Advertisement
Published: April 27th 2014
Edit Blog Post
Can't believe I have come to the end of my time here! I left on Friday night, flew to Chang Mai for my next placement at The Elephant Nature Park. I am looking forward to it but so sad to leave here as I've had such a wonderful time. Just getting to really know all the dogs and cats little quirks. It has been a very hectic last few weeks at the center and the numbers of sick and injured animals has risen considerably. The vets and vet nurses have had a really hard time dealing with all different types of situations from animals being poisoned, stabbed, road accidents, we even had a goat in who had been in labour for a very long time. Unfortunately both Mother and baby did not survive. It's hard not to be become emotionally involved when you are caring for the animals night and day, it's natural to form bonds with them, helping the healing process but unfortunately not all survive.
As I said before the dogs are in separate packs, five in all. Brave's group consisting of Sundae, Spot, Doris and Rufus. The last three have found homes, Rufus in Canada, Spot in
Denmark and Doris in England so they are just completing their quarantine and will be leaving as soon as we can find flight volunteers to assist them to their new homes. Spot came to the center with his mum and siblings who were all adopted very quickly and Spot was left. One of the adopters read on facebook that Spot was still here and decided to take him too. Brave is an old dog who is currently living at Time for Lime with Junie the founder at present.
Lanta's group consists of Khun Ying, Khun Chai, Alai, Owen, and Elvis. This group has three puppies in it, Alai being one of them who constantly tries to be top dog! lol! but Lanta soon puts him in his place. A very bolshi little pup who has found an owner too, hopefully who can teach him some manners. Elvis is so called because he was involved in a car accident and damaged his pelvis, such a lovely natured dog, one of my favourites. Owen just appeared at the center himself one day and refused to leave so he was integrated into the pack.
Mai Tai's group consists of Denver ,
Doodle
The resident Houdini Doodle, Pumpkin and Sandwich. Doodle is the resident Houdini who manages to jump the rotation area gates - extremely high! much to the of Stu who constantly strives to contain and outwit him Denver was found by a lady living in Saladan, he had taken up residence with another pup underneath her house. He is a very playful dog who still thinks he's a pup, loves being cuddled and fussed over.
Noodle's group consists of Bucchi, Chilli, Oscar, Flinky and Sam. This group has just recently been integrated together and are doing well. Bucchi and Flinky have just been adopted and are going to live in England. Oscar and Chilli arrived together at the center with their mother. They were found hiding in a concrete drain in the Old Town and locals were threatening to kill them. Chilli is so laid back he's horizontal and prefers to laze his days away chilling in the sun, takes a bit of coaxing to go for a walk.
Sanchez and Poohie share a run together. They do not like other dogs and become very agitated, it is likely that they will spend the rest of their lives at the center. Both
dogs are very affectionate and enjoy human company.
Buddy and Tosca share a kennel in another area and Tosca has since found a new home too so Buddy will probably be integrated into one of the packs at a later date. I've got a soft spot for Buddy too! He was adopted but this has since fell through as it is apparent that he is not good with smaller dogs and detests cats. The people who were adopting him have a cat and therefor he can't go to live with them.
Matt the center manager has three dogs as well Bruce, Sathorn and Sock. All rescued from another sanctuary. Bruce was thrown over the sanctuary wall and it was apparent that his back legs were damaged and had to be removed. He was fitted with a set of wheels but didn't like them. He is amazing and manages extremely well, especially when it's feeding time, he's first into the kennel.
Over and above the pack dogs we have dogs in single kennels who are here for medical reasons and most times have owners. These numbers fluctuate on a daily basis and recently all kennels have been full.
Rufus, Doris Spot
On the local beach. Rufus likes the water, but Spot is too busy chasing crabs and Doris is too much of a lady to get her paws wet. The cat house, quarantine and Isolation are bursting at the seams with approximately sixty cats. When joining the cat house they have their picture taken, given a collar and the volunteers get the chance to pick names for them. Although there is no gate at the front of the center they do do not wander very far and usually stay within the confines of the area. I didn't remember all their names but there are a few who stuck out, Marlee and little Grace who were my favourites. Brilliant who was just that, extremely clever and of course all the little kittens, Casanova, Bubble n Squeak, Morton, Lok Somme and many many more. Its incredible what the center has achieved, all on public donations, the profits from Time for Lime and of course the help of the volunteers. It's growing steadily and just recently added the new quarantine and Isolation block, so badly needed. I am sure it will continue to develop and grow. I have had a fantastic time and so glad that I have been able to contribute to the work being done here, the rewards speak for themselves! I hope you have enjoyed the journey too, I'm
now looking forward to the next installment.
Advertisement
Tot: 0.113s; Tpl: 0.013s; cc: 7; qc: 44; dbt: 0.0534s; 1; m:domysql w:travelblog (10.17.0.13); sld: 1;
; mem: 1.1mb
Elaine Jack
non-member comment
Elephants
Hi May your time there has flown in and it must be sad for you to leave the dogs, cats and friends you have made behind but you will always have your memories of the experience and plenty photographs and you can always keep in touch as internet is a wonderful thing. I am so jealous you are now moving on to an elephant sanctuary I would love to do that as you know I just adore elephants. I will keep following you and look forward to hearing all about your next adventure and location love and best wishes Elaine x