I used to live in Thailand.
In those days I was based in Bangkok but I got to travel extensively around the country from the Green Hills of the North to the incredible beaches of the South. There are very few countries in the world that can rival in beauty this tropical paradise.
One thing bothered me though… the plea of the stray dogs!. I have never seen so many dogs trying to survive in such poor conditions. Many of them were in critical condition, their fur completely eaten away by mange and other diseases.
Most people looked away, certainly the tourist did!
Fast forward 10 years…
For the last six months I have been looking at the activities of an incredible group of people, the Soi Dog Foundation, in Phuket, Thailand. From a distance I have got to know John and Gill Dalley and their inspiring efforts to alleviate the situation of the stray dogs in the paradise island of Phuket. The world is full wonderful people that, like the Dalley’s have dedicated their lives to a cause, in many occasions paying a very heavy price. What set the Dalley’s apart is their logical and compassionate approach to animal rescue and their efforts to neuter the entire population of dogs in the island. Another thing that I noticed was the quality of the people involved. It is very easy to be inspired when you see brilliant people working together in such selfless manner.
It took me a quick email to connect with Leonard Coyne. A simple proposal: let me put our experience and network at the disposal of the dogs of Thailand. A simple answer: Yes.
Today I’m introducing you to the Soi Dog Foundation. I would invite you to watch this short video, a trailer to a movie produced by Environment Films.
And after you finished join the Soi Dog Foundation / Let’s Adopt! (Thailand) Group and invite your friends to do the same. There will be great things coming out of this group.
I love these people already! I’m so happy for those Soi Dogs! And if only all the tourists in Thailand would open their eyes and help… Helping Care for Dogs was the most fun we had on our journey!
Gill and John, I cant thank you enough for what you are doing for the strays in this beautiful country. If only more would follow your lead and help these animals more.
I wish you success in all you do, and above all my heartfelt love for you for giving these animals a chance. God Bless You Both. If I do get to Thailand with my daughter this year I will be certain to call on you and spend as much time as possible helping if needed. x
Viktor – Thank you from all the 2 legged and 4 legged creatures of Soi Dog!
I visited Thailand ( Phuket ) when we were on our honeymoon in 1996 & I was NOT one of the tourists to look away when it came to the strays there. I did my best in the 2 weeks to feed & water them but it broke my heart when we had to come home. So happy to hear of this foundation now that will help many of them. When we were there the locals tried to sell us puppies & the monks in their flowing orange robes were seen throwing a dog into the water in a very rough manner & went away laughing so I have mixed feelings about the welfare of the cats & dogs living there.
All the best of luck to Gill & John for caring.
Leonard, Viktor, Bihter, Gill, John, and everyone else involved in Let’s Adopt and Soi Dog, thank you all for your active involvement on behalf of all our furry friends, people like you make a big difference every day and some of us honestly appreciate it ☺☺☺
bless you all, take care ☺☺☺
ida
What an incredible organization. I look forward to seeing the full documentary.
dear john and gill
Respect ! that is brill what yous are doing over there if i could i would help,breaks my heart to see what the human race does to animals all alround the world it is so sick,but people like you do make a difference,even if it is only a drop on a hot stone and sad timings there is always the love of those dogs/cats that pays more than any money could.
keep going yous are all including the local helpers are doing a great job
yours sincerely sabine