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.

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

Plight of a street dog in Johor - the street is not their home

17 March, this lonely street dog was brought in to Noah's Ark Animal Birth Control Clinic this afternoon by a caregiver from Taman Gaya in Johor.

A physical examination was done on him.

Breed: Cross Great Dane
Age:    est. 6 years old
Color:  Black

From his condition, he has been leaving on the street for a long time.  He is a very friendly dog and he was very cooperative during his physical examination procedures.

He has a myriad of medical problems, namely:

1. Transmissible veneral tumour (TVT) 

2. Heartworm positive
3. High liver enzyme
4. Fractured mandible which could be from an old accident
5. Lacerated leg wound from a recent accident

Gaya will be treated in stages and eventually he will be a permanent resident of the sanctuary.

Another happy ending for this lucky dog, he received shelter because you cared for him.

By Raymund Wee

Kai Kai a lucky cat's journey

It took a lady 2 days of coaxing and patience to get this young cat out of the drain. 

The rescued cat was brought into Noah's Ark clinic for treatment. When it arrived, he was given a through physical examination and it had urine sores around his pelvic areas. His bladder was very distended and promptly an indwelling urinary catheter was insert to help him to urinate. We waited for the miserable kitty's condition to be stabilised.

Dr Kesia from Mount Pleasant clinic volunteered to travel to Noah's Ark to perform a cystotomy to remove the struvites* and bloody plugs.  Dr Kesia's compassion and caring ways brought comfort to this young cat and myself. 

Now I have a to bring him along with me to Muar and Malacca Animal-Birth-Control clinic tour because he requires intensive care for the next 3 days. I shall name him "Little Kai Kai".

By Raymund Wee

Footnote*

Urinary Tract Stones (Struvite) in Cats

Urolithiasis is a medical term referring to the presence of stones in the urinary tract. Struvite is a material that is comprised of magnesium, ammonium and phosphate.

Urolithiasis is a medical term referring to the presence of stones in the urinary tract. Struvite is a material that is comprised of magnesium, ammonium and phosphate. These type of stones can be found in the urinary bladder, the urethra or in the kidneys. While some forms of the stones can be flushed out or dissolved, others must be removed surgically.

Symptoms and Types

Many animals do not display any signs or symptoms of the disease. However, some will have:

·         Abnormal urine patterns

·         Difficulty urinating (dysuria)

·         Frequent urination

·         Bloody urine (hematuria)

·         Cloudy urine

·         Increased thirst

·         Enlarged belly 

The most common urinary tract stones (uroliths) are struvite and oxalate. Struvite stones are crystal-like formations that are small in size and primarily made up of magnesium, ammonium and phosphate. When cats have struvite plugs in their urethra (the tube that extends from the bladder to the outside of the body to discharge urine), they are typically comprised of larger stones and are often mixed with crystals.

Causes

The median age for urolithiasis is around seven years old and it is more common in female animals than in males. Animals that have small urethral outlets are also more prone to develop these type of obstructions. It is thought that the stones are developed following urinary tract infections, as well as when large quantities of minerals are bound to other foreign materials such as tissue, blood and other inflammatory reactants.

  

Diagnosis

Sometimes a thicker bladder wall will be felt by the veterinarian; difficulty urinating and an abnormal outflow may also be diagnosed. Urine samples will be obtained by the veterinarian to examine for abnormalities. Ultrasounds are used to determine the size, shape and location of the stones for treatment options; other imaging tests may also be performed to determine if there are any other underlying medical conditions.

Source: http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/urinary/c_ct_urolithiasis_struvite

Compassionate Collaboration Towards a No-Kill Society

Some might ask, what is the price for freedom? 

To these dogs, it means the ability to find a place 

where they are protected and loved forever.  

“Our task is to free ourselves by widening our circle of compassion 

to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature and its beauty.”

- Albert Einstein 

Noah’s Ark Natural Animal Sanctuary (NANAS) has always put the interests of the animals first with the establishment of the Vet Help Program for aspiring and voluntary veterinarians to come forward to volunteer their time at the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Clinic. However, Noah's Ark has been forced to step in to lend a helping hand in dire situations that threaten the animals’ welfare. Such dire situations arises when due to limitations, the animal shelter involved in taking care of these animals are unable to adequate medical care for these animals.

