A woman from Uri and a man from Nidwalden on a world trip help sick and injured animals in Thailand
Two weeks that changed us
Koh Chang. Four months after the start of our world trip, we found ourselves in a place that would touch us more deeply and leave a more lasting impression than any beach or tourist attraction before. For two weeks, we worked at “Animal Welfare Koh Chang,” an incredibly dedicated animal welfare organization on the Thai island of Koh Chang.
From the very first minutes in the so-called “Help Point,” it became clear to us that this experience would be nothing like the kind of travel we had experienced before. We knew beforehand that it would be intense, but the first sight of the dogs regularly left us speechless. We saw paralyzed dogs, open wounds, emaciated bodies, and sad eyes. It was a shock, a moment that took us completely out of our comfort zone. It’s important to remember that as Swiss people, we are truly not used to seeing such things. But we also quickly realized: This isn’t about us. This is about the animals. About each individual fate that no one else sees. About lives that can only continue because people don’t look away.
Our Daily Life: Care, Craftsmanship, and Hope
For two intense weeks, we helped wherever help was needed. And that was everywhere. We cleaned enclosures, feces, and urine daily. Many dogs are paralyzed and unable to control their bodily functions. We bathed the dogs, helped clean wounds, changed bandages, emptied full bladders, offered comfort, and petted those who otherwise rarely receive any touch. Many animals are paralyzed from the waist down, some struggle with chronic infections, others teeter on the edge between hope and loss. For one dog, everything depended on the next few days: whether the wound would heal, the infection would subside, and the body would regain its strength.
We also repaired enclosures and ramps, assembled new wheelchairs, and hauled supplies from one place to another. Everything that makes daily life a little easier, for the team and for the animals.
Of course, we also showered the animals with love. Lots of love. That was probably the easiest and most wonderful task during the entire two weeks. We took the dogs for walks, played with them, talked to them, and held their heads when they were scared. Sometimes we simply sat beside them so they knew they weren’t alone.
And yet: There is so much joy in life. Some of the dogs are free-spirited, playful, and bring so much joy and lightness into the house with their energy.
Two of them have become especially dear to us:
Pete, the little whirlwind with the big appetite.
Pete was Livia’s little darling from the very first second. A tiny dog with a huge personality. Pete zoomed around the main area like a whirlwind, always on the move, always searching (especially for food). Due to a thyroid issue, he’s constantly hungry. And as small as he is, the little piles he produces are gigantic—a running joke among the team.
It’s almost impossible to pet him. Pete immediately thinks you’re trying to take something away from him or steal his food, and he might snap. But anyone who observes him quickly realizes: He’s a cheerful, lively little fellow who brings life to the place and puts a smile on our faces even on the toughest days.
Chokhdee, the cheerful little rascal
Chokhdee, on the other hand, has completely won Fabio over. The young dog is the newest arrival at the Help Point. He’s paraplegic and crawls around on his bottom, usually right behind us. Always cheerful, always curious, always a little too greedy. Chokhdee nibbles on everything he finds: shoes, razors, chair legs, coconuts—nothing is safe from him.
He still has a lot to learn, and it shows. Sometimes he’s a little clumsy, sometimes a little rascal. But his zest for life is contagious. Despite his disability, he radiates a curiosity that has deeply touched us. Chokhdee shows how much a dog can give, even if life has given him little so far.
A culture shock that taught us humility, perhaps more than we expected.
As people from Switzerland, we are accustomed to structures we often don’t even realize: fully stocked medicine cabinets, functioning infrastructure, clear processes, sufficient staff, and financial resources. In Thailand, they work daily with whatever is available, and that’s often not much. Sometimes there’s a lack of bandages, and sometimes simply a lack of hands. They work with whatever they can find, repair trolleys, and improvise.
