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
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| 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
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| 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)
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| 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
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| 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
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| 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
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| 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
