BY all accounts, Barbara Janssen should have been enjoying a quiet retirement after leaving behind a logistics career in Hamburg, Germany.
Instead, the 81-year-old spends every day caring for more than 700 rescued dogs at the Penang Animal Welfare Society (4PAWS) shelter in Teluk Bahang, devoting not only her time but virtually every sen she has to giving abandoned animals a second chance.
Janssen, who moved to Penang permanently under the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) programme, said retirement was supposed to mark the beginning of a slower pace of life.
“Everything changed one day when I spotted two puppies darting across a busy road.
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“They were almost hit by passing cars. I rescued them immediately.
“Linus and Tiger were my first two rescues. Not long afterwards, I decided to register 4PAWS as a non-profit organisation,” she said.
More than two decades later, what began with two frightened puppies has grown into one of Penang’s largest dog rescue shelters.
Although many retirees would have chosen to volunteer occasionally or simply enjoy life, Janssen decided she wanted to do more.
“Running an animal shelter requires total commitment.
“It takes time, patience and dedication but I have been very fortunate to have wonderful assistants and volunteers who have stood by me over the years,” she added.
Janssen said the proceeds from selling her belongings in Germany, together with her German government pension, had all gone towards caring for the rescued animals.
“Everything I have now goes into keeping my dogs fed, healthy and happy.”
Janssen suffered a mild stroke in August 2024 and had to have a pacemaker installed in her chest due to irregular heartbeat.
Now, however, the animal shelter faces one of its biggest challenges.
The landowner wants back the site where 4PAWS currently operates, forcing Janssen to find a permanent home for the hundreds of canines under her care.
She has committed to purchasing a nearby 0.8ha plot of land costing RM1.2mil to relocate the shelter.
“I have to pay a 10% deposit this month, with the balance payable over the next eight months.
“Despite two successful fundraising campaigns, we are still short of RM530,000.
“I sincerely hope the public will help us because without this land, our rescued dogs will have nowhere to go,” she said.
For details, visit 4PAWS’ website at www.4paws.com.my
