this before you embark on a wonderful journey with a Golden.

If you can, you will have a journey that will bring you wonderful memories. If you cannot, then I suggest you do not begin the journey and you will have nothing to lose.

Written by David

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A Collaboration between SPCA Selangor and Noah's Ark

The SPCA Selangor volunteers had been working hard to try and find homes for as many dogs and cats that they could, and the deadline was looming nearer before the building had to be pulled down.

Marianne, a volunteer with SPCA Selangor called Noah's Ark to ask if we could help to give some of the dogs a home at the sanctuary.

Raymund our Founder, knew that the volunteers at SPCA Selangor were doing their best to find as many homes as possible despite their tight deadline so he agreed to accept any of the  dogs with the following conditions: they had to be too difficult to rehome as they were deemed neither cute or young, in other words senior dogs that remained shy and wary of people.

In the months of July and August, SPCA Selangor made two trips to transport such dogs from Kuala Lumpur to Noah's Ark. Eighteen dogs have since arrived at the sanctuary and we are happy to say that they have settled in nicely. These are the 18 lucky dogs that call Noah's Ark their home.

This is just one of the examples of a collaboration between SPCA Selangor and Noah's Ark - both of these groups realize that it is important that we are able to work together for the interests of the animals.

We believe that we complement each other as SPCA Selangor's strength is in rehoming given their large network whilst Noah's Ark is able to provide the older animal a place to live out its life in dignity.

In recognition of Noah's Ark's support, SPCA Selangor annually, in turn sells Noah's Ark's calendars at their centre to support our work for the animals.

Soda

Oreo

Pop Corn

"We accepted the eighteen dogs from SPCA Selangor, in memory of Van Renterghem Marie Reve who was fondly known as Reve by her friends.  She was an inspirational person and a role model to all those who believed that one should always treat animals with respect.  Reve was a volunteer with SPCA Selangor for 13 years and a regular visitor to Noah's Ark.  Rain or shine she was always there for the animals at the shelter.  Reve, our angel, we know that you will always be watching over us  and our animals at the sanctuary." - Raymund Wee, Founder of Noah's Ark

Meet the new residents:

Buddy

Sugar

Ruby

Cup Cake

Abby

Ginger

Muffin

Biscuit

How to Contribute?

If you wish to contribute towards our work for the animals at the sanctuary:

• To sponsor a pet programme
• To sponsor some of our pet food
• To sponsor medical aid for the animals
• To support our spay & neuter programmes
• To upkeep the sanctuary for the residents

For Singapore

You may write a cheque to Noah's Ark CARES and mail it to:
42 Cairnhill Road, #02-01 Singapore 229661

To make a fund transfer, you may transfer to the following accounts, upon transferring please send us an email to noahsarkcares@gmail.com in order for us to track and to acknowledge receipt.

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

For Malaysia
You may write a cheque to Noah's Ark Natural Animal Shelter and mail it to:

No. 3 Jalan Temenggong
11 Taman Ungku Tun Aminah
81300 Skudai, Johor Bahru

For fund transfer:
Noah's Ark Natural Animal Shelter.
Account Number 01190002636058
CIMB Bank
Branch: Gelang Patah, JB

To sponsor a pet If you would like to sponsor Soda, Oreo, Pop Corn, Cup Cake, Buddy, Abby, Ginger, Muffin, Biscuit, Sugar or Ruby stay at the sanctuary, please print the sponsorship form and send it to Noah's Ark CARES.  Its costs S$50 or RM110 to be their God Ma or God Pa.

Noah's Ark 2014 Calendar

 

Noah's Ark 2014 Calendar is on sale at S$10 / RM25 each.

 

It costs S$35,000 / RM87,500 a month to operate and care for 600 dogs, 300 cats, 8 horses, 1 pony, 3 macaques, 1 gibbon and many small animals at the sanctuary. Food and medical are the most important source for the animals. 

  

Every animal is given special medical care by our caregiver Raymund who will make them comfortable till the day they cross rainbow bridge.

