We love presenting feedback of volunteers, sometimes volunteering for a few days or weeks, scarifying their holidays – Well, if reading what Ulli has to tell the sacrifice seems not to be that big :

During summer 2011 I worked for 8 days as a volunteer at Care for Dogs – an enriching experience that left a lasting impression on me. Somehow I have the feeling that the dogs gave me more than I could give them. They are wonderful creatures who can adapt to the most difficult circumstances, who always live in the Here and Now and manage a smile even when they only have 3 legs and happily wag their tails although being totally undernourished. I am a dog lover since many years but the stay at CfD opened my eyes even more. In the quiet afternoon hours after the dogs were fed I often sat among them, caressing a couple of dogs, my face being sniffed by at least one sweet dog´s nose. Fascinated, I watched how they organize themselves, how perfectly their pack rules work and how completely they can relax.

Of course days at CfD are not only that romantic. In the evenings, I often sat on my terrace, trying to find an answer to my many “whys”. There is terrible suffering and everybody who loves animals will be very touched. I did not know aforehand how I would cope with the impressions I would get. Subsequently I am rather proud that I could handle the situations well and do all kind of necessary works. Working hard felt good and doing meaningful work was fulfilling. And the emotional aspects could be managed too as I clearly saw that the dogs get the best possible treatment at CfD. I was surprised to see that they even have intensive care, a little operating room and a vet´s surgery. Each fate, each dog is taken seriously. I am thankful that I could get deep insight in the fields of action and the daily routine of CfD through talks with the team and during work. Many dogs need individual medication or special food. I was far from knowing the names of 180 dogs. The caretakers at CfD do not only know all the dog´s names but also do have the administration of all drugs under control: two drops in the left eye two times a day, three times a day one pill, one drop in the right ear once a week.. unbelievable and just great. Further, CfD is doing valuable educational work in and around Chiang Mai, stands up for the rights of animals and does really good marketing, which is of course important to address donors.

I would return any time and if I happen to have the chance to do it, I will. Care for Dogs helped me to organize my stay, answered all my questions and gave me recommendations for nearby accommodation.

I had an impressive, wonderful and also funny time. The CfD team welcomed me warmly and I got to know other volunteers who I am still in touch with. I still care to support CfD whenever I can, of course also by donating money which is easy when you can be totally sure that it is used in the best sense.
Everybody interested in volunteering at CfD should of course bring commitment and readiness to work – but most of all show love and understanding for the great species dog. It will be worthwhile in every respect.

Ulli, 37 yrs., Austria

Now Ulli is ultimately indected by a virus named CfD (the only disease transmittable to humans at the shelter), cause she doesn’t cut her links to CfD when back in Austria, she joined our German language translation team and was already active regarding fund raising.
Many thanks Ulli!

This Saturday was our first visit at Care for Dogs. There were four of us, Oil, Goh , Mink, and me.  We saw a dog sat in the back of the office. He has three normal legs but the fourth is only a tiny stalk of bone. Khun Jum said that he was an owned dog but after he was injured, he was neglected.  The owner let his leg degrade on his body. He also has a tumor on the lower part of his body.
It was the neighbor who came to the rescue of this little dog.  They took him from the owner and gave him to CfD.
Some people want dogs to be their best friend. But in a bad situation like this, it reveals that some human are not a best friend for dogs.

He was named “Peg” But I preferred calling him “Sam Kha” which means tripod.

Samkha was lying on a red carpet in the corner of the room.  Oil walked straight to him. She sat near Samkha but not too close because she didn’t want to scare him. She just sat there and then Samkha tried to stand. He walked slowly toward Oil, using his tiny bones to stand sometimes.  He stop beside Oil and sat there, letting her stroke his head , again and again.

At that moment I felt that he just needed to be with us and be loved by us. Oil said that she did not know how to please the dog, where to scratch him or how to touch him. But as I saw, she did a very good job and Samkha was so happy with that. That was good enough, wasn’t it?

We moved from Samkha to see other parts of the shelter. After a while, I looked back in the office and I saw that Samkha was staring at the door.
I walked back to him and sat beside him, trying to figure out what he was looking at. The position that Samkha sat in let him see people outside the office. He could also see other dogs in the front yard.
I started to touch his head, just like Oil did. His body was so warm like he has a fever. His eyes was not clear. I could not help but imagine that maybe he was crying
As I stroked his head, lots of thoughts came into my head. Is he lonely? Is he feeling good when we sit with him and touch him?
While I was thinking, Samkha moved a little bit near me, step by step.
Then he lay his body on me. He sat there, staring at the door, and let me touch him .

Have you ever felt that your simple touch was so precious for someone? That was what I felt at that moment. And I didn’t want to take my hand out of him I didn’ t want to leave him at all.

