6.12.13

With Hope, Miracles Can Happen

Sida, the poor street dog that was rendered paralyzed in just one moment of recklessness by an irresponsible lorry driver, will be undergoing an emergency surgery today.

The factory workers had told us that she was hit by a lorry, and as she got up to run back to her factory, the rear wheels of the lorry rolled over her body, breaking her spine. She never ever got up after that. As she lay in the middle of the road, workers had rushed to the scene to carry her back to the factory. HOPE was called, and we rushed her to A&E.

Sida and her best friend in the whole wide world, Yonghyurt, her factory caregiver, who visited her at the foster home last weekend

We took her to 3 different vet clinics and all the doctors, including specialists, had advised us to put her down. None of the vets were even keen to consider a surgery for her. Maybe it's partly because she is just a stray. Bet they didn't know these street dogs mean the world to us. We love them as much as we love our own pets at home.

We had exhausted all possible avenues, but prompt treatment was critical if Sida was to have any chance of recovery. Our regular vet, Dr. Ly, was out of town and when he finally returned to Singapore and saw Sida, it had been 3 weeks. He and his team of staff were deeply saddened by Sida's situation. He said that, ideally, she should have been operated on within 48 hours of the accident. It has been 3 weeks. We told him we had desperately sought help, taking her to many vets but all of them had told us there was no hope. Putting an animal down is never an option, unless they are so badly hurt that they could barely pull. But Sida is no different from Matthieu or baby Harper. No doubt her injury is a lot more serious, and she is bigger and more difficult to maneuver, but her well-being is no less important than any other dog's.

Sida's entourage waiting to see Dr. Ly

Sida is kept in her giant carrier to minimize movement and she is in a room by herself

Pillows to line the side of Sida's carrier so she wouldn't hurt herself

Dr. Ly had said that the cost of the spine surgery is estimated at $7,000. That is a lot of money, especially for a surgery that doesn't guarantee recovery. She may get slightly better or her condition might remain the same. Even Dr. Ly said that we could save a lot more dogs with the money. Then again, how do we weigh who deserves to be treated more than the other? Would we rather save the $7,000 and watch Sida's spirit and health wear away slowly?

Sida and Yongyurt, friends forever

We had seen her fall deep into depression where she had starved herself for 8 days before slowly coming out of it. We had fetched her best friend and caregiver, Yongyurt, to visit her as often as his schedule allowed, we accompanied her as much as we could, playing music for her, talking to her, massaging her and showing her how much she meant to us. We watched her come out of depression and start to drink water. And then she started eating again. She even pooped. Her spirits lifted and she became rather happy again. All that was missing was the wag of her tail, something she will never be able to do after the accident.

We decided to proceed with the surgery, despite the high cost. We won’t know till we try. It just means we have to work even harder than ever, for the dogs. Sell more calendars, cut down on supplements for our other rescue dogs. We will get through this and so will Sida!

Buy our HOPE 2014 calendars and help us pay our vet bills

Val and Sida

Another of Sida's helpers

Sida looking bright and hopeful

Warded immediately for the spinal surgery

Dr. Lee will be conducting the surgical procedure and Dr. Ly had advised us that they would be using PRP therapy (Platelet Rich Plasma) to stimulate and enhance healing. We hope that with this surgery, she will have a better quality of life. However, after the surgery, Sida may need to wear a body cast to support her spine and minimize movement. Our volunteers will be visiting her daily in the hospital to check on her condition and we will keep you updated.

It warms our heart to see just how happy she is every time she sees her caregiver, Yongyurt, from the factory where she lived. We know deep down that Sida remains hopeful that life will get better, so we will keep creating hope for her.

Please keep Sida in your prayers as she undergoes the surgery today. Let's hope the surgery will be a success.

Sida enjoying some sun and fresh air at her foster home

Thank you all for your support and a special thank you to Sida's foster for your kindness and patience.

Please email hopedogrescue@singnet.com.sg if you wish to contribute to Sida's medical fees. Please allow us some time to reply to your emails. Our volunteers do hold full time jobs. Thank you for your kind understanding.

2.12.13

Have You Ever Seen Such A Sad Dog?



