A Christmas Cat Named Abby

This Christmas, we have a new HOPE rescue joining the family: Abby the cat.

We received a text message from one of the factory workers who used to care for Babu, before he was taken in by a foster family. The message read, “cat leg injured bite our dog if u want to help her please send some one for her treatment and send some food for the 2 Babu girl dogs”.

This was followed by more text messages:

“cannot walk and don’t want eat”

“3 days to go” (meaning 3 days ago)

“male cat”

“this no my cat just want help”

“my worker keep inside room leg swollen”

The factory workers had found a cat with a wounded leg, and they think that he might have been bitten by the dogs living on the work site. Due to the injury, the cat had not eaten for 3 days, and the workers were worried sick. So they alerted HOPE.

Worker, Balu, waiting for us to come take the cat to the vet

Abby, young, extremely sweet & docile

Very trusting... and we're off to the vet

Despite his stress, he was calm and did not struggle to be freed when the worker carried him, nor did he resist when we put him into the carrier. He didn't even whine during the uncomfortable 40-minute car ride to the vet. Every time his watery eyes met mine, I wished I could chase away his fear. All Abby wanted was to feel safe and secure after his ordeal.

An extremely deep and infected wound 

At the vet, Abby was sedated so that his wound could be treated without causing more pain. Right now, he is being kept under observation in the animal clinic. He will require at least 3 nights of medical boarding to keep him safe while he recovers. He will also be neutered before his release. Being cooped up in an unfamiliar environment with a cone around his neck will be difficult for Abby to bear, but it's necessary.

Warded at the vet

His total medical bill is estimated to be about S$1200, inclusive of wound management, sterilization and ear tip. Please email hopedogrescue@singnet.com.sg if you can chip in to pay in part or even in full for Abby's medical bill. It will be a heartwarming Christmas gesture for Abby and everyone at HOPE.

Abby is urgently looking for a new home. He is slightly over a year old. With his sweet face and calm, gentle nature, Abby is a suitable companion for everyone, including new cat owners. He is undemanding and not at all anxious around people. We hope someone will come forward quickly to bring him home, as he runs the risk of being injured again or even killed if he has to return to the factory. Please write in to hopedogrescue@singnet.com.sg if you are able to foster or adopt Abby! It'll truly be the sweetest Christmas miracle if Abby could find a good home before getting discharged from the clinic.

*Abby will be discharged on Tuesday and returned to the factory if he doesn't find a home.

Elmo & April

Elmo was one rescue we thought we would never be able to re-home. He was as blind as a bat, but without its ultrasonic hearing. In fact, his hearing was as good as his sight, which is to say, not very good at all. He was also thought to be intellectually disabled and has congenital skin problems. In short, Elmo was the poster pup of special needs dogs. 

We had resigned ourselves to the fact that he may never be adopted. But we were glad to be proven wrong! It has been almost 2 years since he has been adopted by April and her family. 

Elmo just celebrated his birthday over the weekend

It was also Elmo's Mama's birthday 

Little Elmo looking better than ever <3

Re-live the awesome adoption here. Elmo's mommy loves taking him out and showing him off and we were lucky to be able to catch up with them at our recent adoption drive as Elmo came by to wish his fellow HOPE rescues luck. See how he has flourished in a loving home. He looks nothing like the scrawny creature we rescued 4 years ago. Elmo gives us hope that every dog will have its day! We hope miracles like Elmo's will happen to all our dogs! Thanks to April and family for giving Elmo his miracle, and for giving us the strength and hope to continue doing what we do!

Thank you April, for inviting our doggies to Elmo's birthday pawty and for all the lovely goody bags <3 <3

Written by: Sam

One Voice (Summer Ong)

It only takes a spark to get a fire going. And only one voice to start a successful petition. Meet Summer Ong, HOPE volunteer and spark of the petition to Sistic against the sale of tickets to the Chinese New Year Dog Circus 2018. Circus animals are often forced to perform in ways that are not natural behaviors and that can have detrimental effects on their mental and physical well-being. Not everyone may be aware of this, and it is up to animal lovers to educate them. We are glad that Sistic heeded our concerns and responded positively. (Read the story here)

Thank you, Summer, for the courage to stand up for what's right, and everyone who signed the petition. Alone, our voice may only be a whisper, but it took every single whisper for our message to be heard, that animal cruelty in any shape or form, will not be tolerated. 