In this instance, Noah's Ark has graciously accepted to take in a few animals from SPCA Melaka that were suffering from various medical ailments and as a gesture of goodwill to give these animals a place to recover and to call their own at the sanctuary. This gracious exception will put an end for the animals’ fervent search at finding a permanent home.

The truth is that shelter animals are always waiting and searching for good owners to welcome them into their homes so that they would not be confined to a shelter for the rest of their lives. Moreover, shelter animals make excellent pets as they only ask for companionship and the basic necessities which are food, water and shelter to feel contented. The harsh reality is that some shelter animals are not given that chance. Furthermore, people have the urge to buy a pet instead of adopting one from a animal shelter, this will deny the animals a chance to find a permanent home.

These animals are the more privileged ones that have gotten rescued and be recipients of the medical assistance that they so badly deserved. Animal shelters are also faced with a huge amount of abandonment cases that they are spread thinly at the expense of the animals.

Marco a Rottweiler was neglected for the last two years 

without proper medications. He was suffering from 

chronic mange and fungal infection.

Raymund Wee, founder of Noah's Ark says, “The world is such that we are constantly urged to chase after a moment of fame. The feel good moment will last only when we are unseated by the next winner. Perhaps we need to step off and consider how we can impact the animals. Such efforts will bear fruit that last through time.” Adding on he further elaborates by saying, “When leadership of the animal shelters fail, the killing goes on.” 

Raymund observes that some animal shelters hide behind the word “Mercy Killing” as an easy way out than trying to save them.

An emaciated Japanese Spitz, weighing a mere 5 kg, down 

with suspected tick fever.  Immediately it was given 

an emergency IV drip and vitamin B12 to boost it immunity system.

The truth is that Noah's Ark has been taking in close to about 100 animals from SPCA Melaka to provide them with urgent medical treatments and a place where they are able to recuperate. Raymund provides his own insight on the limitations that animal shelters faces. He says, “Animal Shelters similar to SPCA has their own constitutions where the shelter gives half-way housing for surrendered or rescued animals and they do not have sanctuary facilities.” Adding on he says, “To help the animals, animals that are to be kept longer than 3 months need to be moved to a foster home which applies to senior animals and those with disabilities so that they have a higher chance of getting adopted.”

Animal welfare organisations need to know when to step off the publicity train so that they can focus their attention on more pressing matters at hand which is for the welfare of the animals and not themselves. With humility and compassion, more animals can find that loving home that they are seeking for most of their lifetime and meet responsible owners who are ready to make that commitment.

Nelly, a final year veterinarian student from
Glasgow was on attachment as part of
Vet Help@Noah's Ark
giving Marco a physical examination.

From left: Vincent, SPCA Melaka President, Loy and Mei, Noah's Ark Volunteers,
Tong, SPCA Volunteer and Angeline, SPCA Melaka Vice President. 

Also, the public has to understand that it is their own responsibility to care for their pets till they pass on as it is part of their duty as a guardian. It is a simple reason is that a pet will be by your side at any time, without hesitation. The best we can do for them is to give them the company and love that they need. The question is “Which legacy do we wish to live and leave behind?” It is a matter of our own choices that will determine the progress of animal welfare and the weight of its impact on the animals.

By Darren Chan   

Sexually Transmitted Tumors in Dogs

A female dog receiving treatment at Noah's Ark ABC Clinic. 

Transmissible Venereal Tumor (TVT) is a naturally occurring tumor that is sexually transmitted from one dog to another.  It can also be spread during routine sniffing or other contact. TVT is usually seen in young intact (non-neutered) dogs and a good number of such cases are regularly seen among street dogs living in packs.

Symptoms: 

You may observe a red, tumorous mass bulging out of the vagina, or on the penis. The tissue mass may break off upon manipulation. Blood drops may also be observed dripping from the vagina or penile foreskin. The dog will usually lick the affected area frequently.

Causes:

This condition is the result of direct contact with Tumor cells from a diseased animal. It is transmitted through the sexual act or by oral contact. UNSTERILISED & FREE ROAMING DOGS are at a GREATER RISK of acquiring and spreading this disease.

Rescued from Majilis Pendaraan (MP) JB Pound

Four young dogs were rescued by two young men three days ago from the Majilis Pendaraan (MP) JB pound and they were brought over to Noah's Ark ABC Clinic at the sanctuary for a physical medical examination.  The dogs were tested negative for parvo and distemper.  A vaccination was given and dewormed at the same time, sterilization will be done after their 2nd vaccination.

