As always, it’s been a hectic week but I wanted to set everybody up for the weekend ahead with a bunch of good news and progress.
Nothing is more crucial than the big picture efforts being made to fix the street dog problem but sometimes the individual dogs and their stories are just as important.
When I’m tired or stressed I like to just think about what might be going through these dog’s minds and how happy they must be…
1. Buster Is Enjoying His New Freedom
Last week we were able to get lovely Buster removed from a very short chain (under a metre in length) which he had been living on. It wasn’t an easy process and we were warned that Buster was aggressive. In the past week…
We have been able to get 2 operations on Buster to fix his issues
He has started medicines to treat serious fungal infections
Buster has gone on his first walks to just smell the flowers and tress
Buster is probably the least aggressive and actually is one of the friendliest dogs I’ve ever met.
It’s been amazing to watch this wonderful creature just enjoy the simple joy of freedom.
2. An Epic Journey Across The World
Ever since we rescued Rodney, King Whacker and Moritz they have been like part of the family. After months of planning and 3 canceled attempts they finally set off on a 10,000km journey across the globe.
Everybody around the world held their breath but seeing the boys arrive after over 30 hours to their incredible new families is one of the best feelings I’ve experienced in my life. 3 lives changed forever. Dozens of people involved over the months. Result.
3. The New King Of Scotland Has Arrived
Since the moment I found Whacker with a huge gash in his head after someone tried to kill him I’ve been incredibly close to him. He has always been the top dog. The big boss. But, under his proud exterior there is a slightly nervous and anxious soul. I barely slept a wink as he flew across the world and even worried about meeting his new brother and every tiny detail until he got there.
I shouldn’t have worried for a second as the best boy there ever was has settled in wonderfully and has been sleeping his jet lag off and going on short walks around Glasgow. King Whacker in Scotland, who could ever have imagined it?
4. New Serious Dog Cases Are Being Treated
Because we were able to free up space with dogs heading to their homes, we have been able to treat some others who badly need it. We’ve had 5 very serious new arrivals this week. One example is Daeng who was living in a local temple. She had a horrible tumour hanging outside of her body but we were able to get it operated on immediately. She is safely at the land recovering now with Buster, Mick Jagger and other new very sick arrivals.
Another dog’s life changed for the better.
5. Penny Is Fully Healed And Loving Life
Remember little Penny who was badly tortured and abused and who had her leg broken? Well the good news is that she is now fully recovered and living with her forever owners.
You can see that she is looking absolutely fantastic and luckily she isn’t showing any signs of trauma and is a happy girl. She is even able to walk perfectly thanks to the wonderful surgery carried out at Soi Dog.
6. The Girls Are Looking Ravishing
You can’t have a happy update without sharing the two bravest and most beautiful girls in the world. Despite their ongoing health battles McMuffin and Tina have never looked better. Tina’s fur has grown right in and her weight is steady as we control her kidney failure as best we can.
McMuffin won slimmer of the month after losing a whopping 2kg on her new fitness routine. I don’t think there were ever 2 better looking dogs.
7. The Power Of A Community
I had to visit Bangkok this week to read my new book in a studio for the audio version, which meant being away from the dogs. Sometimes when you are so close to something as I am on a daily basis you miss the bigger picture. While I was gone the following was happening on the ground…
Sterilising over 200 dogs with partners happening in July
5000 Meals served to street dogs this week
My own 80 street dogs fed and kept healthy by my friend Lana
Dogs being brought to vets and having operations and being transported by volunteers to the land to recover.
There are 100s more examples of people helping on the ground but it is also online. People sharing content, willing the dogs on as they travel, supporting me and sending lots of kind messages. The examples are endless. Thats not something I ever take for granted.
My main window into the world is often my phone as I’m manically trying to find people to help, fix the next emergency, pay vet bills or help with logistics. Being away from the dogs and sitting in an airport (as I write this) I am finally able to look at things from a distance and think….WOW.
What I mean is that I can’t believe how kind and helpful people are and how much people want to help fix the dogs with me. It still blows my mind and makes me pinch myself.
None of this would be possible without you.
I’ll have an update with big exciting news next week (on a practical and scaling up level) but I hope these small stories of individual dog lives changing for the better set you up nicely for the weekend.
Big Love to you wherever you are in the world.
Niall
P.S You can always support by either donating here or just subscribing to this newsletter.
Your love for these beautiful souls comes through to us all over the world and sits in our hearts ❤️ non of us can ever thank you enough 🙏 but just know it’s not only the dogs on our hearts 🐾 you’re in there too 🐾❤️🙏
This has made my morning Niall and so pleased a little bit of distance could make you appreciate you & all the others have done. So pleased King Whacker, Rodney & Moritz have made it to rainy UK!