PETALING JAYA: Venturing into animal rescue is a long-term commitment that you just cannot give up on, and that's why long-time rescuer Christine Lai says people must think twice before attempting it.
“There are currently several cases of rescuers who want to give-up, because they cannot go on anymore.
“Unfortunately, it is not that easy to do so, as there would be many rescued animals depending on you by then," said Lai, 57, who is adoption coordinator of the canine welfare project Malaysian Dogs Deserve Better (MDDB).
Lai said her advice to those venturing into animal rescue would be to only do it if they were willing put their own needs and those of their family aside.
“That is what my rescue partners and I in MDDB have done. You will also constantly have to worry about raising funds to take care of your dogs and your shelter," she added.
According to Lai, MDDB’s biggest challenge is to raise sufficient funds to meet their monthly commitments and take care of their 165 dogs.
“We need at least RM40,000 a month for rental, utilities, allowances, veterinary bills, medicines and food,’’ said Lai.
She said at the end of the day, if the target was not met, MDDB members – who all have full-time jobs – end up having to contribute a big chunk of their salary to manage.
Given this, she said, MDDB conduct fund-raising at their adoption drives two to three times a month.
The latest fund-raising event will be held tomorrow Sunday, Feb 17, at the newly renovated Level G, The Square by Jaya One, Jaya One, Jalan 13/6, Petaling Jaya.
“We have three beautiful puppies looking for homes, and we will also be having a jumble sale to raise funds," said Lai, adding the event will be from 11.00am to 4.00pm.
She added that MDDB would also be selling merchandise like t-shirts and mugs.
“There’s less than two weeks till the month ends, and we don’t even have half of the funds needed for our end-of-the month bills," she said.
Lai also said she was currently looking for construction supplies companies that could donate 150 pieces of hollow steel for the roofing of some kennels in the MDDB sanctuary.
Lai can be contacted 012-2414749, 012-2846039 or malaysiandogsdeservebetter1@gmail.com
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