Have you ever seen such a sad dog?

This is Mike, a 3-year-old male Cocker Spaniel.




Mike. His eyes seem to plead with us to take him away to a happier home.

Two months ago, Mike’s owner, Jim* wrote in to HOPE about giving up his dog. He requested for help to rehome Mike as he could not afford time and money for Mike anymore as his sister and him are still schooling. Here at HOPE, we feel that such circumstances do not warrant giving up pets, so we offered to help out with Mike’s grooming, medical and food expenses, in hopes that Jim could reconsider. Thankfully, he agreed to keep Mike, and we arranged for one of our volunteers, Joceline, to visit them.

Joceline visited Mike and found that he was grossly malnourished, had skin problems and was hardly ever groomed. Mike appeared despondent and wasn’t provided sufficient food and water. The bowls that Mike was using were too small to accommodate his appetite for his size and age. The bowls were bought when he was a mere puppy and had not been changed for almost 3 years despite Mike having grown bigger. Mike also had not gone out of the house for quite a long time as Jim stated that Mike would usually pull at the leash so instead of teaching him to walk nicely on leash, he took the easy way out and kept Mike at home.

Bad skin under his neck
Poor Mike had bad skin problems from neglect
Look at how red his skin is. Imagine what he has been putting up with all this while?

So, we sent another volunteer to help to groom Mike, and to educate Jim on the proper ways to feed and groom him. We even bought new food and water bowls for Mike. We also got new collars and a leash for him, and taught Jim how to properly walk Mike. After all this, Jim agreed to walk Mike at least once a day. It was a relief to see that Jim was willing to put in effort to salvage Mike's condition.

Gross neglect. Grossly malnourished. Look at the sadness in his eyes.

Puppy sized bowls that had not been "upsized" for three years.



Fur on paw pads were long and not trimmed.



His first ever grooming session

Poor sad doggie

Volunteer Joceline showing Jim how to bathe and blow dry his own dog.

Mike was subsequently brought to the vet to treat his skin. He also had severe ear problems. His ears were so painful and badly infected, it had pus oozing out of them. The doctor told us that Mike was severely underweight, but had to be given more food gradually as his stomach had shrunk and could not hold too much food suddenly. He had to be fed many small meals throughout the day.

Dr Poh checking Mike's eyes

Badly infected ears

After a few days, our volunteers visited them again. Although there were slight improvements in the skin and ear conditions, Mike still looked terribly depressed and underweight . Mike behaved as though he had never had contact with any humans, similar to a breeding dog that has been caged all his life. He seemed unsociable, didn’t have eye contact, nor respond to anyone calling him. We are not even sure if Mike has a hearing problem. Was he born deaf? Did the bad ear infection affect his hearing? Or is it because he just doesnt know what language is as no one has ever spoken to him?

We wanted Jim to learn some responsibility in caring for Mike, so we decided to give them more time, continue educating Jim and follow up with him on the next visit.

2 weeks later, Mike seemed to have gained some weight, but still looked dejected and unsociable. We decided that we had to do something as Jim didn’t seem like he was putting in enough effort. We asked whether he still wanted to keep Mike or give him up. We made the hard decision as there was no support from the family and Jim wasn’t sure if he could commit to Mike for life. A week later, Jim gave his answer of wanting to rehome his dog. He understood that Mike needed a better home that can provide more commitment.

Mike is now under the care of HOPE and is up for adoption. He has been sterilised, vaccinated and his ear condition has significantly recovered. He is presently on antibiotics for his skin issues.

He has been emotionally and physically neglected for so long. He doesn't even know his own name.

We have renamed him Reuben. A fresh start, a new beginning.

A slightly happier Cocker Spaniel
It is time for him to receive all the love he can get to be happy again. Reuben has a habit of circling. This could be due to the lack of stimulation and the family who adopts him will need to make a conscious effort to stop this behaviour. It is preferable that the family who adopts Reuben always has someone at home, so that he is not left alone for long hours on end. He need lots of socialization, intellectual stimulation and encouragement on how to be a normal doggy again. He has no idea how.

