Not giving fair treatment to your pets

Warning 

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

By Mark Tan

You have been seeing many happy pictures of Noah’s Ark.  It is time that we bring you behind the scene - a very sad one for this dog…

Very often we wish to bid the sanctuary good night after a hard day’s work and head out for a nice, happy, reasonable, and a good dinner in JB but some nights are just not meant to work the way we will it.

Last Sunday was one of those nights.  The case of a rotting Bulldog was brought to Ah Bee, our volunteer/pet transporter’s attention and without hesitation, he brought the Bulldog to Noah’s Ark ABC Clinic.

There was a huge tear on his left ear.  While checking on how severe the tear was, about 8 maggots crawled out.  A closer check, we found at least another 20 maggots in its badly infected ear canal.

A hole was spotted on the fold of his muzzle while Lee our Clinic Assistant was removing the maggots from its ear.  A further check revealed about 16 maggots infested holes on various parts of the poor Bulldog’s skin. The maggots have traveled beneath his skin, drilling through his flesh.

Further probes revealed that it all started with a dog fight.  The owner owns a few other dogs, and clearly in this case, the Bulldog wasn’t particularly the favourite in the pack.  His fight wounds were left to “self-heal”, which, in our Asian weather, is a near impossible process.

The open wounds were the perfect nesting place for houseflies.  When left untreated, the maggots literally eat through the dog, killing it eventually.

With the help of Lee and Alice, we managed to pull out all the visible maggots and cleaned up the holes.

The saddest part of it all?  The owner was not willing to spend more than RM300 (no, you didn't read me wrong.  THREE HUNDRED RINGGIT) for the dog's treatment.

With a case of neglect to this extent, how can one be spared a harsh reprimand by our founder, Raymund?

Let’s make this a lesson and not to repeat the same mistake by buying or adopting more than we can manage.  A pet is a lifelong commitment.  They need our time and effort to maintain them, apart from loads of TLC (tender loving care).

Ok - actually the saddest part was our dinner...  The stench of rotting flesh and rotting maggots lingered in our nostrils while we tried our best to enjoy a nice Chong Qing Steamboat at Bukit Indah.

Reflection of my life

By Raymund Wee

As a Caregiver of Noah's Ark Natural Animal Sanctuary.

Although running the sanctuary took its toll physically, emotionally, mentally, and financially, after all these 20 years.  The Spiritual aspect is there if you look for it. With great empathy and a desire to make a difference I left my airline job of 18 years in 1988 to become a full-time advocator of Animal Welfare.

This is not just a personal issue to be dealt with only within the confines of the sanctuary, but rather a community outreach issue that must be addressed.  Today a lot of things are the same, but the rampant changes have changed through our social media, the internet, but I didn’t have a perspective as to what's important in life.

I have about the choices I've made.  I want to make sure that my priorities are the ones I'd want to have, rather than ones someone else thinks I ought to have. In daily life, we must see that it is not HAPPINESS that makes us grateful, but GRATEFULNESS that makes us happy.  It's the power of UNCONDITIONAL LOVE to widen the path and light the way.  So many powerful, positive things have come out of this experience, it's rate to think back now about how bad it was during the Noah's Ark saga in 2000 with the Exodus of animals.

Some people never understand what their gifts are and how to use them.  But everything in life happens for a reason.  I didn't believe that the move to Johor happened for nothing, but it was for me to figure it out.

I was judgemental, impatient, and held flimsy interpretation of life.  Now I listen to the problems of others, "What can I do to help the animals through humans and their caregivers."  My life has changed irrevocably and upward for joy because of what I went through not forgetting the forces of supporters after all these 20 years.

As much as we want only happiness as kids and teens, that's terrific, but unless you've suffered in your life you really don't know.

I pray for the wisdom to deal with changes and that people will RESPECT nature and all creatures great and small.

Vet Help @ Noah's Ark with Dr Dennis Choi and Dr Eric Yeoh

31 August 2015 - Returning back to the animals.

Helping and speaking for those who cannot speak for themselves.

"It is not enough to be compassionate. You must act."

 Dr Dennis Choi of Mount Pleasant Veterinary Centre at Gelenggang and Dr Eric Yeoh of Animal World Veterinary Clinic was at Noah's Ark for a short 3 days getaway to indulge in their cycyling activities around Johor.

