Soi dogs & rescue dogs...those I met in Koh Phangan...

I've met so many dogs in Bangkok and on Koh Phangan.s roads and beaches - affectionate and friendly, so good natured in spite of their circumstances. I think most people know about street (Soi) dogs that exist all over Thailand. Dogs that literally live on the street 24/7, raising puppies, and foraging for food, all alongside and sometimes in amongst the traffic that can be insanely hectic - for the most part they survive. I've seen similar situations in Istanbul but there are way more street cats there than dogs, and they are everywhere. What I experienced here is that dogs are cared for at various levels by Thai people they latch onto, but most that I encountered seem go it alone. Too many are infested with fleas, mange and ticks, plights that can be easily and fairly cheaply sorted out, but it's not happening nearly enough. So having observed all this, it was totally amazing to meet 2 rescued dogs in Koh Phangan, Hlong and Frankie, and 1 very happy dog at the Wat Pho temple, whose name I never got to know. 

There was 1 dog in particular that stole my heart completely...a Labrador puppy that had been hit by a car in Thongsala and is now lame in her back legs. This dog has a nature that is second to none...I cried a lot for her. In the 2 weeks I was in KP , my son Oscar and I spent a few minutes each day with her, feeding her and loving her and I've made contact with a local vet who is in touch with her owner about getting her a doggy wheelchair that I'll sponsor. The owner is committed to caring for her - most people would have had her put down-it's not easy for him as he has to wash and clean her all the time so the wheelchair will help a lot in this regard too.  

If anyone reading this is heading to KP and wants to be involved in helping those involved with dog and general animal care on this island, please read more re the Phangan Animal Care (PAC) centre for starters..they always need funds to assist with spaying to keep the street dog population down, healing wounds, tending to mange etc etc. www.pacthailand.org and they're on Facebook as well. 

Do what you can, when you can, for an animal in need...

This is Hlong, a dog rescued in KP, now part of a great family ...

Frankie in Hinkong...also much loved by his owner from South Africa...

Malibu beach dog with Oscar, a big dog and animal lover...

A beautiful dog in Thongsala...

This dog should be called Happy - at Wat Pho temple...

On the road to. Wat Pho, next to the 2 tallest trees...he hangs with the honey seller and carries a leaf around...

And then this dog, she needs help...in Thongsala next to the barber shop, usually in a side alley...the most outstanding nature...

My appeal to you today, is to be observant and aware (in whichever city you find yourself), and to help an animal where and when you can - respectfully approach those caring for the dogs as many are doing their best with their limited resources. For those abusing animals, report them. Just don't turn a blind eye when it's within your power to act. Support animal education programmes at grass roots level...there are so many ways to assist...let's do our part.