An attendee enjoying a meal with her pet at the fundraising event.
DAWN breaks in Teluk Bahang, Penang, and before most people are up, the dogs at 4PAWS are already awake.
Their barking rises in waves, not of alarm, but of routine as shelter volunteers begin another day of feeding, cleaning and care.
For the estimated 700 dogs, this daily routine has meant safety and survival.
Soon, however, it will be disrupted as the shelter prepares to move after being told it must vacate its current premises by next year.
Founded by animal welfare advocate Barbara Janssen in 2010, the 4PAWS dog shelter has grown from a small rescue effort into one of Penang’s largest no-kill sanctuaries for abandoned and abused dogs.
The shelter currently occupies a 0.8ha site, but the landowner has decided to sell the property, leaving the shelter with no choice but to relocate.
“We don’t have an option to stay. The owner wants to sell, so we have to move.
Janssen (right) during the charity dinner at a beachfront restaurant in Batu Ferringhi. — Photos: LIM BENG TATT/The Star
“What matters now is making sure the dogs don’t lose their home,” said Janssen.
The new home for the dogs, she said, would be another plot of land nearby in Teluk Bahang that is large enough to house all 700 of them.
While the relocation means the shelter can remain in the same general area, securing the land comes with a hefty price tag.
4PAWS needs to raise RM1.2mil to purchase it.
To date, more than RM400,000 has been collected through donations and fundraising.
To secure the land, Janssen said the shelter must pay at least 10% of the price and the balance could be settled in eight monthly instalments.
“That timeline is very tight for a non-governmental organisation (NGO) like ours.
“We depend entirely on public donations and every ringgit makes a difference.”
The urgency of the situation was evident when over 210 supporters turned up for the 4PAWS charity dinner at a beachfront restaurant in Batu Ferringhi.
A fire juggler mesmerising attendees at the charity dinner.
The event brought together animal lovers, long-time donors and first-time supporters, all united by a concern for the future of the dogs.
The evening featured lucky draws and a silent auction that included hotel stays.
Guests were also entertained by a live band as well as a performance by the Fire Hunters.
By night’s end, RM21,000 had been raised.
Janssen said she was deeply touched by the turnout and generosity.
“When you see so many people coming forward to help, it reminds you that the dogs are not alone and it gives me the strength to keep going despite suffering a stroke recently,” she said.
“Beyond the cost of acquiring land, the shelter continues to face the daily financial reality of caring for hundreds of animals.
“It costs about RM35,000 a month to run 4PAWS, covering food, veterinary treatment, maintenance and staff expenses.
“Many of the dogs are also elderly, injured or chronically ill, requiring ongoing medical care.
“Rescue doesn’t end when a dog is saved.
Execute Animal Welfare Act founder Sue Ann Kong with her pet dog at the event.
“For many of them, this is a lifelong commitment.
“They need food every day, medical treatment when they’re sick, and people to look after them. All of that comes at a cost,” she highlighted.
Despite the pressure, Janssen said that reducing the number of dogs or turning animals away was not an option.
“Once we take responsibility for a dog, that responsibility doesn’t disappear, it is for life as they depend on us completely.”
As preparations for the move take shape, daily life at the shelter continues as it always has.
Volunteers clean kennels, bowls are filled, wounds are treated and tails wag in anticipation of attention.
Unaware of land negotiations, deposits and deadlines, the dogs go about their days with the simple trust that has defined their recovery.
“They don’t understand what’s happening. All they know is that this is home,” said Janssen.
For Janssen, the goal is straightforward but urgent.
“We just want to give them stability. A permanent place where they will never have to be moved again.”
As the sun climbs higher over Teluk Bahang, the barking settles into a steady hum.
For now, the dogs wait and so does the hope that the community will once again step forward to secure their future.
Donation details to support the land purchase and information on the shelter’s ongoing operations can be found at 4paws.com.my and also on their social media pages.
Enquiries can also be made by contacting shelter manager S. Murugan at 016-342 0703.
