I will try to find the words to describe the wonderful and important experience I had for four weeks at the Animals Welfare on Koh Chang.
Definitely the most emotionally powerful experience in my 6 months in Asia, and this is because those 27 dogs, pure souls, enter you inside, day after day, and you create that magic that only with those who cannot ask for anything, with those who give you without ever expecting anything in return, can you create. The strongest thing I have learnt is that for defenceless beings like dogs we can make a difference. Dependent on us to eat to be cared for to have the joy of a walk to be caressed to be cleaned if, as was the case with paralysed dogs, their needs were often in contact with their front paws.
And so what I want to say to the future volunteers is…as Jordi and Nicol (volunteers with whom I had the burden of being with for a fortnight) said…put your heart into it…but a small extra gesture can really make a difference in the day of these dogs.The house and communal areas are truly incredible, everything new, clean and with all comforts.
Thank you Tanja for bringing this project to life by donating your commitment, money and love to give these animals a safe place and a chance at a dignified life, many of whom would have no chance of surviving on the streets. Thank you to rescue team leader Mo and his team who feed, care for and save so many dogs and cats on the streets of Koh Chang every day.
Thank you Nui for your incredible work for your smile for the love you have for the dogs and that you have passed on to us. Thank you for the chat and the laughter. Thank you to Shanta ..and thank you to the wonderful people with whom I had this experience. Have a great time and I hope to see you again soon