Reuben now gets long, daily walks and a new lease on life!
Reuben needs a family who will be very patient with him, who has time to exercise as he has lot of energy and is very fit. One of our volunteers, Ruth, took him for a walk at the Botanical Gardens and he was still going strong after 3.5 hours! If you wish to provide that new home for Reuben and adopt him, do contact hopedogrescue@singnet.com.sg

Adopt Reuben
We hope that from this case, people will understand the many responsibilities of owning a pet, before actually going to buy/adopt one. Do research on the pet that you’re thinking of getting and consider whether you are able to commit your time to it. On the final note, do not buy on impulse.

Adopt Reuben
Breed : Cocker Spaniel
Sex : Male
Age : 3 year old
Health : Vaccinated, microchipped, sterilized and in good health, aside from his skin issues.
Temperament : Good with children, sweet natured, good with other dogs but needs time to open up.

Requirements for adopting Reuben
*Family that will not leave him alone for long periods of time
*Patient and willing to correct his circling habits and nurture him from scratch
*Take him for long walks as he has loads of energy

Email : hopedogrescue@singnet.com.sg

*Adoption terms & conditions apply
*Names have been changed.

Written by June Oh. Photography by Joceline Loo, Annie Tan & Ellie Hawkins

28.11.13

SiDa - A Cruel Twist Of Fate

Remember how we witnessed a stray being hit by a lorry back in March this year? Remember how much pain that stray had to go through? Unfortunately, this has happened again.

Another stray from the same factory had been hit by a lorry on Friday night and this time, it’s even worse. A worker, who was sitting on the pavement outside the factory calling home, witnessed the dog being hit by a speeding lorry, rolled over and flung on the road. The lorry sped off. The dog never ever stood up after that. The worker rushed to carry her and brought her back to the factory, where he informed Yongyurt, whom he knew was the dog’s guardian and caregiver.

SiDa lying on the factory grounds after the accident, unable to move
Yongyurt putting SiDa in a carrier



They fed the dog food and water but she was in too much pain and hardly ate. Yongyurt had lost our contact numbers and did not know how to help his dog. However, he knew that we would always be present for our usual Saturday stray feeding, so on Saturday night, a few of the workers stood guard outside the factory, waiting for us to appear to feed the dogs. As soon as we arrived, he told us what had happened. He told us he had given the dog food and water while it was lying down as it was unable to stand up.

Off to the A&E

It was close to midnight when we could finally get a carrier for the injured dog. With the help of Yongyurt, we managed to get SiDa, as Yongyurt had named her, into the carrier. SiDa means 4 eyes in Thai, which reflects the dog’s facial markings. The workers at the factory tend to pamper and over feed their dogs, telling us that they always look hungry. So it actually required a bit of effort to lift SiDa as she weighs about 33kg for a young dog less than 3 years of age!

We put the carrier at the back of a friend’s pick-up truck and told Yongyurt to come along with us to the emergency hospital. It seemed like a horrific replay of what happened back in March. While the vet did a physical examination of SiDa, Yongyurt was by her side, patting and comforting her, speaking to her in Thai. The vet also did an X-ray for SiDa, which wasn’t very clear due to the inability to position SiDa properly and also the fact that she was a big girl. The initial results showed that SiDa seemed to have internal bleeding with a terribly swollen chest, her ribs and tail bone were broken and the vet suspected that her bladder had already ruptured.

Arriving at the hospital




Grazed on the road



SiDa was given painkillers and put on drip to stabilize her condition. By the time this has all ended, it was already 2.30am and we gave some money for Yongyurt to take a taxi back to the factory, which he reluctantly accepted. We could tell how Yongyurt did not want to leave as he loves SiDa and his other factory dogs so much. He told us he would buy beef and cook for them to eat before he leaves for work at 6.30am. He would also give them 5 pieces of roti prata (which in our opinion is definitely not healthy for the dogs, but we understand his loving intentions and have reminded him to cut down on these unhealthy food).

At 8am the next morning, we were informed by the vet that SiDa had been panting quite badly and that they would also be transferring her to the day clinic where more x-rays would be taken for her under sedation.