For a free and easy stay at the sanctuary nothing comes without an obligation.  Dr Choi did a femoral head osteotomy (FHO) on a stray dog with a dislocated and fractured femoral head.

 

Their compassion and professional support brought the sanctuary to a greater height and with their help thus the street animals received.  Without the gratis participation of these veterinarians it would probably be necessary once again to euthanise such cases, because of insufficient salaried staff to care for them and sufficient funds to get the vets to help them.

Setting off for their well deserved break.

Greatly appreciated by Raymund Wee. 

Lines by Theodora, Singer-song-writer

Theodora, Singer-songwriter started at Noise Singapore 2014 and went on to do Baybeats 2015.  Currently working on an EP.  Her first single was just released and the music video was filmed at Noah’s Ark in June 2015.

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.

Black Jack - The Black Beauty

Walk into the Cat Wisma and you might notice Black Jack, a senior cat who communicates with visitors with his excited “meows” and he is known to Raymund as the “Talking Cat”.

Black Jack is 16 years old and being a senior cat, he has only one tooth left but he is still happy to be able to enjoy the company of his other cat friends or indulge in his own personal time lazing around in the afternoon sun. Black Jack was adopted by Raymund from Hougang, close to where he grew up.

Raymund compares Black Jack to that of a typical Singaporean who is not satisfied with anything and complains all day as he always entertains visitors with his incessant comical meowing. However, Black Jack is considered a very lucky cat as not many pet owners like the colour black and this has contributed to them not being always able to find a permanent home.

The reality is that many people boycott owning animals that are black due to superstitious beliefs surrounding them. Shelter workers termed this phenomenon “Black Dog Syndrome” where black cats and dogs face an uphill task of finding potential adopters due to their colour. This has made shelters hold special adoption drives to entice people to adopt these animals.

According to an article, “It’s not fur! Meet the cats no one wants- just because they are black. Can you give any of them a home” by the Daily Mail Online UK last year highlights the plight of animals that are black in colour who have a hard time finding homes. At the Battersea Dogs and Cats Home in London, there is another problem that comes up which are that black cats are too plain as compared to the many other interesting colours available and that the colour black is too dull. In a bid to get people to change their mindset about the colour black, Cats Protection, a cat charity has launched the National Black Cat Day to raise awareness that these animals are as cute and charming as other varieties of pets.

Black cats and dogs are still being unfairly discriminated against but animal welfare organisations and shelters are doing their best to maintain pet equality among all animals so that everyone has a chance to find a home. Another aspect would be that potential adopters need to see pass the outlook of an animal and focus on the personality and chemistry of the animal which will help in relationship building between pet and owner.

If Black Jack could speak, he would probably want all animals to be given equal treatment and love so that every animal can get that opportunity in finding second chances and loving owners. To debunk the misconception of the colour of black that prevents an animal from getting adopted, here are some of the reasons why a black cat make good pets!

1.  In Ancient Egypt, owning a black cat was thought to bring good luck.
2.  Lots of famous cats have been black like those featured in popular television shows and movies such as The Simpsons and Looney Tunes.
3. Black cats are elegant.
4. Black cats are just like any other cats, they are loving and sweet.
5. The colour black goes with everything as it is a contemporary colour.  

On your next visit to the sanctuary, do remember to visit the Cat Wisma and lookout for Black Jack and his friends who are the entire same unique and masculine colour. It is important to give all animals, no matter their breed or colour that equal chance to be loved and accepted which is their one and only greatest wish.

By Darren Chan 

New from Noah's Ark - July 2015

Noah's Ark Rescue Please help us to help them    Dear Friends of Noah's Ark We had an influx of animals that needed our help in the last couple of weeks and our volunteers could barely cope.  Practically, we do know that we cannot save every single dog on the street, but if you happened to see a dog in front of you that is unwell - are you able able to walk away?  We could not do it. Whether it was a major or a minor injury, one more previous life is saved and we try our best.  All rescue cases require energy i.e. time, labour and finance.  Our dedicated volunteers have been attending to their stray charges diligently and Noah's Ark has been actively working and promoting TNRM (Trap-Neuter-Release-Management).  We need your help to help the animals:  to adopt to volunteer to foster  to fund the rescued animals medical aid Our team of volunteers have been working towards a goal of having less strays on our streets because the streets are not their homes. With the number of rescue cases pouring in, our vet bills are at an all time high.  If you could support our work, please email us at Noah's Ark CARES any contribution is appreciated to support our work and the animals medical aid. Thank you. From the volunteers at Noah's Ark.