I shared his story on my Facebook . I knew that many people would be touched by the story of his life.
Mink wrote in his facebook that “At first we thought that our visit was to help dogs at CfD. But in return, Peg gave us a lesson of courage of a dog fighting for his life”.
I wrote this story on the day I first met Samkha. And it was the last day I would have a chance to see him.

It was so sad when I heard the news. But after I read about his last moment written by Nola, I believe that Samkha had a wonderful home and people who care and love him in the last minute of his life.  He was not alone.

Someone said that owner dogs seem to be more neglected than the street dogs sometimes.  I totally agree with that.
Now my sadness evolves to anger.  I’m so angry for people who think their pet is like a toy.

I think we cannot change these people’s minds or make them more responsible for their pet. But I still hope that at least they would not leave one to die alone if they don’t want him anymore.  At least the owners should take them to someone who can take care of them, just like Samkha got care from CfD. There are several organizations like CfD  in Thailand founded by a kind and generous people such as the people at CfD.

It was nice to meet you, Samkha. Even it was just a short time that we met, but you’ve already taught me something.
And it is nice to know CfD. I’m sure I will learn a lot more from them because we’re going to be connected for a long time.

Goh drew this picture and he said ‎” I put a smile on Samkha’s face so he’s full of happiness”

Time does fly by at the shelter. Five weeks ago our first volunteer through the Cultural Canvas program, Anna Chaiken of Chicago, USA, arrived at the front gate. It is hard to believe Anna’s time with CfD is already up.

I joked with her on our last shared volunteer day, reminding her about how she proclaimed she did not want to wash ringworm dogs when she first started at the shelter. Time may have passed quickly, but there was still plenty of time for things to change. Anna was now bathing all the dogs with military-like efficiency, medicates soap bubbles flying in every direction. Even she laughed about how she now plucks ticks from between toe pads without giving it a second thought.

As we spoke I could see in Anna’s eyes her recognition of how far she had come. I felt the same way. I’ve seen her tick-pinckin’ skills first hand. She’s a pro! I have also watched her counting out donation boxes one moment and training her fellow volunteers the next.  She became a valuable part of the team during her 5 week stint the shelter.

Too often as rescuers we focus on the unseen potential in the dogs we work with and forget it is within people too. Anna will always stay in my mind as a reminder of the unlocked potential that may be inside any new volunteer. Thank you Anna for you giving five weeks of your life to intentionally helping dogs and accidently helping a stogy old writer as well.

This autumn Kim and Im found their way to CfD and for a few weeks become active as volunteers at the shelter. Here what Kim has to tell about that time with us and the doggies:

Im with Malago (after Malago jumped the enclosure). Malago decided to temporarily restrict her jumping to on and off the table.

Care for Dogs helping us transport our broken-down motorcycle to the nearest repair shop.

I decided it was a sign we were definitely meant to volunteer at the shelter, and after orientation, we started volunteering two days a week. This was a big step for me. At age 23, (less than a year before arriving in Thailand) I was diagnosed with bone cancer in my right leg. I had spent most of 2010, thus far, re-learning to walk and focusing on myself. Now, I was responsible for taking care of, and walking, someone else.

Really, the dogs still took care of me: THEY took ME on long walks (my weekly physical therapy), taught me Thai (“malago” means papaya!), made me useful, and gave me lots of loving support. In return, we helped with their medical treatment, found them new homes, petted each dog in turn, and, on occasion, even shoveled poop. My prissier, pampered post-surgery self changed for the better with every paw print I accumulated on my clothes. (To future volunteers: definitely wear old clothes!)

To prospective volunteers, I would say, simply, if you feel overwhelmed or unsure initially, it will fade fast. The staff and volunteers at the shelter are some of the best people I met while traveling, and I still wish I could have brought all the dogs home with me. More volunteers translates to more care, attention, and permanent homes for the dogs. So, don’t wait for your motorcycle to break down – get involved!

As we always like to give to you some of the experience our volunteers have while they are at Care for Dogs, here some feedback from Neil Murray:

During other animal related volunteering work I was doing in Northern Thailand in February, 2010, I learnt of the work of the “Care For Dogs” rescue Centre near Chiang Mai and decided to pay a visit and volunteer for the day.

Sadly at the time I had onward travel commitments and could only stay for a day. But so impressed was I with the set up, professionalism, dedication and commitment of the staff, I decided to return and devote some more of my time to this needy cause.

Four months later, I’m back and have got involved in many aspects of the amazing and devoted work Karin (the co-founder) and her passionate team do to help these wonderful, hardy dogs.

