Temple and Street Dogs Continued
Saving Thailand's Forgotten Dogs
The objective of 'Saving Thailand’s Forgotten Dogs' program is to improve the living conditions for abandoned, sick and injured dogs in the vast area of Bang Saphan. The region is a backwater where thousands of abandoned and unneutered dogs live wild or in Temples. In this area, local government support is scant and there is a very limited veterinary capacity to provide quality care for dogs in need. The program provides ongoing care for 100s of dogs and puppies living in temples, on streets and on beaches. In addition to providing outreach services including feeding, vaccination, and preventive care.
The program is dedicated to rescuing injured and sick dogs. The volume of road traffic accidents and cases of infectious diseases are unending. Heart-wrenching cases, including broken limbs and damaged backs, necessitate journeys of over 100 to 200 kilometers to reach specialized veterinary clinics. Every dog receives the critical medical attention it urgently needs including operations and recuperates with further medical treatment at our Healing Centre.
The program's overarching objective is to collaborate with local communities, ultimately facilitating their ability to provide better animal welfare.
At the beginning of every year, we carry out a program to vaccinate Temple dogs situated around the market area of BangSaphan. We also include a number of Temples 15 – 20 kilometres from town.
Some 100 street dogs are also included in this program. Rabies vaccinations are also given to street dogs and those owned by impoverished residents not in our program in an effort to keep Bang Saphan free from rabies.
Hungry dogs often suffer from weakened immune systems, making them susceptible to parasites and diseases. Moreover, the struggle for food in their daily lives can turn them aggressive as they fight for survival. This situation also leaves them vulnerable to injuries while searching for sustenance. Thus, feeding is a crucial aspect of our program.
If you follow news about dogs, you know what an extreme case of mange looks like. It's a common and distressing skin disease that afflicts dogs and puppies that have been abandoned, neglected, or subjected to abuse. These poor animals seem beyond hope—hairless, with skin covered in painful sores or encrusted with thick, hardened patches. Their condition can be likened to skin that appears to have turned to stone, making it heart-wrenching to witness.
Cancer
Cancer is a significant concern for aging dogs. Two of the most prevalent canine cancers are melanomas and mast cell tumors, primarily affecting the skin and often becoming apparent through changes in skin appearance or the emergence of suspicious growths. Lymphoma, originating in the lymphatic system, and bone cancers like osteosarcoma, which typically affect the long bones of a dog's limbs, are also common and worrisome. Early detection and treatment, along with regular veterinary check-ups, are crucial in addressing these health challenges and improving outcomes. Ongoing advancements in veterinary medicine provide hope for dogs and their dedicated owners facing these formidable obstacles.
Saving Thailand’s Forgotten Dogs has a strong community-based emphasis. With the generous sponsorship from Compassion Sans Borders and WUFAW we are able to offer free neutering services to pet owners who wouldn’t otherwise be able to afford them. Neutering is an important part of the program as we reach out to locals who have large numbers of dogs and cats to care for, thereby the number of unwanted kittens and puppies.