Noah's Ark Update   Nugget Recently we found a lump growing on Nugget's throat.  Under sedation, the vet managed to squeeze out the lump and to see soft tissue.  An ultrasound will be able to diagnose his condition, due to the high cost, we had to put it on hold. Nugget is currently on antibiotics and he will be going for his review soon.  To read Nugget's story, please click HERE. Di Di Di Di a puppy living at a factory was diagnosed with tick fever, Ehrlichia and we were advised by the vet that his blood count was very low that he needed a blood transfusion. We are very thankful to J-Boy's owner for coming forth to save Di Di's life. To read about Di Di's story, please clickHERE.   Ricky During our rounds when we were out looking for Ricky's neighbour Rain, we found him lying listlessly under a container truck. The worker  said that he has been like this for the past few days and it was getting worrying. Concern for Ricky's welfare, we took him to the vet. Blood tests and x-ray were done and nothing was detected. We left him at the vet for 2 nights for observation in case something was not right with his immune system and he was diagnosed for dehydration because of his multiple bite wounds on him. To read about Ricky's story, please click HERE.  Rain She has a tipped ear and we assumed she is sterilized since a tipped ear is an indication of being neutered for street dogs. But one night, when we saw her with a swollen vulva  our jaws dropped. The male dogs were also after her! Was she on heat?  The vet did a thorough vaginal examination and did not find any lump so TVT was ruled out.  A higher possibility was that the spaying was not properly performed and Rain has retained ovaries - that was the reason why she was on heat again. To read about Rain's story, please click HERE.   Thumper Thumper is an innocent young puppy who greets everyone wagging his thin long tail.  He can be carried, handled and he will not resist.  How could a sweet boy survive being a stray? One fateful evening, Thumper was attacked by a pack of five big dogs. What crime did he commit? He simply went up to a contractor whom he recognized to happily greet him. The attack was triggered by jealousy and pack instinct.  To read about Thumper's story, please click HERE. Teddy Teddy lives in a factory was brought to the vet because he fractured his hind leg from a fall. The fractured has caused Teddy great pain but somehow he was still affectionate towards the rescuers. The vet advised to insert a metal placed on his left hind leg and to let him have cage rest for 6 weeks. To read about Teddy's story, please click HERE. Tour to Noah's Ark on Saturday, 22 August Date:  Saturday, 22 August 2015 Time:  11.00 am to 7.00 pm Meeting Point:  Boon Lay MRT Station Fee: S$70 per head Programme 11.00 am - Depart from Boon Lay for lunch  12.00 pm - Vegetarian lunch 1.30 pm   - Depart lunch venue for Noah's Ark 2.00 pm   - Arrive at Noah's Ark 6.00 pm   - Depart for Singapore 7.00 pm   - Alight at Boon Lay MRT and Bishan MRT   For more details please click HERE. To register for the tour please email to Noah's Ark. Lordy, Noah's Ark resident To contribute towards our work for the animals If you wish to: To sponsor a pet programme To sponsor some of our pet food To sponsor medical aid for the animals To support our spay and neuter programmes To upkeep the sanctuary for the the residents - Buy a Brick To make a contribution 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 email to Noah's Ark CARES in order for us to track and to acknowledge receipt.  Bank: DBS Account type: DBS Current Account No: 012-900823-0 Account Name: Noah's Ark CARES Branch Code: 012 Bank Code: 7171 Bank: OCBC Bank (OCBCSGSG) Account No: 501-827745-001 Account Name: Noah's Ark Companion Animal Rescue & Education Society Branch: OCBC Head Office Branch Code: 501 Bank Code: 7339

To stay in touch with Noah's Ark, please visit our blogs and Facebook page at: Blogs Noah's Ark CARES http://noahsarkcares.blogspot.sg Noah's Ark Natural Animal Sanctuary http://nanasanctuary.blogspot.sg/  Noah's Ark Residents http://noahsarkresidents.blogspot.sg/  Facebook Noah's Ark CARES https://www.facebook.com/noahsarkcares Horses at Noah's Ark https://www.facebook.com/horsesatnoahsark Email info@noahsarkcares.com  noahsarkcares@gmail.com

A little piece of haven by Clara Chew

An Impactful News Event: Animal Welfare in Singapore

The news event that has impacted me would be "Amendments to animal welfare Bill detailed", a recent news report that was covered by Channel News Asia, and many other news channels. 

