5th Day @ SOSD

I got to walk Peanut instead of Sharky yesterday as there were insufficient members, only 8 of us turned up and we weren't able to walk all 30dogs. 

Peanut is easier to walk in my opinion! Initially I was worried if I would be able to do it but I took a deep breath and started singing happy songs in my mind. I could sense that she wasn't keen on walking with me but after awhile of "bonding session" at the carpark area, I felt that we are picking up things better. :)

A sign for my Instagram July Challenge!

Walking to the 2nd water break point @ Lor Halus.

Skippy, Peanut, (Butter) haha! Just kidding its Pam Pam!

SOSD's very own band of brothers!

We are the ones who have strayed

Ever since I've joined SOSD (Save Our Street Dogs), I'm beginning to be more aware of the stray dogs than I ever was. Spending every Tuesday's with them was short, yet sweet for me and I always want to stay back longer to spend more time with every one of them. But as I am not a regular, and strays are at an entirely different league as compared to domestic or even pedigree dogs, I didn't.

One needs to have an authoritative and confidence aurora in them as these dogs are extremely sensitive to a person's emotions and may react accordingly which requires the handler's calm mind and experience to handle it. Eg, I've learnt that it's not okay for dogs to jump up on you when they are happy as it could lead to them being rougher with you and could lead to aggression in future if not handled well. Would I have known of this fact when I have a Jack Russell of 14 years with me? No. I've learnt these all in the shelter.

Extracted from The Dog Behaviorist :
A pack leader is one that teaches dogs to obey by respecting and not obey out of fear. Excessive compulsion causes dogs to obey out of fear, but with a balance and communicating with them by body language will naturally cause them to obey out of respect.

To be a strong pack leader to dogs, You have to learn to be a leader yourself towards humans. There will never be such a thing as only a good leader to dogs.

A leader is one who respects their members first. Understanding the member and providing support to a member before themselves. A leader never looses their cool, but always remains calm but firm to put boundaries in place. A leader is one who is sincere and never longing for power. A leader is one who dares to admit to their mistakes. A leader is one who is able to listen without judgements.

Strays are really beautiful, and I can't express how much courage, dignity and respect they have for each other, dogs and humans alike, unlike domestic dogs as they are not born & bred in the wild. Still, sometimes when I look at my dog, Rex, I am thankful that he does understand what we meant and he knows of the Do's and Don'ts (with exceptions that he will defy sometimes). But one thing is for sure though : Dogs love us unconditionally, no matter their breed, size, or where they come from. 

I hope this video inspiress everyone out there to change their views that strays are not dirty, dangerous and probably disgraceful. In fact, we are the ones instead. We are the ones who have strayed too far to even notice that we are nothing close to being selfless, compassionate & understand that this world does not only belong to us humans alone. 

4th day at SOSD

Remember Sharky? I got to walk her again today and I'm glad we managed to walk further without me having to tug her much unlike last week's session. She seems like she's getting used to me now as she will kiss me more often! Haha! 

The pack was supposed to be heading to the pet run but we couldn't make it as it started raining hence we had to

Run back to the shelter!

After which, it's time for their meals and Sharky seemed to eat better when boiled salmon was mixed with her kibbles, courtesy of Stasha! 

The dogs waiting for their meal to be served.

I got a lift back from Cheryl, one of the vollies there and thank god for foldable bicycles! Yay! :) 

Was supposed to head to Bukit Brown but it was postponed to tmr. I've already gotten my Tetanus jab & it costed S$25 as I took it at the nearby clinic. My left arm feels kinda numb still though. 

Sigh, ever since I joined SOSD, I'm more aware of animals (welfare)? Around me. I saw a fb video on a cop shooting down a dog and I just can't believe that the owner would leave the dog in his car while he gets handcuffed. And that the cop shot the dog who was actually trying to protect its owner and yet... Was shot dead. 

And another sad note...

Why would people keep a pet when they are a couple/married and then discard it when they have kids? YOU MEAN YOU DIDN'T THINK OF THAT?!!?!?!!

Owners should undergo Orientation courses before they adopt a dog so that they'll be prepared for the Do's & Don'ts, and that keeping a pet is a life-long commitment, and not something which you can give up halfway due to another major change in your life like having a baby, moving house, etc..

I don't know what else to say for these undeserved plights that these poor animals have to suffer & go through due to our lack of commitment and selfishness which easily abandons them without any qualms..... 

(Each time I look at these animals, and I look back at my own, it makes me treasure and love Rex even more. And give thanks that my grandma holds firm on Rex wherever she goes, never once thinking of giving him away even though there's some frictions in my family. Also.. Now that I'm a part of this AWG, I want to do my best and give love to all the rescued dogs by being competent in having the right handling techniques for the better good of both the dogs and myself.)

3rd day at SOSD

Yesterday was my 3rd day at the shelter and I'm slowly beginning to experience how things are being done everyday. 

For the first time, I got to walk Sharky (as pictured above) and she always wanted to head back into the shelter. There was once she resisted so hard that I could see how much I lacked of confidence as well as the determination to push her forward. 

If I could, I really do want to be confident like others too.. 

On a happier note, I got to walk another dog, White Socks with the supervision of Vanessa and the feeling of being in sync with your dog while walking is truly a wonderful feeling and it's as if your mind suddenly blanked out from all areas and you're just focusing on walking. 

Walking your dog is indeed a great way to clear your mind. :)

Day 2 at SOSD

Pepper, who was so afraid of noise and us that the corner of the wall seems to be her only comfort. I hope she will be able gain more confidence and start loving the "hand" which she has a phobia of. I really wonder how one is able to lift their hand up to shatter their image that our 5 fingers meant a pat on their heads, a rub on their tummy and NOT something abusive. The hurt she felt must've been so immense that she shivers upon the sight of my hand slowly advancing towards her. However, for the first time today, we were able to get her to walk further away from her comfort zone with the help of treats though she moved back right away and she even nibbled treats off my fingers. I really hope she will be able to be confident as she once was.

Today, I also dog-walked for the very first time. Indeed, it is tedious work as I needed more strength to hold them and also to ensure that they do not cross my path. I still have loads more to learn. 

SOSD

2 weeks ago, BunnyBoi and I went to the farmway and we happened to pass by SOSD (Save Our Street Dogs) open house & went in.

We were directed into the kennels where it's only accessible by their staffs & volunteers, and there's a couple of dogs there who were in cages as they are one of the few dogs with distemper.

I didn't take any pictures of them cause I felt I wouldn't like it if I was caged up/suffering/lonely too.

I've always been contemplating about volunteering and also I wasn't able to offer my help at ALL's, missed out on M&M's enrolment intake, I've hence finally made up my mind to contact SOSD. 

I hope I'll be accepted because I do have some issues with myself that needs "fostering", and I think it has alot to do with my mental well-being & I guess that by helping out, I'm helping myself too. 

I'm gonna take this leap and get out of my zone for once!