 

 

Please support our work by purchasing our calendars.

 

To place an order or to help us sell the calendars please email to noahsarkcares@gmail.com. Free delivery for above 11 calendars.

 

Thank you.

Noah's Ark

 

Calendars are on sale at the following outlets:

 

Singapore

Mount Pleasant (East Coast)

152 East Coast Road S(428855)

Tel: 6448 8153

 

Mount Pleasant (Bedok)

158 Bedok South Avenue 3 #01-577 S(460158)

Tel: 6444 3561

Mount Pleasant (Serangoon)

151 Serangoon North Avenue 2 #01-59 S(550151)
Tel: 6287 1190

 

Mount Pleasant (Sunset)

105 Clementi Street 12 #01-18/20 S(120105)

Tel: 6776 8858

 

Mount Pleasant (Redhill)

113 Bukit Merah View #01-520 S(150113)

Tel: 6271 1132

 

Vet Practice

104 Jalan Jurong Kechil S(598604)

Tel: 6462 1757

 

Kuala Lumpur

SPCA Selangor

2 Lorong Kolam Air Lama 2

Ampang Jaya, 68000 Ampang

Tel: 4265 6600

 

Malacca

Ms Mei

Hp / Whatsapp: 012 - 602 6112

 

 

Calendar Order Form

Calendar Preview

 

Art for Noah's Ark

Evo, Oso, Benoit and Bonnie were present to attend the Art for Noah's Ark - organised by Eight Lido and Arty-Party on 5 October in conjunction with World Animal Day.

It was the dogs' first outing to a cool place where you can Dine - Wine - Unwind with live band.  The dogs had the opportunity to chill out and mingled with the guests.




Creation by tenacious d(ogs) by J.C.

Closed to 21 artists took part in the art market-cum-exhibition to raise funds for Noah's Ark.  There was a display of paintings, handy crafts, henna painting and caricature to support local artists. Together with Eight Lido and the artists they donated part of the sales proceeds to Noah's Ark and they helped to raise RM3,888/-.

Samantha raised RM300 for reading cards and she personally donated the money to Benoit.

Pet owner having a caricature done of her dog.  

Home baked cookies with animal jars.

Jewellery by Sofia Cole. 

A painting of a Mermaid by Sofia Cole.

Raymund visiting the booths at the fair.

To view more event photos click HERE.

  

We would like to thank the following for their support and for making the event pawsible.

• Sofia Cole
• Jess Wong
• Ian Chua
• Destiny Lim
• Angmotech Xiang Her
• Shikee Ng
• Jessica Chia
• Shima Shimmer
• J.C.
• Lele House
• Fara Farhana
• Jamie Chim
• Saraswathy & Athe
• Isly Lee
• Tachs Craft House
• Jenn's Hand Made Felt Crafts
• Beadspart
• Ashok
• John Lee
• Candid Selalu

We look forward to future collaborations with Eight Lido and Arty-Party.

If you wanna Dine - Wine - Unwind at Eight Lido, they are located at

8 Jalan Skudai

Straits View

Johor Bahru 80200Johor

Website: Eight Lido

From fences to freedom



A story about Samantha - comrade, friend and family  by Darren Chan

To begin, I lead a very sad and lonely life, being surrounded by high fences and not knowing when my next meal would come.

 

A complained was made when Samantha was found wondering at an army camp site.
One morning, she was caught and brought to the  SPCA, lucky she could be located
through friends at the army camp.  You can see that she had no life and no hope on her future.
Thanks  to a kind soul for going all the odds to save her.
  

All I ever wanted was to be cared and loved but all these change when I was brought to be put down. I could smell death and it made me think of my five puppies that did not make it. Afraid and apprehensive, my injuries that I sustained while protecting my children made it worse. I was alone, scared and depressed for the freedom I sought was going to be taken away from me!

Samantha leaving SPCA and she was on the way to the vet for a medical check-up.

