My name is Tonya and I have recently started volunteering
for HOPE Dog Rescue. As of my first volunteering experience with Sida I have instantaneously fallen in love
with the dogs and the pups HOPE rescued from the industrial estates. I felt
honoured to be able to help those lovely and gentle creatures, who each have
their own unique personalities and all personify the term “man’s best friend”.
Earlier this week I had my first opportunity to participate
in the rescue of two stray puppies which were badly injured and had wounds
infested with maggots. The puppies were brought to us by a very kind gentleman who
is working in the industrial estate. We understand that he and his colleagues
were looking after the puppies and their mum at their work site, providing them
with food and as much care as they can possibly offer. Unfortunately they were
not able to help the puppies with the injuries and some of the puppies didn’t
survive. However they were quick to contact HOPE Dog Rescue to try and save the
remaining pups. So that’s how I got to meet two adorable balls of fur.
The puppies are very young, having barely opened their eyes.
Both are boys - little brothers from the same litter. We estimated them being
less than one month old. Despite being so little, they had very bad, deep
wounds on their backs and bellies. We were advised that the injuries had to be
at least two weeks old. Two adorable babies were virtually eaten alive by the
maggots. It was very hard to watch the puppies suffer so much.
Fortunately they got taken into the care of the vet in good
time, who have cleaned the wounds as much as possible, using antibiotics and putting
them on a drip. The chances of the puppies’ survival are higher now. Even to
me, a non-professional and an absolute amateur with animals, the puppies looked
much better after two days at the vet. They looked very lively and energetic,
eager to play with people and being quite noisy. They seem to eat really well
now, which increases their chances of survival. However it is essential for
them to stay in a safe and clean environment, at least at the beginning, to
exclude any chances of infection penetrating the wounds. The puppies are very
small and might not be able to fight it well.
What I found very surprising is that even at this early
stage you could see their personalities and characters coming through. They
obviously had a bond between the two of them. Despite being brothers they have
different characters, one is a vocal and demanding little chap and another one
calmer and more affectionate little boy. We named them Arslan and Mishka.
These names were suggested by myself and are courtesy of my background. I’m an
ethnic Russian, who grew up in Central Asia. Hence the names. Arslan means
Tiger in Turkic culture, whereas Mishka is an affectionate Russian name for a
bear. I do hope that the names will define their future in a way, I hope
both of them will grow to be strong, yet gentle dogs and will become somebody’s
best friend and protector.
This brings me to the main purpose of my story. I would love
for these two adorable little creatures to find a loving and caring home. They
are at this perfect age now, where they can adapt well within a family and
become amazing pets. I’m sure that they will bring a lot of joy and happiness
into somebody’s life and they really need your help NOW. I want you to look
beyond the fact that the puppies are black. Being a stranger to Singaporean
culture, I was shocked to find out that there is a belief that a black animal
brings bad luck. I understand that many cultures have similar superstitions,
for example Russians believe that it’s bad luck if a black cat crosses your
way. I am Russian and I had a black cat in my house for a number of years. Once
my cat was in my house, nothing bad happened. In fact my lovely girl was a
protector and a charm for good luck to my family in a way. She was an amazing
pet and I was honoured to have her in my home. So in her memory and in the
attempt to prove those superstitions to be wrong, I’m asking for your help. If
not Singaporeans, then fellow expats, would you please save the lives of two
amazing puppies, which are proud to be black!!! In return I’m sure they will
become your lucky charms and bring you loads of joyful moments!!!
There is no good deed that is too small! We will also
appreciate any help with their veterinary bills or adopting them. Please email hopedogrescue@singnet.com.sg
Written by Tonya Gibbs
It is still too early to tell if Arslan and Mishka will be HDB approved.
