As the Sunlight streaks into my bedroom, the first sounds I hear are the barks and yelps of 100's of happy dogs, and for a moment, I wonder if I am still dreaming? I open my eyes, and realise that my dreams have become reality, as I have finally arrived at The Animal Kingdom Foundations Rescue Centre, in Capas, Tarlac, Philippines...
My life's ambition has finally become a reality, and as I get ready for the day ahead, I grab a coffee, and head out into the Sunlight, to say good morning to my many new doggy-friends...
The Animal Kingdom Foundations Rescue Shelter was officially commissioned in July 2006, and is a 2.5 hectare haven, for the once slaughter-bound dogs. It is by far, the largest shelter in the Philippines, and has the only quarantine area in this beautiful Country..The facility also has a complete veterinary surgery area, and other medical facilities, and also has a small cattery. There are other lovely animals to see, such as exotic birds, and some cute pigs!!
The A.K.F has a "no kill" policy, and all animals which need specialist attention, are housed in the quarantine areas, to receive attention, medication, and prayers for a full recovery. For the Souls who do not make it, there is a serene Cemetary towards the rear of the facility, where a shrine in the form of a cross is situated. Here, visitors and staff can spend time to reflect, and say a prayer for all the dogs who did not survive the horrors of the illegal Meat Trade...
The staff begin work just before 6am everyday, and they work tirelessley, maintaining the kennels, feeding, washing and bathing the dogs, and giving them attention and love...The resident Vets check on all the dogs, to make sure they are fit and well...
During my stay at the A.K.F, I have come to understand the inherent beauty of this wonderfull Country, and the fantastic people, who are so very kind and sincere. The vast majority of people here in the Philippines love animals, and as always, it is a tiny minority who persist in eating dog meat. This spoils the good name of the vast majority, and therefore, creates problems for the tourist industry in the Philippines, particulary in area's such as Baguio City, which was the heart of the dog meat trade...However, due to the work done by the A.K.F, local Councillors, the Police, and Charles Wartenberg, the industry is slowly being strangled, and the battle is a long one, but it is a battle which will be won!!!
As I look into the eyes of the many 100's of dogs at the rescue centre, I see the permanent scars on their mouths, from being tied together by the meat traders, and I imagine the pain and suffering they have endured, the journey taken by every dog, from being crammed into cages so tiny, that many do not survive, and knowing the horrors they have seen breaks my heart...Then my heart feels such gladness, knowing that they are now safe, to live out their lives in peace and happiness...
The Animal Kingdom Foundation truly is a Heaven on Earth, for once slaughter-bound dogs, and I dedicate my life, to working with these fantastic people, to make the lives of the animals a better one...
This trip has been a life changing event for me...I always knew even before my visit, that this shelter would touch my heart, but it has touched my life in so many ways, that my life now has a new meaning, and therefore, there are many future plans in the pipeline...(I dont want to say more, but lets just say I will be working for this organisation)...
In summary, I urge you to visit this fantastic shelter if you have the means to do so...It will touch your heart and Soul forever, and inspire you all...The A.K.F welcomes visitors with open arms, and all the dogs would love to see you!!
Please help these people to continue this work, as they are struggling to maintain the facility, and the upkeep of so many animals requires lots of monies...The work is never-ending, from surveillance work, rescuing dogs, and feeding the ones at the shelter, and every penny helps, so please donate whatever you can..thank you...
The chip in links for donations can be found here --->
"Thank you human, for saving me"....Everytime I look at this picture, I weep like a girl (sorry ladies)...
Dr Donna checking on the dogs
The poster says it all...
Me with "Fiona"...one of the many rescued dogs
Getting kisses off Bono
look at the scars on her mouth....says it all sigh...but now safe and happy!!!
happy cats at the shelter!!
cuddling "Bridgette"..another rescue dog
No comments:
Post a Comment