 

Samantha was very comfortable sitting in the car.
 

At such a critical moment, a kind soul managed to rescue and nurse me back to health. It was not easy for him but I was delighted to see him as he was familiar and close to me. I am forever grateful for having him as a friend and for those that made that decision to save me too.

 

In Singapore, he would also visit and see me at the pet hotel almost every weekend to comfort and play with me while I cope with recovering, one limp at a time.

 

Samantha had no problems integrating with the pack.
Its all about respecting each other.

 

Now I am at Noah’s Ark where Uncle Raymund is providing nursing care to me.  I like the place as there are all kinds of animals from dogs, cats ,horses, monkeys and rabbits, each have their own adventure to tell.

See my happy smile? I am finally free and save, knowing that I have a place to call home.

I promise to be a good dog and I am looking forward to make new friends at the ark!

Photo credits: Lawrence Soo and Lynda

 

News from Noah's Ark - 23 September 2013

To view eNewsletter please click here

What should parents know about children and animal cruelty?

As natural explorers, don't all children sometimes harm animals?
Yes but this should not be encouraged or tolerated. Some children kill insects, while a few torture pets or other  small creatures.  But if allowed to harm animals, children are more likely to become more violent as they grow up. Animal cruelty, like any other violence, should never be attributed to a stage of development.

What kind of children display cruelty to animals?
Serious or repeated animal cruelty is seen more often in boys than girls.  Children as young as four years old may have the tendency to harm animals, although such behavior is more common during adolescence.  Cruelty is often associated with children who do poorly in school, have low self-esteem and few friends.  Children who are cruel to animals are often characterized as bullies and may have a history of truancy, vandalism and other antisocial behaviors.



Xiao Mei Mei lost the use of her front right leg because someone tied a rubber band round her leg and caused the flood to stop circulating.

What does animal cruelty indicate about family dynamics?
Researchers say that a child's violence against animals  often represents displaced hostility and aggression which stems from neglect or abused of the child or of another family member.  Animal cruelty committed by any member of a family, whether parent of child, often means that child abuse has a high chance of occurring in that family.

What should I do if my child or neighbour's child has harmed an animal?
If you suspect your child has deliberately harmed an animal, talk to your child. Try to discover  what caused the cruelty.  Communicate with your child, your  child's teachers and your child's friends.  The more you know about your child's activities, you will be better equipped to guide your child in understanding and making compassionate and humane choices.

Something as serious as animal cruelty, however, should not be handled alone.  Seek help from a family counselor or school counselor.  If you know another child who has harmed an animal, report what you know immediately to your local welfare organization or police department. Also alert the child's school principal.

What should I tell my child about the other child's behavior?
Explain that animal abuse is often a sign of other serious problem and should be addressed by the proper authorities.  Knowing that a friend has serious problems can be quite troubling for a child, as well as witnessing animal cruelty.  Your child may need your guidance and patience  to sort out their feelings.  As parents, you need to be there for your child.

What should I do if an otherwise "good" child harms an animal one time?
Though innocent exploration may be corrected simply by talking with the child, you should be concerned any time a child causes an animal pain or suffering.

What is the difference between innocent exploration and calculated animal cruelty?
Innocent exploration may come from simple curiosity, but intentional animal cruelty is motivated by a desire to harm. While even innocent acts of cruelty should be addressed, it is particularly important to intervene when a child is insensitive to the obvious distress of an animal, repeats a harmful behavior or derives pleasure from causing an animal pain.

How should I teach my child to respect animal life?
Teach by  example.  Use real-life situations to instill a sense of respect for all living things.  Invite your child to help you feed strays or rescue an animal from danger. With other children, discuss animal cruelty cases publicized in the news.  Encourage children to respect and speak up for the animals.

Be their voice

WARNING - some of the pictures may not be suitable for some viewers

One Saturday evening, Stanley was having dinner with his friends at a coffee shop in Bukit Indah and while eating, they could smell something rotten which made them lost their appetite.

Was there a dead rat some where?

