ANIMAL shelters and rescue groups are likely the worst hit during bleak economic times.
Canine rescue project Malaysian Dogs Deserve Better (MDDB) director Irene Low said it was challenging to ensure dogs in rescue situations were sufficiently fed.
“Thanks to our well-wishers as well as generous members of the public, our 400 dogs have not gone hungry,” she said.
MDDB’s biggest challenge is settling the vet bills, said Low.
“Normally when we rescue new dogs, we ask our donors to pay the veterinary clinics directly.
“But our main problem is recurring costs due to follow-ups and the health challenges faced by our resident dogs,” she said.
She cited the case of paralysed dogs Rebecca and Sophie as examples of such cases.
Rebecca and Sophie were rescued more than a decade ago. The former is paralysed whilst the latter has epilepsy.
“Rebecca was doing fine but because of her age, she is having kidney issues and needs follow-up treatment.
“Sophie has to visit the vet every month due to her condition,” said Low.
Besides strong and healthy dogs, MDDB also has about 100 dogs that are old, disabled and riddled with illness.
Low said these dogs required follow-up treatment and were taken to a veterinary hospital clinic in Gasing Veterinary Hospital in Petaling Jaya for consultation and treatment.
As such, she said the bill for follow-up treatments and admission of the shelter’s resident dogs at the hospital had escalated.
To cope and pay for the expenses, MDDB will be organising a fundraising event, adoption and merchandise sale outside the Gasing Veterinary Hospital on March 23 and 24, from 10am to 6pm.
“We will have a table placed near the hospital’s main entrance where we will also put up for adoption six puppies that have been vaccinated twice,” said Low.
She said those eager to help could pay directly at the veterinary hospital’s counter and would be issued a receipt.
MDDB will also be bringing some of its special dogs for an outing at the event.
“Since they are unable to run around like other dogs, they love being cuddled and that is why we bring them out whenever we get a chance,” Low added.
The hospital is located at No.53 & 55, Jalan 5/58 in Gasing Indah, Petaling Jaya in Selangor.
Those who want to help can WhatsApp 012-284 6039 for details.