As promised, vaccination, deworming and vaccination will be provided free of charge for any dog/dogs that are rescued from the pound.

A happy ending for the four lucky dogs.

Raymund Wee

*Majilis Pendaraan means town council

The Harsh Reality of Our Street Dogs

We need the community's help to help them

Every society has its strengths and weaknesses - that includes us.

Our top priority is to care for 600 dogs, 300 cats, 10 horses and many small animals at Noah's Ark Natural Animal Sanctuary, a place for the animals to call home and to pass on with dignity - it is no fault of theirs that their caregivers have abandoned, abused and neglected them.  It is our moral obligation to provide food, shelter and medical care for the animals at the sanctuary. 

Apart from taking care of the animals at the sanctuary, Noah's Ark places a great emphasis on Project Industrial Dogs (PID). The objective of PID is to stop the endless reproduction and to lessen the number of strays on the streets through active sterilization.

Our PID team is small, we focus on a firm belief that every female street dog is spayed, many lives are inadvertently saved.  We regularly provide the street dogs with food and our priority is to sterilize the dogs and control their population.  We visit industrial areas to explain to factory owners, supervisors and workers about our project and the importance of sterilization, and to convince them to work with us.  We do get negative responses from factory owners that are unwilling to help.  But on the positive side, some workers are able to understand our work and they do ask for medical help for the street dogs.  Some of the workers refer their friends who work in other factories to us to help the street dogs. 

We are grateful that they understand and they want to help the dogs - and these dogs do not live in the lap of luxury but they are taken care off with basic needs.

Recently, we had three rescue cases referred by the factory workers that needed medical attention.

Sintu

An elderly caregiver who feeds Sintu regularly informed us that Sintu was not well.  When we went to look for him, they discovered that he had contracted TVT (canine Transmissible Venereal Tumor) and he must have had this condition for quite some time for his genitals to show such symptoms externally.  In order not to infect the other dogs, we brought Sintu to the vet for medical treatment.

 

 

Yogi

During one of our feeding sessions, we made a turn into this particular lane when we saw some dogs loitering around.  A huge dog came running towards us when he smelt food and we found out that he is affectionately called Yogi by the factory worker who has kept him since young.  When we were feeding Yogi and we were about to leave, we saw that he had a hole in his scrotum.  We know only too well that the hole though small for now, will likely get infected and in time to come cause pain to Yogi.  We spoke to the elderly security uncle and he was only too glad to have our help to treat Yogi. 
 

 

Jackson

Jackson squeezed out from a corner as we were about to leave after leaving some food for the pack of dogs.  Initially, we only saw his right view which was fine until he lifted his head from eating to look at us straight in the face and our jaws dropped. Jackson's left eyeball was popping out of the socket and the front part of his eyeball was covered with soil, mud and dirt sticking to the pus!  No way we could leave him unattended, immediately we brought him to the vet for medical aid.

These dogs are cared for by the factory workers and security guards, they provide shelter for the dogs, we provide food and in return the dogs help to take care of the factory when everyone goes home for the day.

 

To read about Sintu, Yogi and Jackson's plight, please click here.

Some lucky dogs get to stay within the compound if the workers like them.

Some dogs will sneak and hide for lodging.  

Ideally, we wish that every dog can find a home. 

In reality, there are many dogs at the shelters waiting for their forever home.  

Some dogs have been sitting and waiting for a year or two at the shelter.

When can they say that "I have a home"?

We are thankful that some factory workers are helping to take care of them, we at Noah's Ark try our best to provide the assistance needed for the welfare of the animals and we need your help to help the community's street dogs.

How you can help?

To help support Sintu, Yogi and Jackson medical fees, please email to noahsarkcares@gmail.com no amount is too small to help the community's street dogs.

To make a contribution by cheque

Please make cheque payable to Noah's Ark CARES and mail to:

Noah's Ark CARES
42 Cairnhill Road, #02-01. Singapore 229661
 

To make a contribution by fund transfer

For transfer to DBS BANK: Bank: DBS  Account type: DBS CURRENT Acct number: 012-900823-0 Acct name: Noah's Ark CARES Branch Code: 012 Bank Code: 7171

For transfer to OCBC BANK: 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

Thank you.

From the Volunteers of Noah's Ark