P.S. Summer is also the creative mind behind our 2018 calendars. All proceeds from calendar sales will be used to pay for medical bills and feed our strays. We still have some calendars in stock so head down to the following locations to get yours today:

Pet HQ

Blk 221 Boon Lay Place #02-112 

Singapore 640221 

Tel: 6463 9177

Yappily Pets

395A Bukit Batok West Ave 5 

Singapore 651395 

Tel: 8777 8874

Hydro Paws Plus

3 Kalidasa Avenue 

Singapore 789383

Tel: 9270 6290

The Animal Doctors

Block 108, Ang Mo Kio Avenue 4,

#01-94/96, Singapore 560108

Tel: 64514531

June's Pethouse

5 Eng Kong Terrace

Singapore 598977

Tel: 9106 0404

Simone Perele

Mandarin Gallery #02-24

333A Orchard Road, Singapore 238897

Tel: 6836 5950

Animal Recovery Veterinary Referral Center

466 Serangoon Road

Singapore 218225

Tel: 6252 2623

Mount Pleasant Veterinary Centre (Gelenggang)

2 Jln Gelenggang

Singapore 578187

Tel: 6251 7666

MAD about Grooming! 

221 Balestier Road #01-10 Rocca Balestier

Singapore 329928 

Tel: 9069 1148

Canine Wellness

224 Telok Kurau Rd

Singapore 423836

Tel: 9299 2950

Groomer Of Pawz

BLK 88, Bedok North Street 4, #01-153

Singapore 460088

Tel: 6245 6150

O2 Medical Clinic

527D Pasir Ris Street 51#01-05 

Singapore 514527

Tel: 6384 9443

So what are you waiting for? Get your calendar now!

Meet Our Volunteers Who Bring HOPE

In this short series of “Young Hope”, we speak with 6 of our volunteers and find out what inspired them to embark on this journey of volunteering with Hopedogrescue, their most memorable moments, as well as what keeps them going even when the going gets tough! We hope these amazing young people will inspire more out there to join in our mission to spread love and hope!

BEL

Bel & SiDa

Bel has been part of our team since June 2016. Her areas of volunteering are stray feeding, helping out at events and our playhouse.

“I've always had an interest in helping strays. For some reason they are just more endearing to me – it gives me much joy and satisfaction to see them happy and carefree. Back in Thailand where I grew up, I have always had the habit of feeding hungry and malnourished strays as I couldn't bear the sight of them looking bony and thin. This has been such an important part of my life that I have found myself missing something ever since I have been in Singapore. Thus I decided to join a volunteer organisation to improve the lives these strays that are often treated very poorly. And by chance, I found Hopdogrescue! The biggest draw for me was because Hope didn't coop the dogs in kennels and wasn't a kill shelter; that was very important in my decision making. 

I am happiest and proudest when even after a long time, the dogs actually do still remember you and greet you with a wide, goofy doggie smile! Seeing the dogs run up and hungrily devour the food given during our stray feeding sessions really warms my heart as I can sense how they are appreciative of our trying to fill their bellies to the best of our abilities. 

What I love most about being part of the Hope effort, is being able to continuously help and rehabilitate our strays, while guiding other new volunteers to do the same. I really hope that we can grow into a bigger organisation with regular volunteers and be able to help more dogs!”

Hwee Chin

Hwee Chin & Charlie 

Having been with us for slightly more than a year since she joined in June 2016, Hwee Chin has shown her passion for helping our four-legged friends as she gladly takes on the responsibilities of dog walking, stray feeding, accompanying dogs to vets and helping out during events and playhouse sessions.

“My reason for joining Hopedogrescue is actually quite simple; I just wanted an opportunity to spend more time with dogs! Though I do not have a dog right now, I appreciate every chance to get close to them and being with Hopedogrescue gives me lots of opportunities to do not just that, but also help give them a better life. 

I wouldn’t name favourites but when Chester mastered “sit”, I felt really proud and overwhelmed with emotion. I wish that more people can see the loving and adorable sides of our strays; it is my fervent hope that more people can take the initiative to get closer to these friendly creatures.”

Mr. Expresso (Ram)

Old man & Young man

Being no stranger to bigger dogs having owned a Doberman named Bubbles when he was 12, Mr. Expresso has been with us since February 2016. He mainly handles tasks such as dog walking, stray feeding, cooking, accompanying dogs to vets, events and playhouse.

“Hopedogrescue gave me the opportunity to regain my relationship with dogs, just when I thought I was no longer capable of handling and providing for them. 