What particularly moved us was that, despite these enormous challenges, the Animal Welfare Koh Chang team gives their all. Every single day. Without breaks, without vacations, without a plan B. The dedication, courage, and strength with which they fight deeply impressed us. We were able to witness firsthand that the dogs here are truly well cared for and lack nothing. This experience not only taught us humility but also showed us how privileged we were to grow up in Switzerland and how much we can change ourselves, even without perfect conditions.
About Animal Welfare in Koh Chang
Animal Welfare takes a holistic approach to animal welfare on the island. The organization is committed not only to spaying and neutering and vaccinations, but also strives to sustainably alleviate the suffering of street dogs. The organization has two distinct areas of operation.
Help Point, a refuge for sick, old, and disabled dogs
AWKC’s Help Point is not a typical animal shelter, but rather a small sanctuary, comparable to a retirement or rehabilitation center for street dogs. There, old, blind, injured, paralyzed, or seriously ill dogs find a permanent home when they can no longer survive on the streets. Some of the dogs receive long-term care, while others receive intensive care until they recover. For many dogs, the Help Point is often their last hope. They are given a second chance and a dignified life there.
Riverhouse: Feeding and Caring for Street Dogs
In parallel, AWKC operates Riverhouse, a project where street dogs are fed regularly. Volunteers join the team and provide hundreds of stray dogs with fresh food. Each month, the team distributes approximately 3.6 tons of animal feed. The Riverhouse team also participates in spay/neuter, vaccination, and rescue operations, especially when dogs are found injured on the street or require medical attention. Injured monkeys and other animals are also rescued and given medical care.
A Look Behind the Scenes and at Tanja Siegwart in Stansstad
We became aware of the organization through the Paradiesli animal shelter in Ennetmoos and the “Forgotten Souls” association. Both are located near our former home in Kerns (OW) and have been supporting Animal Welfare Koh Chang for years.
From the very beginning, we were in contact with Tanja Siegwart from the “Forgotten Souls” association. What we experienced on-site made us truly understand the incredible task she manages. She organizes and oversees everything from her office in Stansstad: donations, procedures, volunteers, medical assessments, communication with the island, adoptions, and much more. During our stay, we only got a glimpse of what a truly mammoth undertaking this is.
Communication with her was warm, straightforward, and helpful from the start. Her dedication, patience, and incredible resilience command our utmost respect. We now know: Without people like her, organizations like Animal Welfare Koh Chang simply couldn’t exist.
How we found Koh Chang
Since we consciously wanted to use our world trip to do good and give something back, we decided to invest part of our travel time in Koh Chang. It was important to us to support an organization we could absolutely stand behind. Animal Welfare Koh Chang was definitely the right choice for us, and we can highly recommend volunteering there.
We, Livia Walker from Bürglen (UR) and Fabio Amstutz from Büren (NW), have been traveling for almost five months now. We’re planning to be there for about a year in total. Next, our journey will take us through Thailand, and then we plan to go to the Philippines.
We’re moving on, but a part of us remains.
Our time at the Help Point is now coming to an end. As we pack our backpacks and move on, one feeling lingers: these two weeks have changed us. For us, it was just a short time. But for the animals and the team there, the struggle continues every single day. Without a break. Without guarantees. But with unwavering hope.
We quickly grew fond of the warm-hearted team and especially the dogs. Saying goodbye is hard. We are incredibly grateful for every experience we’ve had and will never forget our time here.
On our Instagram channel @weltweitwir, we share impressions of our journey and our experiences at Animal Welfare in Koh Chang. We also tell you more about the stories of those animals that touched us most deeply.
Animal Welfare Koh Chang Needs Your Support
The organization is almost entirely funded by donations. Every bit of help counts, whether it’s for medication, food, care, or veterinary costs. The organization depends on people who pay attention. On people who make a small contribution so that this vital work can continue.
And especially now, during the Christmas season, we want to remind you: A gift doesn’t always have to be something material. Perhaps a donation to Animal Welfare Koh Chang is the most beautiful Christmas gift. One that saves lives, gives hope, and helps those who have nothing but their own precious souls.