As an animal welfare volunteer and caregiver, I have a passion for the welfare of animals. It has always been out of my own compassion and conscience that I have tried to help animals that have crossed paths with me, and to help them without reservation is to lead by example.

I have actively lobbied for changes to be made to the private bill concerning animal welfare legislation through means such as writing my thoughts to the various news forums. It is a first step in the right direction to finally see that the government is increasing the penalties for cases of animal cruelty and neglect. This newly tabled legislation will send a strong signal to pet owners to practice responsible care for their pets and punish offenders with stiffer penalties.

Animals that do not have a home are often the target of animal abusers as these people do not seem to have the ability to tolerate and try to co-exist with these animals. This social issue has made me wonder whether society has lost the ability to love, respect and be open. My argument would be that if the person does not love animals, they do not need to hurt them but to just leave them alone. Through this legislation, I hope that these abusers could be harshly dealt with for harming these innocent and helpless animals. The question being raised by me is that, “If society cannot even respect ,and love these sentient beings, how can we learn to love and accept one another?”

Moreover, the authorities need to work together with the various animal welfare groups to come up with humane methods to decrease the stray population through sterilisation and education outreach to help society understand the concept of tolerating and respecting these animals. These animals do not ask for anything out of the ordinary, they only require the basic needs to survive which is food, water and love. Looking at the number of animal cruelty, and abandonment cases pains me because it is a reflection of society, and of how people are unable to be compassionate to provide for these animals the care that they deserve with sincerity. 

Also, animals are being exploited through unethical breeding such as through puppy mills and for entertainment purposes that their health is being compromised. I have always inform people who want to get a pet to adopt and not to buy from pet shops as many animals in shelters are looking for homes and they make great pets. Most of the animals in pet shops are the subject of breeding and people exploit these animals for the sake of monetary gains by in-breeding which will affect the animals and their off-springs. Recently, the dolphins in Underwater World Singapore have skin cancer and their health is neglected grossly as the organization is too focused on the entertainment factor that they fail to provide for them. The public need to realise that animal welfare is looking at the bigger picture of weighing the consequences of our actions and finding ways to make the lives of these animals better and not to destroy their lives any further.  

Also people need to understand that if we do not help these animals, who will? It is disappointing that society is not open to speak up for animal rights and to actively show others that the welfare of these animals is of great importance. However, these challenges have enabled me to carry on fighting for animal rights and to prove people that they can co-exist with animals.

“I am in favor of animal rights, as well as human rights, which is the way of the whole human being.” - Abraham Lincoln  

The stark reality is that people need to open their hearts to accept these animals. These steps will lead to a society that has the heart, and mindset for positive changes to be implemented in the area of animal welfare. Mahatma Gandhi once said that you can gauge a country by how well it treats its animals, this quote shows that Singapore still has a long way to go in realizing the importance of animal welfare and positive change that will benefit the animals. 

By Darren Chan

Over legislation kills

Photo credits: 

Genevieve Yap Lai Ye, Student of Lasalle College of the Arts

In a society where we boast of freedom and clearly recognised the importance of our leadership in this region, one must be increasingly disillusioned by the simple things in life that prevent us from moving ahead even further. We can successfully persuade family to stop at two, monopolies the gambling industries and having the marketing prowess to alter human life in this city call Singapore.

The suffering of our street animals is a deep and quiet thing and yet thousands of people hear and care and hope to answer this call. More than 25 Animal Welfare Groups have invested their time and money. While Singaporeans are donating thousands of their dollars to animal welfare organisations who promised that they are relieving animal sufferings.

But are they? Or, is the trust being placed in them by their donors, being betrayed.?

The overpopulation of dogs and cats is the major source of the suffering and death of thousands of animals a year in Singapore. This is a problem for which the cause is well known, the consequences of not solving it are well known and the tools for solving it are within reach. And yet, little headway is being made. It is one  of the simplest problems to correct.

Where is the effort to prevent the over population in the first place?

Our society should devote a sizable of our existence to find out the problem that is facing us and to realise that we must refocus our efforts on the TRUE meaning of responsibility and compassion and to understand that even though only one voice, each human is part of a societal choir of sorts that has far reaching consequences for everyone in that given society. We can never expect to win the game until all teammates play by the same rules.