On any given day, you will probably be asked to help with the everyday chores of the centre – cleaning, feeding, watering, bathing and walking the dogs, and just as importantly, spending quality time with them, giving them social contact with people, cuddles and the tender, loving care that most have sadly never known nor experienced.

This wonderful team currently looks after about 150 dogs (the numbers change daily). Each has a different story to tell, most of which will tug at the heart strings of anyone with a conscience. Many have life-long or current medical problems and issues from life on the streets and you could be asked to help with the daily round of re-applying ointments and wound dressings or administering medication. The centre also employs a wonderful, hearty vet; and I was priviledged enough to be asked to assist her with her work at the centre. Naturally, the team would be very interested to hear from anyone with veterinary qualifications and / or experience who has time to give.

The team also performs many of the rescues themselves and in many cases respond very quickly to calls from concerned residents or tourists. I was responsible for rescuing one such dog from Chiang Mai – “Nong White”, whose story you can also read here.

The “Care For Dogs” team and their more permanent volunteers spend a lot of time in the Temples of Chiang Mai, where many street dogs tend to congregate, and are sadly and unceremoniously “dumped” by their owners, who in many cases no longer have the money, time nor will to care for their loyal, devoted friends.

Back at the Rescue Centre, there are many shelters for the dogs. Despite recent refurbishment, the dogs “use” these to the full and wear and tear occurs quickly. In addition, holes miraculously appear in fences and drains can quickly become blocked. As such, the team would love to hear from anyone with time to give from within the construction industry. However, a skill is not always required as there are many manual jobs need performing, such as the moving of sand and aggregate.

Just as importantly, there are many other ways where your skills and time can benefit both the team and the dogs under their care, many of them on a more “hands off” basis….. Helping with adoption work, fundraising (both of which can be done at one of the regular adoption fairs held at the Airport Plaza.), good photography (for the website and to promote the work of the centre and assist with dog adoption), free printing (advertising all this costs a lot of Baht!), website design and management….. the list is endless…..

It’s also realised that you may not have time, but wish to donate to the centre. Cash donations and practical supplies (food, blankets, dog leads / collars, building supplies, toys) will all be received with an abundance of gratitude.

And finally, tell your family, friends and people you meet – they may not be aware of the centre and would love to help.

“Care For Dogs” receives no government funding and relies solely on good will, generosity and donations.

Care for Dogs can be contacted as follows:

E-mail: contact@carefordogs.org

Phone 0066 (0) 8 47 52 52 55 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              0066 (0) 8 47 52 52 55      end_of_the_skype_highlighting (English)

0066 (0) 8 69 13 87 01 (Thai)

Website: www.carefordogs.org

This is what Irene has to tell us about her time at Car for Dogs:

I really like Chiang Mai and try to visit the city on a regular basis. When there I always make a point of going along to the Care for Dogs Rescue Centre.

Every visit I meet more dogs saved from a fragile existence on the streets.

I hear happy stories of ones that have found new homes and meet old friend still waiting for their special someone. These dogs always welcome me back with a nuzzle and a wagging tail.

Some of the new dogs are instantly friendly, but others take time to accept me, as they are not used to human contact or have had bad experiences with people.

However, after a little time they begin to understand that I’m not going to hurt them and they start to respond to the strokes, kind words and cuddles. In return I get much pleasure from gaining the trust of these previously neglected animals.

I recommend anyone passing through Chiang Mai to visit Care for Dogs. I know you will get a huge doggie welcome.

Humble Irene is to shy writing about how good the work is she does, so I do:

When in Chiang Mai and that’s usually for many weeks or even a few months, she’s a constant factor at the shelter.

A real role model for a volunteer, she does anything she can and that’s real a lot:

Starting from poo collecting to cleaning ears, brushing fur to make doggies looking good for the next adoption appointment, distributing spot on, doing the walks often two or three dogs the same time and sharing her experience with new volunteers to make them feel welcome.

I once was one of those.

So, once again thank you Irene!

My name is Michael Würth and I’m volunteering for Care for Dogs for quite a while, usually I try to help from the distance out of Germany doing some support around the web site.
But now after more than two years since my last stay it was real time to refresh my hands on experience at the Care for Dogs shelter.

So from March to April I staid for some weeks in Chiang Mai trying to come to the shelter as often as possible.
Though many things changed some didn’t change at all.

There were big changes in infrastructure and facilities and organisation and all to the better. A new quarantine area, a visitor area, rooms for the vet making possible to perform operation in the shelter, new enclosures, additional staff instead of two there are three dog care takers and a thai assistant Khun Jum.

But in other aspects it was like I never was away.
Again my volunteer day started with the honourable task of poo collecting followed by doing walks with the dogs, cleaning water bowls, catching dogs for the next medical treatment, give some spot on against the ticks or a little shower to doggies in need and my favourite “socialising” with the dogs (in other words, cuddling as much as I can) and doing what ever else I could do in my limited time.

