There is something quietly profound about being chosen. At most adoption drives, it is the human who walks through rows of hopeful faces, making a decision based on instinct, appearance or circumstance.
But what if that moment was reversed? What if, instead, a dog chose you?
That is the idea behind ProjekPawPicks, a national dog adoption programme by Execute Animal Welfare Act Execute (AWA). Taking place on May 9 and 10, from 9am to 1pm at Leo & Friends in Sunway Damansara, the initiative invites Malaysians to experience adoption in a more meaningful and intuitive way.
Instead of selecting a pet, potential adopters spend time with the dogs and allow the animals to gravitate towards them. It is in these unscripted moments – a dog sitting quietly beside someone, a hesitant tail slowly beginning to wag – that something deeper can unfold.
"Many of these animals have experienced abandonment or instability," says animal rights activist and Execute AWA founder Sue Ann Kong. "So giving them agency – even in a small way – can be incredibly powerful. When a pet chooses you, it's based on comfort and trust. And for the adopter, that moment creates a bond that goes far beyond appearances."
ProjekPawPicks is also about shifting mindsets. There remains a lingering belief that rescued animals are "problematic" or less predictable. In reality, many simply need patience, structure and a safe environment to thrive.
By allowing people to interact with rescued dogs in a more organic setting, the programme challenges these misconceptions. Visitors see firsthand that these animals are not defined by their past, but by their capacity to love, adapt, and connect.
In Malaysia, where stray overpopulation remains a longstanding issue, this approach is especially crucial. Without proper preparation, even well-meaning adopters may find themselves overwhelmed, leading to pets being returned or, in worse cases, abandoned again. Pre-screening helps prevent this cycle by matching dogs to homes that suit their needs and lifestyles, whether that means considering living space, family readiness, or time for care and training.
It also reinforces a larger message that ExecuteAWA hopes to champion: that compassion must be structured to be sustainable. ProjekPawPicks is not just about rehoming dogs – it is about building a culture of responsible pet ownership and community accountability.
The programme itself is part of a wider, multi-state collaboration involving partners from Pahang, Perak, Negri Sembilan, Selangor and Kuala Lumpur. It signals a growing movement towards more humane, community-driven solutions to animal welfare.
For those who are unsure if they are ready to adopt, the organisers offer reassurance: you do not have to have all the answers before attending.
"Come with an open heart, but also with honesty," Kong says. "Even if you’re not ready to adopt yet, being there is meaningful. You learn, you connect and you begin to understand what responsible ownership really looks like."
More info and to register: executeawa.com/activities/