The Animal Welfare Groups are not useless. It is a better place with them than without them, but they fall short. To whom much is given, much is expected.

Remember over legislation kills more good people.

By Raymund Wee

Farewell my friend...

Sir Whatmore

5 May 1998 to 9 May 2015

        To my owner,

When I won races and brought you glory, 

you cheered and praised me. My owner.

When I could no longer race and had to retire, 

you cast me aside and abandoned me. My owner.

Alas, when I was into the twilight and breathed my last, 

you were unaware as you have forgotten me. My owner.

       Your once faithful race horse,

       WhatMore.

Whatmore (left) with Sky Governor running with dogs.

Photo credits: Anne Young

Boomerlake and Whatmore (both were ex race horses) -
RIP my dear friends.

Photo credits: Anne Young

"Ask not how much your race horse won for you but 

ask how little had you done in return" - Author Unknown

Thank you Anne for capturing these photos of Whatmore for us to remember.

A Place where Art, Colours and Animals Move as One

Noah’s Ark Natural Animal Sanctuary (NANAS) is situated in Johor Bahru, Malaysia which is a 30 minutes drive from the Singapore customs. For me it was a great start of a fun day despite some delays and we had a good yet simple vegetarian meal to kick-start the day. After lunch, we started to proceed to the sanctuary. I went with an open mind, not knowing what to expect as it would mark my first visit to the sanctuary.

I have lived in Hong Kong for most of my life and I am so use to the hustle and bustle of the city. My only experience with animals was when I was 8 years old which was a trip to the Hong Kong Zoo with my parents. 

One day before the sanctuary’s visit, I had attended Rosina’s Animal Communication Workshop which made me rediscover my love for art and the beauty of colours. I had stopped doing art since I was young, but through the workshop I am able to rekindle my passion to draw, write and even learn to communicate with animals with the guidance of Rosina.

Prior to visiting Noah's Ark, I was apprehensive due to knowing that there would be many animals running around within the sanctuary’s grounds and that I was bitten by a dog when I was young which intensified my fears and phobia. Rosina gave me some advice to calm my fears which was not to make eye contact with the dogs when I entered and to go in with a positive mindset. 

However, when I entered the sanctuary, I was greeted by the barking of the dogs but I was overcome with a sense of peace and serenity, instead of fear. The animals were all well maintained, clean and love by the other animals and workers at the sanctuary. The main lodge where Raymund Wee, the founder of NANAS lived ignited the artist in me. It had paintings and figurines of animals and religious artefacts that was similar to that of a European-Chinese art museum. 

I was filled with joy and happiness to see nature and animals co-existing together as I begun a tour of the sanctuary with Rosina and the group. I took many photographs for keepsake and I was tasked by Rosina to try and communicate with the animals. Animal communication is similar to that of talking and meeting a new friend and I had only mutual respect and confidence in communicating with the sanctuary’s many animals. Also, I had the opportunity to interact with the sanctuary animals from horses, snakes, dogs and cats.

Moreover, I was overcome with a wave of emotions when I found out the identity of my guided animal. He is Gerry the wild boar and he is in need of a bigger enclosure to roam around. I did a drawing of him and that it dawn on me that he is upset due to the limited space. It is my duty to support him to contribute funds to build for him a bigger enclosure where he can roam freely.

After two hours of excitement and taking in the sights of the sanctuary, I retired to the lodge for a short nap as I was exhausted emotionally. The lodge gave me feelings of peace and that it was a moment in time where nobody would judge, question and remind me of my duties as a person. I felt truly blessed to be in the company of such tranquillity with the surroundings and the animals.

Soon, it was 5 p.m. which marked the end of the tour. In my heart, I did not want to leave and wanted to stay on. But knowing the amount of effort and energy needed to maintain the place, I was not ready for that yet. From this trip, I took away a great experience in my life which helped me overcome my fears and to know that life is indeed beautiful. I hope that many people would get a chance visit the sanctuary to observe the unique blend of art, colours and animals in one place. Also, do continue to support the various fundraising projects for the animals and the sanctuary to continue their daily operations and to know that you have made a difference in their lives by helping in one way or another.

A group photo with my new friends from Singapore.

By: Yeshma Sawlani (Hong Kong)