TNR is one the activities that left an indelible impression on me. From the sight of the dogs scampering in consternation from rustling in the grass, to that of them gnawing at the cage desperately, it gave me insight into how cruel and hopeless they perceive the world to be. It rekindled the need and desire for me to show them that there is still compassion, empathy and love in this world. I am glad to have found Hopedogrescue, being the best outlet for me to do that, no matter how small my contribution may be. 

Spending time bonding with the dogs and other like-minded people is my feel-good activity that has helped me in many ways, as much as I hope I have helped them. I would like to see us continuing to help animals in need, while maintaining our same principles and values.”

Rebecca

Rebecca & Pumpkin

We call her the “baby” of the team as she hasn’t been with us for very long, but Rebecca has proven herself worthy of her mantle by picking up the ropes quickly. She helps out with the house cleaning and bathing of the dogs.

“All I wanted to do when I joined Hopedogrescue as a volunteer, was to help the strays; the unwanted, unloved and under-privileged dogs that had nowhere to call home and no one to love them. Even though I may not be capable of doing much, I really wanted to let them know there are kind humans out there who can and will love them no matter how they look. 

A doggie’s heart is truly amazing – I recall that even after being badly abused and terrified of humans, the dog could still muster a smile after I helped her out. It is this lovely and pure nature of the doggies that have me missing them when I am not with them! 

I truly wish that more people can volunteer with us and help these furry friends – they are so deserving of a better life!”

Claire

Claire & Brandy

While looking for something meaningful to do on the weekends, Claire was inspired by her love for dogs and since she did not have any, why not volunteer at Hopedogrescue! She has been with us since May/June of 2016 and handles duties such as dog walking, stray feeding, accompanying dogs to vets, events, fostering and playhouse.

“Volunteering takes heart, effort and more importantly, the ability to empathize with others. I find myself happiest when I realize the dogs remember and respond to me even after I don’t see them for a few weeks. It makes me treasure every moment I have with them, especially when I see my dogs make amazing progress in health and emotionally. It reminds me to come back often as every interaction means a lot to our dogs. 

If I could make one wish for Hopedogrescue, it would be have more regular volunteers and a bigger place so that we can house our dogs and more new friends we rescue from the streets.”

Ying Jie

Mary & Ying Jie

Meet Ying Jie, who has been volunteering with us since June 2016 and taken on duties such as stray feeding, accompanying dogs, helping with events, fostering and playhouse sessions. No qualms about walking the talk; she is also a foster. 

“I have always loved dogs and knew of the stray situation in Singapore. Yet I did not encounter a suitable platform for me to get to know them better, interact with them and help them out. 

Being part of the Hope family, I was able to direct my time and efforts to the vital aspects such as being part of the rehoming process for Mary (one of my personal favourites!) And if you think that strays are “fierce” and “unruly”, then you should meet Pumpkin, a darling who has progressed tremendously; from a fearful girl of before to now comfortable with human touch, eating treats from my hand and allowing me to shower her! 

Even though our team is small now, we are still glad to see that our dogs are happy and enjoying their walks and outings. I also love that as a smaller group, we really get to interact with and know each dog better. We are also very close-knit amongst our volunteer crew! 

Volunteering might seem intimidating at first, especially for those who never interacted with strays or cleaned pee and poop before. But it’s all worth it if our efforts enable our dogs to have a better chance of being rehomed.”

Written by : Wee Yen

Coco, Hanging On

Coco suffered her seizure throughout most of the cab ride to the vet that her tongue had turned blue but Ena stayed calm and Coco was rushed into emergency and administered oxygen, put on IV and given a diazepam jab to stop the seizure. Her body temperature was so low that they needed to use hot water bottles to warm her up.

Coco at home when we went to visit her for the first time

Coco at home, too weak to stand properly 

They did a blood test and it was no surprise that the results showed that she has end stage renal failure. Her seizure was probably caused by the buildup of toxins in the kidneys. According to her family, Coco has been walking around with her head down and walking in slow circles which could signal a neurological problem. Her eyes are a little glazed and leaking discharge so we are unsure if she has any sight in them. She is also severely dehydrated. However, these are all secondary concerns. The main priority is to stop the seizures. Thankfully, Ena has been going over to the elderly couple’s home twice a day to give Coco subcutaneous drips for the past 2 weeks, that sustained her and kept her going.