The smell was getting unbearable.

They turned a round and saw a dog with a massive wound on its head - it was starting to rot and causing a bad smell. Looking at the wound, it was probably caused by a dog fight and it was left unattended for a couple of days.

Stanley approached the stall owner to ask if the dog belonged to anyone and the stall owner said that dog use to hang around the area. Stanley advised the stall owner to take the dog to the vet as soon possible and get it treated.  The stall owner agreed to get in touch with Noah's Ark ABC Clinic to make the necessary arrangements.

The next morning, our volunteer Tye went to Bukit Indah to look for the dog and to transport it the clinic.

It wasn't an easy dog to handle, it was aggressive but Tye managed to get hold of him with a rope and placed him in a pet carrier.

Punctured wounds caused by a dog fight around his face and ear.



Maggots crawling out off his ear.

When the dog arrived at the clinic, the dog was aggressive and tried to bite our worker.  We had no choice but to attend to his wound immediately by cleaning and flushing the maggots out of his ear. 

In 20 minutes, while cleaning the dog's ear, we picked up close to over 100 maggots.

We are now treating his wound, once he recovers, the vet will arrange to get him neutered and we will return him to wear he hangs out.

We would like to thank Stanley for taking the initiative to help the dog and to educate the stall owner about giving medical treatment to the dog and sterilisation.

We need more people like Stanley to be the voices for the animals and to educate the general public on the importance of sterilisation.

Noah's Ark can't house every rescued dog we help at the sanctuary, we can assist with low cost medical aid for the street dogs and street cats.

This dog fight could have been avoided, if the male dog was sterilised - reasons for them to fight was due to territorial.

Noah's Ark main focus is animal birth control - we need to control the animal population and to reduce unwanted puppies on the streets.

If you would like to support our Spay and Neuter programme for the community dogs and cats, please contact Raymund at Hp: 019 - 715 9199.

I may be disabled, I still can enjoy life like any other cat



Xiao Mei Mei when she was rescued in Melaka.

My name is

“Xiao Mei Mei”

and I am a handicap cat.

My forearm has been amputated.

They tell me someone tied a rubber band on my forearm when I was a little kitten and it cut off the blood supply.

The nice people at the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Clinic Melaka said I was a stray kitten, I was small and could fit into my rescuer’s palm. 

I was found in a half dead state in a narrow alley. They nursed me back to health and I recovered quickly. My disability is no disability at all.

I grew up on 3 legs longer than with 4 legs so I truly don’t know any difference.  Animals learn to adapt with what they have, I am sure you have seen it many times.

When I was older and stronger, my rescuer arranged for me to be sterilised.



Xiao Mei Mei learning to adapt with three legs.

I was hoping to be adopted when I was staying at ABC Clinic Melaka. But alas, that was not to be.

It is hard enough for "perfect" cats to find homes because of the overwhelming numbers in shelters and rescues, just imagine how much harder it is for a cat that is slightly less than perfect.

I believe that every cat deserves a chance to have a happy life.  They should have a safe environment where they are adequately fed, receive lots of love and good medical care.  That is not the reality for many cats though.

Xiao Mei Mei sitting on her favourite spot at the Wisma Kuching.

Eventually, good fortune smiled upon me and I came to my beloved home at Wisma Kucing in Noah's Ark Natural Animal Sanctuary (NANAS).   

Xiao Mei Mei adapting very well with the cats at the sanctuary.

The feline folks here at Wisma Kucing really like me; I am very cheerful, loving and playful. I enjoy a game of catching as I have strong hind legs which propel me like a lightning bolt. But don’t step on my tail, ‘cos I can give a good left hook (with my good arm).  

These days, I  go about my day just like any other cat at Noah's Ark – I sunbathe and laze around.  

I am enjoying life in this Purr-adise.

A video of Xiao Mei Mei at Wisma Kuching.

Lots of licks and purrs.
Xiao Mei Mei

Contributed by Siah Li Mei, Melaka