One of the main things that we do here in Krabi is to attempt to let the people of the community know about the importance of sterilization of animals. People that live in the jungle are not stupid, they just live very different lives. Even they are aware of the fact that dogs will have babies as often as they possibly can. In the past this was probably a good thing because farmers always needed dogs for security and pest management, but these days the pests have been eliminated by other means and an excess of dogs normally results in those dogs living pretty terrible lives and being given away or of course, dropped off at temples.
A vast majority of Thai people live in relative poverty. This isn't a flex it is just a fact of this country. Every now and then someone reaches out to us about how they want to get their animal sterilized but they don't know how to do it. This seems strange but we do not lecture them or become patronizing, we simply offer to do it for them.
While we were not really keen on the dog being chained up when we arrived, we were informed that the only reason that this is the case is because she is in heat again, and she has already had 2 litters of puppies. If she is not on the chain, she is going to wander off and get knocked up again. The owners who live in this very basic home and have only a single motorbike for transport, were told about our charity and reached out to us for help to get the sterilization done.
I genuinely believe that this couple was NOT looking to get something for free, they just genuinely didn't have the knowledge or capability of transporting the dog to a clinic for sterilization. We gladly complied and turned up to put their very well-behaved and friendly dog into a crate for transporting to the clinic.
When we returned the dog, whose name is "Som" (meaning orange) the couple who looks after their 31 kg baby, seemed genuinely surprised that it was something that could be done so quickly. We actually could have returned the dog the same day but we had a lot going on that day. we did keep in contact with the couple to let them know that everything is fine, that Som is feeling great, and will be back tomorrow.
When Som came back the couple was so happy to see her and it was at that point that we let them know that the dog doesn't need to be tied up to the chain anymore and they took this information very well.
I think that a lot of people don't realize exactly how easy sterilization is, and how quickly it can be performed. This couple is delighted that they no longer need to worry about Som wandering off and coming back with a belly full of babies that they cannot take care of, and they also don't really need to transport her anywhere either. We did let them know that if they need help with her in the future, that we are just a phone call away. We also asked them to keep an eye out in their remote village for other dogs that are constantly having litters of pups, and to perhaps be a spokesperson for our charity among the other villagers. This could be the beginning of a wonderful partnership because nobody is better at getting the word out to the locals, than a local themselves.
I think a lot of people are under the impression that this procedure, which is surgical for female dogs, is a costly and time-consuming process but that is not the case at all. At least once a year we host a free sterilization clinic for all cats and dogs and the Monarchy of Thailand also sponsors a week where all animal sterilizations are paid for by the Royal Family.
With the right attitude we can really make a real change in this country because we can't do it alone.
While we asked for nothing in return for our services, we were paid with a bag of fresh organic mangoes, and that was more than enough :)
If you would like to see how you can help out or simply spread the word, please visit our website at
http://krabianimalwelfare.org
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