During another round of physical examinations, the vet used a clamp on SiDa’s back paws. However, SiDa had no reaction to the clamping, which left us very demoralized as it meant that SiDa’s injuries were very severe, there were no sensations in her nerves. We got really distraught and worried as it reminded us of Matthieu.

X-rays showed that her spine was totally displaced.
She was hit by a lorry and run over as well.

We went to the clinic to speak to the vet that evening and was told that they had missed out something while reading the x-rays. That Sida actually had a broken spine and they didn’t notice it earlier on. With that, we were told that a CT scan was no longer necessary and the x-ray clearly showed that she would forever be paralyzed.

This is how she spends her days

SiDa is now on a catheter and has not eaten or defecated since Friday night. She is unable to move and only able to turn her head occasionally. Her hind legs are swollen from the impact of the accident with no sensation at all. This does not seem optimistic as the vet said that even a spinal surgery will not be able to help if the dog is not able to feel anything, which meant that the dog may be paralyzed forever.

It was recommended that it would be more humane to put her down as a spinal injury is the most painful of all injuries.

But we wanted to get more opinions so we made an appointment for SiDa to see an orthopedic specialist who after doing a physical examination and looking at the x-rays, also concluded that a surgery was not recommended because even with a surgery, she would still be unable to walk or stand. He didn't think the surgery was justifiable and he too recommended that it was more humane to put her down as there was no quality of life. She would be living with a catheter, relying on people to clear her bladder every 4 hours, flipped over to avoid bed sores, urine burns... it was a slow, painful death.

All these days, SiDa has been lying in her cage, not moving, not eating, nor drinking. She stares at the corner of the cage all day and as she sleeps, her body jerks in spasms. We were told this is an uncontrolled movement caused by her spinal bone and cord damage.

We have cooked and brought all her favourite food but to no avail. She is very hungry and thirsty but she only wants HER Yongyurt to be with her and feed her.

Refusing food

Yongyurt, her best friend in the whole wide world

SiDa and Yongyurt

Watch SiDa's reaction to her favourite worker, Yongyurt.

Last night we managed to get the DR’s permission and make an exception for Yongyurt to visit SiDa at 11pm at night, way after closing hours and after his work. A volunteer had gone down to his factory to pick him up. When he arrived, he called out to SiDa 3 times before she realized that her dream came true, her Yongyurt was really there to visit her and she struggled to turn around to face him. He fed her some beef and she ate and licked his hand and drank water from his hand. That moment, there was not a dry eye in the clinic. We were touched by SiDa’s love and loyalty for her guardian. We could sense that Yongyurt was sad too and we kept explaining to him in the simplest terms, what was wrong with SiDa.

On the way to see the orthopedic specialist

We asked if he could care for her if we sent her back to the factory. We could see he wanted to have her back but he shook his head sadly and said he wouldn't have time. He leaves for work at 6.30am and doesn't end till 8pm and sometimes has to work overtime.

Being examined by the orthopedic specialist
Because of the many irresponsible and selfish drivers out there, our poor strays are constantly in danger of being hit and being left in the lurch after that. Some of these strays may end up paralyzed and may live in pain for the rest of their lives. All it takes is a moment of carelessness and a dog’s life is entirely shattered. Even though they are just strays, they have ‘owners’ such as the factory workers who love them and mean the world to them. So because of this irresponsible driver who hit and fled the scene, poor SiDa has to fight for her life. We are deeply saddened over what has happened and we urge all drivers out there to be more alert whilst driving. Speeding only saves you a few minutes, but it can cost a life.

Throughout this ordeal, SiDa has remained strong, bearing the pain in silence. All SiDa wants is to run again, to play with her favourite doggy friend in the factory, to play with the workers again. To run on the grass and see the blue skies. She misses the workers smile, their food and their smell.

All she wants is to be with “her owner” again. She misses him terribly.

SiDa was heartbroken when we told her she may never return to the factory to be with the workers and her doggy friends anymore. But all she says is she wants to be with him.

Then there was a flashback and she showed lights from a vehicle coming to her and smashing into her.

SiDa misses the birds chirping, the grass patch that she used to play on and says she will wait for the worker to bring her food. She doesn't want anyone else or anyone’s food.

And most of all, she wants to feel her tail wag again...