Some faces were new to me but the dedication and commitment of the volunteers and the beautiful fine character of the dogs around me seems to stay the same.

Though there were some sad moments, too, the joyful experience to be around and working together with those people and the feeling you can brighten the day for at least some dogs counts much much more.
The real hard moment came when I had to leave but I promise to come back.

I only can recommend to all people with a heart for dogs and some time in Chiang Mai to join the team of Care for Dog. It’s a real worthwhile experience and if you once made it you won’t want to miss.

Many thanks to Karin, Ally, Khun Jum, Irene and all the others around Care for Dogs, making me feeling welcome and set up an environment making it possible to help those creatures I love.

Michael

I came to Chiang Mai in December 2009 and it was my first time in Thailand. I was amazed to see so many street dogs. And because I love dogs very much and had never seen this many street dogs before in my life, I was really overwhelmed and I didn’t really know how to cope with my feelings, or what to think about the street dog situation in Thailand.

After two weeks in Chiang Mai, I luckily came across the Care for Dogs stand at the Sunday walking street market where I picked up an information brochure. I then looked at the Care for Dogs website and I decided to drive to the shelter in order to volunteer.

Again I was overwhelmed, this time by the number of dogs that live at the shelter. But what really shocked me were the stories I got to hear about some of the dogs’ history. In fact, I was so shocked I had to cry for many days and became really depressed. I felt a lot of anger for the people who were treating those dogs so badly before they were rescued.

After some days I luckily managed to get out of that state by concentrating on the good people who are working at the shelter so hard, caring for the dogs, giving them love and a wonderful home. It was and still is very moving for me, to see how much effort and affection the people who are working at the shelter put into their work for a better life for each single dog in need.

Since I started volunteering at the shelter I’ve had my ups and downs emotionally but when surrounded by those lovely creatures, who are so thankful for every bit of attention and love they get, I am unbelievably happy. I cannot think of a more important place to work, volunteer or visit in Chiang Mai, since there are obviously so many dogs that need to be taken care of and being protected against many humans who unfortunately don’t understand that dogs are able to suffer as much as humans are.

I will soon have to leave Thailand but I am still thinking a lot about how to carry on being useful for the organization from far away and I am sure I will find something useful to contribute in the future. I feel very sad when I think about not seeing the dogs anymore, since many of them became very special to me but I will not only miss those dogs, I will miss all the dogs at the shelter because each single one has a personality and because they all need to be cared for and loved.

Thailand is a beautiful country with many places of beauty and interest. However, the fact that so many animals suffer at the hands of people, neglect or poor education, highlights the work still needing to be done in respect of Animal Rights. This reflects quite a contrast.

I encourage people to find Care for Dogs and like me, realise it to be of such social importance and decide to volunteer at the shelter.

I am very thankful to the people who work at the shelter, who provided me an insight to their work and for their patience to explain so much to me.

I hope I will see you all again some time. And I hope that the dogs will always have people like you to look after them.

Animal welfare, rescue and volunteering seems to bring together a very nice mix of people.

At Care for Dogs, we are always pleased to meet new volunteers and enjoy their company, no matter how long or short their stay with us will be.

Some volunteers come to us and stay for weeks & months, some just for a day.

Shane & Kimberley were a couple of the long term folks that spent many weeks in Chiang Mai and popped out to the shelter once or twice a week during their stay.

They came to know the faces at the gate, characters & personalities of the residents and the routines of the shelter during their visits and they offered needed assistance in the socialisation of the dogs, showers for the skin cases and walks for the eager to exercise ones, all with their heart and soul in everything they did.

It was hard for them to leave each time but their recent departure was even harder, they were quite emotional. Shane & Kimberly promised us to return after a journey south to the beaches of Thailand. Lets hope after a rest & recharge you 2 can make it back here soon.

Roxy & Tom are on a mission right now, taking time out to travel Asia and getting stuck in with caring for animals. They chose to stay at a local resort called Nugent Waterside for a week and cycle to the shelter every day to give us some help.

As you can see from their photo album, theses folks are ‘hands on’ people and it was a delight to have them around to help with walks, showers, vaccinations, let alone laundry, poop scooping & a 1,000 other every day activities at the shelter.

Tom Wright wants to be an RSPCA Inspector and in my humble opinion he has the right stuff for this job.

RSPCA, you really need to grab this guy by the hand, Tom has a great way with dogs, he is a dedicated animal lover and animal welfare in the UK will benefit immensely from this guys enthusiasm.

Thanks Tom & Roxy & we hope to see you again some day.