Covid is affecting us all
Thailand is home to a lot of stray pups, known as “Soi Dogs” (Street dogs). Whilst living in Phuket, I had the fortune of visiting one of the island’s largest dog rescue centres known as “Bodhi Shelter”. Welcomed, I met Tina the owner of Bodhi Shelter. We helped care for the dogs for the day, she even invited us around to her beautiful home. Whilst there, we met one of the dogs at the shelter who had suffered from mange so badly that her fur had completely shed. Unfortunately, all that remained were open sores and scabs. Miraculously Tina nursed the dog back to something more recognisably canine. The dog is now the most loyal of the pack. Unsurprisingly fighting off anybody that gives Tina any attention.
Recently I went through my photos as I seldomly do. I came across hundreds of images from my visit to Bodhi Shelter. I wondered how the dogs were doing in such a climate, likely getting most of their food from tourism money. Concerned, I contacted Tina and asked how she is getting along with Covid and the dogs. Saddened, Tina told me how the shelter was really struggling financially with a lack of tourists being allowed to travel in and around Thailand. I proposed that I publish them on my social media and stir up some awareness. I don’t have any real pull online, but I wanted to do something.
How you can help
Almost all of the dogs have their own names, stories and backgrounds. Impressively, Tina knows all of them. The amount of love and effort that she has put into caring for these unwanted pups shouldn’t go ignored. Realistically, I doubt that I’ve ever met somebody with the level of care Tina displays for her dogs. If like any human, you have a soft spot for panting-puppers. Selflessly, you can show them you care with a donation to the shelter. Alternatively, if you really wanted to go the extra mile: You could contact Tina yourself and adopt a soi dog of your own.
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