Sida’s tailbone and spine was broken in the accident when an irresponsible lorry driver smashed into her. She will never stand or walk again, and she will never be able to wag her tail.

24.11.13

Meet Elmo

Time does fly. December is just round the corner and Christmas is almost here!

The eager beaver in me just can’t wait for Christmas to come because when I think of Christmas, I think of the perfectly roasted turkey, the mouth-watering honey baked ham, the signature Christmas log cake that you cannot do without, and the hearty Christmas bread all set out on the table on a pretty red and white checkered table cloth. Lovely.


It is also this time of the year that I am reminded of a hidden page residing in my notebook containing a list of my New Year resolutions that I meticulously put together at the end of every year. While I always dash into my room in search of the hidden page in excitement, curious to see just how well I have done with the year's resolutions, there will always be this gnawing feeling at the back of mind warning me that I probably didn’t do a good job in fulfilling these resolutions.

Dry, hardened skin. He feels like a rock when you pat him.

Guilty as charged, for most years, a good number of items on the list are left unchecked. These items are then transferred into a new hidden page titled “This Year’s Goals and Resolutions”.

Elmo has put on 1kg since his rescue but still has a long road to recovery



“Oh well, I’m sure I’m not the only person who hasn’t fulfilled her resolutions. We are all humans, we make spur of the moment commitments and we have a limited attention span! Take it easy!” I often tell myself, followed by the shameless repetition of some common ‘feel good’ phrases such as, “I’ve been busy” and “I’ll add these items to next year’s list and I will fulfill them next year”.




My New Year resolutions almost always end up going through the same cycle – from writing them to feeling guilty for not fulfilling them, then transferring them onto a new sheet and convincing myself it is okay to fall short of my goals – so much so it has become a habit I have begun to repeat every year. Little did I know that many years have passed and I am now a quarter of a century old and still stuck with the same old resolutions I had set for myself when I was just a teenager. I haven’t outgrown my goals! Now, I feel old and unaccomplished.

True story, sigh.

The truth is, time waits for no one. Before we regret not having the time or the capability to fulfill our New Year resolutions and goals, why not get down to it and do it while we can and while it is still fresh?


So, go back to your room, search your drawers, pull out the laundry list of New Year resolutions you had made and start asking yourself what are some of the items you can fulfill before December ends. I can assure you that most of us will have at least one item that points to supporting an animal cause be it through donations or volunteer work. After all, we are all compassionate people who share a common goal and that is to help the less fortunate.

If you don’t know where to start, what to give or how to help, we have a great opportunity for you.


In an effort to raise funds for Elmo, Klapsons The Boutique Hotel has initiated a fund raising event for HOPE Dog Rescue. Each ticket costs $70 and HOPE will receive $20 from every ticket sold. That’s a whole lot of money for Elmo and our other rescue dogs.

His right eye has been tearing and needs daily eye drops
Your participation will not only mean a good day of fun and great food for your doggies, but the funds that you help raise will also provide for Elmo’s future vet bills and daily living expenses. Each ticket also entitles you a chance at the lucky draw to win wonderful prizes such as a one night stay at Klapsons The Boutique Hotel! In addition, the first 100 people who purchase the tickets will also receive a free Santa Goodie Bag.

HOPE will also have a booth at the event, selling our HOPE 2014 calendars

Let this Christmas be a memorable day for your fur kids, our rescue dogs and the street dogs that we care for. Unlike our furry friends at home, these dogs may never be lucky enough to enjoy the warmth of a home, live in a safe environment, eat a hearty meal, or have the chance to attend such a fun-filled event.

Santa Doggies will be held on 7 December from 5pm to 8pm in Klapsons The Boutique Hotel. This event is a pooch-friendly wine and dine event hosted by Klapsons The Boutique Hotel. More importantly, Elmo will be there to meet you and thank all of you for supporting him through his darkest days and for creating hope for his friends out there, who may still be holding onto the last ray of hope wishing that, like him, they will be saved.

Elmo looks forward to meeting you
Please help us make this Christmas a special day for them? To purchase tickets to the Santa Doggies event, email info@klapsons.com 

See you there!

Written by Claire Chai