Hot water bags to keep Coco warm as her body temperature was low 

The vet wanted to ward Coco for 2-3 days. However, with our experience, we'd rather not ward old dogs overnight. It’s very scary for any dog to be alone in a strange environment without their loved ones, much less an older, sick dog. So the plan is to have Ena take Coco to the vet every morning and update the vet on Coco's condition at home. The volunteers will see to her discharge and send her home at 8pm in the night. To reduce the stress of waiting for a cab each morning, we have arranged for pet transport to take Ena and Coco to the vet for the next 3 days. While at the vet, Coco will receive fluids, glucose, food through IV, heat pad and be under close monitoring for any seizure. Each day is estimated to cost around $350 to $400. We don’t know how she will be, if she will get any better, or how long this arrangement will need to be in place. We have planned this till Friday and will re-assess the situation then.

Discharging Coco, after spending a full day at the vet on IV drips

Volunteers sending Coco home

Coco sleeping soundly at home. Actually she is heavily sedated.

It’s a bit more trouble and effort arranging and coordinating daily visits to the vet as all our volunteers have day jobs, but we want Coco to be able to see her family every night and not be scared or worried alone at the vet overnight. We want what's best for Coco, for her to be comfortable and unafraid. If she needs to transition, we hope to ease it so that she goes without much pain and suffering.

If you can help with the vet bills and bring some comfort to and elderly couple, their old dog, and a kind neighbour who won't give up on them, please email hopedogrescue@singnet.com.sg.

Devastating News About Baby Harper

All is not well with Harper. She has not been eating well over the last few weeks, usually only eating a few mouthfuls a day, and sometimes only just 2-3 pieces of meat. Even roast duck, KFC and chicken nuggets don't tempt her enough to eat. Feeding Harper has always been a challenge. Harper does not like liquids. She has been on a subcutaneous drip for the past year as she was diagnosed with kidney disease before. Her kidney readings are back to normal but she continues to be on drip due to her continued aversion to water, milk or broth.

Harper at the vet this afternoon

Her liver readings are off-the-charts

We brought Harper to the vet today as her lack of appetite was concerning us. The results of the blood test were devastating. Her liver has failed, the readings so off-the-charts that the machine could not record them. The vet's first suspicion was poisoning but Harper did not show any other signs such as vomiting or diarrhea. Besides, Harper being such a picky eater, it is unlikely that she ate something off the floor on her walks. Her liver failure is acute, and the vet concluded that it could be due to diet or is congenital. Given that Harper was born with a lot of deformities, including smaller organs, it is likely to be the latter. Despite her ailments, Harper is, at least, still alert, active and cheeky, and stills shows great joy on her daily walks and weekly dips at the beach in Sentosa.

Harper's slaves taking her for a dip last week 

Harper being the fussy eater, imagine the struggle to get her to eat her meds which total 8 tablets! She struggles so much each time that it looks like she is having a seizure. Today the vet recommended that she be put on a low protein diet, which must be as unappealing as it sounds as she would not even go near. The food needs to be blended and fed to Harper through a syringe. She does not like that very much and 70% of the food ends up on her fosterer's clothes then in Harper's tummy where it should be.

Harper drawing blood for tests

Dr Ly has ordered an ultrasound to try and identify the cause of Harper's liver failure. As much as we want to get it done sooner, it is only scheduled for tomorrow afternoon as the ultrasound technician is away today.

Today’s vet bill was $560 and tomorrow’s ultrasound will set us back by another $420. We do not have any funds left but how do we tell Harper we can’t afford it because Raphael and Sugar had utilized all our funds?

We hope she pulls through this because we all know she’s a little fighter, so we need to give her a fighting chance. Email hopedogrescue@singnet.com.sg if you can help with Harper's vet bills. 

World Animal Day 2017

4 October is World Animal Day. A day to recognize the contribution our furry friends make in our lives. Dogs make us safer, sniffing out drugs and bombs, often at a risk to their own lives. They shower us with unconditional love and affection. And they make us a better version of ourselves.

Shweta and Mary (adopted)

At HOPE Dog Rescue, we want to celebrate World Animal Day 2017 with a simple

four-letter word: HOPE.

Hope that you choose to adopt a dog instead of buying one (and promoting cruel breeding practices). An adopted pet is every bit as capable of endless love and loyalty as his purebred counterpart who is unfortunately a victim himself of mercenary, over-breeding practices.

Lois and Marilyn  (adopted)

Hope that the next time you walk past a stray, you spare a thought for him, for what he may have endured, and how you could make his life better, even a little.

Baby Sugar *available for adoption*

Hope that you never think less of a special-needs dog, or think he is too much work or not worth it. Because he certainly is. Our special needs-dogs like Matthieu, Harper and SiDa have such a bright, positive and cheerful outlook on life despite their handicaps, they put most of us to shame.

