The plight of Madam Teng was highlighted in Guang Ming newspaper some time last week. April posted the link to Vivienne Chew, who immediately mobilized a few individuals to help her. The immediate need in this case was to help the dogs, which according to the newspaper, are in dire need of food. It was irrelevant, for now, to discuss other issues such as whether she neuters her dogs or not and other matters. These issues can be addressed after the dogs’ hunger pangs are satisfied. What is crucial is to ensure that the dogs have food, glorious food.
Such is the practicality of Vivienne Chew. She approached some friends who were ever willing and generous with their gifts of cash, food, cages and other stuff. Vivienne contacted the newspaper reporter who wrote this article and managed to get her to take us there. On Sunday (18/12/11), 5 of us (Vivienne, Annie, Alex, Vivian and myself made our way to Kuang to meet this Madam Teng.
We learnt when we got there that she had moved some of her dogs to another place in view of threats to her dogs. She was asked to move out from her present place. She managed to find a place temporarily to house her dogs. We sent the things to her new place.
She told us about the eviction she had faced thus far and her problems. Well, as Vivienne, the ever down-to-earth, said we are not there to get involved with her personal problems. Our main concern is to see to the immediate needs of the dogs which is food. Of course, she will have to help herself by taking a serious look at her circumstances and try to adjust her time so that she can work. Excuses such as cannot work because she has to take care of the dogs are not acceptable. All of us have to take care of animals and work too. All responsible rescuers should learn to adjust and adapt and not expect to live fully on the charity of the public. Well, if we profess to feel sorry for the dogs and want to keep them, then we should make sacrifices. No one can undertake this responsibility of providing for her dogs or other rescuers’ dogs for life.
I have to commend very highly Vivienne Chew who was instrumental in this charity effort. In her own small way, she has shown that helping does not require a great fanfare. Neither is a whole committee needed. The ingredients are a compassionate heart for animals, willingness to sacrifice time and money, and systematic planning. Every individual can do their part to help. She personally approached her friends and other individuals to help Mdm Teng. Kudos to Annie and Alex (the 2 drivers) and Vivian, who inspite of their busy schedule took time to do their bit for the dogs. Last but not least, a big and hearty thank you to all who have contributed (I don’t know their names so Vivienne will have to provide.)
Before we left, we have strongly advised Mdm Teng to neuter her dogs as breeding is a definite no-no. We hope that she will heed it.
