Pets are amazing. Loving, playful and energetic, dogs especially can make you happier and healthier.
Furry friends are good listeners who ask no questions and never criticise. They make great companions for people of all ages.
Some dogs help children with autism and special needs to improve their social skills. With proper care and specific training, they assist people with visual impairments.
If you are considering bringing a new pet home, the first big decision you must make is whether to buy or adopt.
Actress Chollada Mekratri advocates adopting homeless pets, which is a great way to help animals in need.
Adoption saves lives
She notes pet adoption helps save animals’ lives and calls on potential pet owners to adopt homeless animals instead of buying one from a breeder or a pet shop.
“If you have the time, space, resources and lots of love to offer, please give an animal a new life by adopting a homeless pet. Adopting shelter animals, in particular, means you not only help save one life, but also help the shelter to accommodate more pets that need help,” she says, adding that most of shelters across the country are full and there are too many animals but not enough adoptions.
Chollada is the founder of the Voice Foundation (www.thevoicefoundation.org), dedicated to giving animals a voice.
Established in 2012, this volunteer-powered non-profit is committed to rescuing homeless, neglected and abandoned dogs and cats, providing them with loving temporary care and finding them forever homes.
It also educates society and all pet parents, particularly young people in responsible pet parenting and proper pet care and works to raise awareness about the importance of pet adoption.
Over 12 years of its operation, the foundation has saved more than 14,000 at-risk dogs and cats and adopted out more than 3,000 animals.
The foundation now supports more than 150 dogs and cats. It has also sponsored local animal rescues and shelters that provide care for more than 800 stray dogs and cats through food, medication, neutering and vaccination.
The Voice Foundation sees only 5% of dogs and cats in its care being adopted by pet parents per month.
“Many of the dogs and cats have been with us for far too long with little to no interest. Some have been patiently waiting more than 5 to 6 years for adoption,” she says.
Chollada says the foundation carefully screens the best homes possible for rescue animals.
Potential adopters must meet certain qualifications, including passing a test, background checks and regular follow-up.
Interviews as well as meet-and-greet sessions are also arranged to ensure that adopters are ready for the responsibility and understand the animals’ special needs.
“Rescue dogs and cats are extremely vulnerable. They come to us very scared, lonely and need love. We save them, heal them, physically and mentally, give them loving care and a placement. That’s why it’s absolutely essential to find the right homes for them, which we hope will be their last,” she says.
Hi. I’m Wan Mai. I’m a lovely and affectionate 10-month-old mixed domestic pup looking for my furever home. I really enjoy sleeping with my owner. It makes me feel safe and comfortable. I love to be cuddled and to show how much I love humans. If you are a big fan of cuddles too, we are a perfect match.
The foundation once helped save the life of a little dog whose owner was attempting to kill both her pet and herself.
Newly launched online platform to help find homes for homeless animals
Thanks to the introduction of www.th.WeR4happytails.com that supports pet adoption, Chollada expects the rate of adoption to grow to 10%.
This new online platform is a collaborative effort between Mars Pet Nutrition and three animal shelters, namely the Voice Foundation, the Soi Dog Foundation and the Jai Dog Rescue.
The website connects potential adopters with shelter pets to help them find the furry friend that’s right for them.
The launch was part of the Mars Global Adoption Weekend held in Thailand last month to promote compatible pet adoption.
Hoo Tang (literally upright ears) : I’m Hoo Tang. I’m an energetic, playful, fluffy and faithful 7-month-old Golden Retriever mix. I like the outdoors, running, chasing even playing hide and seek with my owner which makes me happy and healthy. I love nothing more than a warm family who can give me all the love and playtime I need.
Chollada notes the collaboration will take the foundation’s mission to the next level, saying the site is helping boost the rescue animals’ visibility online and creating a connection with potential adopters.
Speaking at the event, Ratchakorn Chenpattanapong, general manager of Mars Pet Nutrition Thailand and Indochina, said the company hopes to inspire more new pet parents to consider adopting pets and to provide advice, guidance and support to make informed decisions when choosing their companion through the website.
Louise Rose, CEO of Soi Dog Foundation (www.soidog.org) noted that addressing the homeless pet crisis requires collaboration and this partnership exemplifies how working together can drive meaningful change.
Mike Dower, co-founder of Jai Dog Rescue (www.jaidogrescue.org) said he believes that every animal deserves a chance to find a home that suits its needs and would like to find a loving home for every rescue dog in Thailand.
“The platform is helping potential adopters make informed decisions. This is critical to creating lasting relationships and reducing the number of animals that end up back in shelters.” he said.
All animals are equally loveable
Chollada also gives advice to potential pet owners looking for a new pet.
Mars’s first global Pet Parent Study showed a significant rise in pet ownership, with 4 in 10 people now owning pets. Some 47% of them are first-time pet parents, showing a growing trend in pet adoption and the increasing role pets play in people’s lives.
More than half of new pet parents across all generations are also pet owners for the first time in their lives. However, only 5% of puppy owners and 3% of kitten owners adopt their pets from shelters.
She suggests selecting a breed that fits your lifestyle, personality and ability to provide him or her with temperament.
“A dog is a huge commitment. Siberian Huskies, for example, are physically very powerful. Beagles are highly energetic. They need regular, daily walks in order to stay happy and healthy. Will you have the time to walk your dog when you have one of them?"
"If the answer is no, you should stop right here. And if you are an introvert, these breeds may be not perfect for you,” she says adding some dogs require a lot of attention and interaction, while others are quite independent.
Some pedigree dogs also come with a hefty price tag and health problems specific to their breeds that can be very expensive, she notes.
“Corgis and huskies are adorable but they love the cold more than the heat, which can cause the electricity bill to go up when you have them in Thailand. Bulldogs are likely to have breathing problems."
"Golden Retrievers are affected by heart problems. Maltese are prone to skin problems and are high maintenance. Their long, white coats need to be groomed and brushed daily when kept long. You have to prepare for vet bills, which are expensive, and added costs to give the very best care for your best friends,” she says.
With the rise of pet ownership in Thailand coupled with popular trends for specific breeds, many people opt to buy pets as affectionate and loyal companions or members of the family instead of adopting domestic breeds and strays.
“Pets are pets. No matter what breed they are, they have the capability to love and be loved. Be kind to animals and please adopt, don’t buy,” Chollada says.
I’m Man. I’m an active 6-month-old Thai Ridgeback pup, looking for a loving home. Most people say I look intimidating but actually I’m gentle and sweet as my name suggests. I had skin infections but now the conditions have cleared. I’m delighted by food and snacks. If you are looking for a fun, playful, happy dog, I’m your guy.
She stresses the importance of being kind to animals and urges potential pet parents to adopt domestic breeds and strays, saying they have better health and a stronger immune system, which can help save on vet bills.
Rescue animals up for adoption come in all shapes, sizes, ages and personalities and fortunately most are already neutered and vaccinated, which helps reduce expenses while ensuring immediate health benefits.
“Rescue dogs are special. Many of them are already trained to understand basic commands. They are loving, playful and very faithful. They wait patiently for you to come home. They wag their tails with their heart to welcome you. The hugs and the adoring kisses underline that there is no love like dog’s love, especially from rescues,” she says.
Most rescue dogs have been through tough times so they try to create deep bonds with their new owners who give them a second chance, she adds.
“All pets, especially ones suffering from conditions they cannot control, deserve a loving home. Show your love for animals and support by adopting one of the homeless animals,” Chollada says.
Note: If you are looking to adopt a shelter dog, please contact the organisations mentioned in this article.