Hope that you appreciate how valuable an addition a senior dog can make to your home. And what an enriching, meaningful experience it can be to give a loving, mature animal a home in their final years.

Adora *Available for fostering / adoption* 

Hope that you share our vision of giving our street dogs a renewed chance at life, of showing compassion and empathy to our furry buddies who have known none.

Raphael, our latest rescue 

This World Animal Day it is our hope that all street dogs find a home they belong to, and be loved and cherished as they truly deserve.

Written by : Sheenu

Sofie the Cat

Sofie the cat was taken to the vet because her gums were bleeding. 

We found out at the vet that this was due to a case if feline stomatitis. The vet will need to take out all her molars and pre-molars, leaving her with only her canines. We do not know what caused her stomatitis, whether it was due to calicivirus or tartar on her teeth. Sophie also tested positive for FIV and will need to be isolated while she is warded overnight.

Sofie feeling miserable and in pain

Sofie is one of Uncle Seng’s cats that we took in when he lost his job some 2+ years back. Read her story here.

Sofie at the vet

Her blood tests also show that she is slightly anemic and dehydrated, has a low platelet count and high protein levels. Thankfully, she will still be able to undergo surgery to remove her teeth; vet estimates 9 to 12 teeth to be extracted. Her fur is also in very bad condition but should get better once her teeth are removed so she can groom herself properly. She has a corneal ulceration which could be due to cat flu and previously scarred when she lived as a stray on Uncle Seng’s factory compound. It is hard to check her eyes now as she is being a grumpy cat due to her discomfort. The vet will check her eyes further when she is under general anesthesia.

Having blood drawn at the vet

If you can help with Sofie's vet bills, please email hopedogrescue@singnet.com.sg. She is presently undergoing her surgery.

Written by: Sam

Hit & Run (Raphael)

We were on one of our regular Saturday feeding rounds last night when we noticed that one of the usual dogs was missing. When we asked the workers in the area about the missing dog, whom we named Raphael, they told us that the whole pack of dogs had gone out to play the day before, but this one did not return with the others.

Raphael playing in his "playground"

So we searched high and low, all over the nearby areas, and finally found him hiding in a corner. He was lying down, obviously in pain and unable to stand. But there were no visible wounds, which was quite baffling. We carried him to our car and took him to the vet. He was so sweet and allowed himself to be picked up without resisting or struggling at all.

Hiding in pain

Arriving at the vet and trying to put Raphael on the stretcher 

By the time we arrived, it was close to midnight, which meant emergency charges applied. But poor Raphael was in such great pain that there really wasn’t a choice of waiting for daylight to see the vet. After looking him over, the vet could only conclude that the problem was with Raphael's spine or hip. The entire left side of his body was in pain and he couldn't put any weight on his left front and hind legs. He was also dripping pee everywhere. We're not sure why but maybe it's because he was in so much pain that he wasn't able to pee properly. For now, the vet will keep him at the clinic and stabilize him. First thing tomorrow, Raphael will go in for an X-ray to find out what exactly went wrong.

Extremely handsome and large sized, weighing 27kg. Vet compared Raphael to a Bernese Mountain dog.

The whole time, Raphael was so so sweet and cooperative. The vet shaved his arm and put in a drip, but he didn't even flinch. He has never even seen a shaver before, yet he was so trusting and allowed the vet to do as she pleased. Even the vet was impressed and kept complimenting him and saying what a nice stray he was.

Poor Raphael - look at his badly matted tail. Workers call him"Long Tail"

It seems like Raphael is also really popular with his pack because all his doggy friends were very sad at his absence and didn't eat after he disappeared. Strays may not know the love of a human family like pet dogs, but they're also loyal and affectionate creatures that feel sadness and pain when bad things happen. Poor Raphael, and his poor friends too, that pain is such a common occurrence in their lives. We hope that Raphael will get well soon ASAP so that he can rejoin his friends.

Vet checking his joints and reflexes 

UPDATES

X-rays have been done and Raphael’s hip has been dislocated when he was hit by a lorry. Surgery will be done tomorrow, after which he would require a foster for 2 months.

If you also find yourself falling in love with Raphael, please consider making a contribution towards his vet bills as our recent rescue, Sugar’s vet bills and weekly vet reviews have come up to quite a substantial amount and wiped us dry. Email hopedogrescue@singnet.com.sg if you would like to help.

Look at the size of his paws!

Written by: Elena