Silent Sufferers

Help Cambodia’s Dogs

Dogs, cats, fish, snakes I adore them all. But it was the soulful gaze of a Cambodian street dog that ignited a fire within me. From that moment, I vowed to be their voice, to show their silent cries and ask for help from the world.

The bond I share with animals seems to be a profound connection. One that fills my heart with both joy and sorrow.

The resilience of Cambodian animals in the face of adversity inspires me to help. My love for animals has always been intense, and I am fueled by my determination to aid those in need in Cambodia.

Countless animals in Cambodia endure unimaginable suffering, thus I try my hardest to alleviate their pain and offer them some hope.

But mere words or social media posts are not enough. Especially as I am just a small drop in the big ocean.

True help requires action, stepping out of our comfort zones and actively working to make a difference. Thus I will not give up trying to make a difference.

Warning there are some not-very-nice pictures

 

The moment I laid eyes on him

I felt compelled to become his voice

The moment I laid eyes on this beautiful creature, my heart shattered. I was consumed by an overwhelming urge to help him, no matter what the obstacles were.

Witnessing the pain of this poor soul left me distraught. I could not comprehend how someone could allow their loyal companion to deteriorate in such a state. However, as time passed, I began to understand the underlying reason.

In all honesty, the harsh reality of poverty in Cambodia once again hit me. The history of Cambodia is heartbreaking and still has many knock-on effects to this day.

This situation has led to a profound lack of education, particularly concerning animal welfare.

For many Khmers, animals serve primarily as protectors of property, with little regard for their well-being. The mindset is that if a dog perishes, it can easily be replaced by another.

Filled with compassion and determination, I was going to become the voice for this innocent creature.

Thus, I went to locate his owner, determined to make a difference in this dog’s life.

I embarked on a mission to find his owner

Walking the streets with a heavy heart and a determined spirit

After navigating through several houses, I finally located his owner. However, conveying my intentions was a difficult task, given the language barrier.

I had only a basic grasp of Khmer, and the owner’s English was limited. Despite the challenges, both of us made great efforts to communicate and understand each other.

The Khmer language

Indeed, the Khmer language has been significantly influenced by Sanskrit and Pali, which are ancient Indic languages. These influences are particularly evident in Khmer vocabulary related to religion, culture, and administration, reflecting the historical and cultural connections between Cambodia and the Indian subcontinent.

It’s fascinating to delve into the origins of the Khmer language, which can be traced back to inscriptions on stones dating back to 612 A.D. These ancient inscriptions primarily focused on religious themes, providing insights into rituals and poetic verses of that time.

Unfortunately, while these inscriptions offer glimpses into religious practices, they don’t shed much light on the daily lives of the people who spoke Khmer.

For the past 15 years, I’ve dedicated myself to learning Khmer. I believe it’s crucial to grasp the local language when living in a community. It creates a better understanding and connection with the people.

During my encounters, I’ve made efforts to communicate in Khmer, starting with simple greetings like “Chom-reab-suor,” which means a polite hello. Each attempt to converse in Khmer is a step toward bridging cultural gaps and showing respect for the local customs.

One memorable moment stood out when I tried speaking Khmer to the owner of this dog. To my surprise and delight, he understood me.

It was a proud moment for me, demonstrating that language can serve as a powerful tool for connection and empathy.

In response, he expressed his need for help, acknowledging his uncertainty about what to do for his ageing dog.

Thus, I jumped on my motorbike.

Filled with a sense of urgency and compassion

I hurried back home

With a determined smile, I hurried back home, intent on helping this sick dog. I grabbed the tick and mange medicine called Bravecto that we use for our dogs, a costly but essential remedy. When it comes to animal welfare, cost is secondary to compassion. I would rather not eat and have that money to help an animal. But the not eating part is a problem I will always have to focus on. Due to being an ex bulimic.

Next, I reached out to my friend, a Cambodian vet, albeit living outside my town. I sought her advice on the appropriate antibiotics for the dog, given his evident infections. Green pus was oozing from his eyes, nose, and even his genitals.

Returning to the owner’s house, I was cautioned that the dog would bite.  However, this dog’s grateful expression told me he would not bite, He  seemed to be saying,

“Thank you, I don’t want to bite you.”

Even without words

Our actions speak volumes

The gentle demeanour of this soulful dog touched my heart deeply. Despite his pain, he allowed me to tend to him with care and affection as if understanding my intentions to be his voice.

As I administered the medicine, his eyes seemed to smile and gave me silent gratitude. It was as though he recognized my desire to speak up for Cambodian animals, to be their voice in a world where they often go unheard.

In my limited Khmer, I assured the owner, “I will be back tomorrow to check on him.” However, before I could fully comprehend his response, he hurried off, leaving me standing at the gate. Yet, within moments, he returned with a bunch of bananas and introduced the dog as Bob.

His expression of thanks, conveyed through the traditional Khmer greeting of Sampeah, deeply touched my heart. It was a poignant reminder of the genuine kindness and respect that transcends language barriers, uniting us in our shared compassion for the animals we cherish.

The next day

The following day, I returned to check on Bob, eager to see how he was doing. As I approached the owner’s house, I couldn’t help but feel a mix of anticipation and concern for Bob’s well-being.

As days passed, my visits to Bob’s home became a routine, a daily pilgrimage fueled by hope and determination. Each encounter brought a glimmer of progress as Bob’s health improved.

However, on the fourth day, a sense of unease settled in as Bob’s absence left a void in our daily interactions. Despite my constant inquiries, his owner could not find Bob.

With each passing day, my worry deepened, fueled by the nagging fear that Bob’s journey had taken an unexpected turn. Yet, amidst the uncertainty, one thing remained clear, my resolve to be his voice, to advocate for his welfare, and to never give up on the hope of seeing him again.

One week later

Exactly one week later, a familiar sight greeted me, Bob. Sitting proudly next to his owner. His owner’s joyful smile echoed through the air.

As I approached, my heart swelled with relief and joy at the sight of Bob’s improved condition. Gone was the green pus that once covered his face.

Bob had found vitality and even a hint of a smile. At that moment, I knew without a doubt that my decision to be his voice, to advocate for the well-being of animals, had been the right one.

Bob’s transformation served as a powerful reminder of the impact we can have when we lend our voices to those in need.

It reaffirmed my commitment to continue advocating for animals like Bob, ensuring they receive the care, compassion, and respect they deserve.

One month later

A big happy almost toothless grin

After a month had passed, the transformation in Bob was nothing short of remarkable. The infection that once plagued him was now a thing of the past, and the mange, too. His fur had begun to regrow.

As I approached him, Bob greeted me with the most enthusiastic wag of his tail and a heartwarming, nearly toothless grin.

Bob’s owner emerged from their home, overflowing with gratitude. He insisted that his entire family come out to express their thanks, leaving me feeling slightly embarrassed by the attention.

With a humble smile, I replied, “I do it out of love for animals, but thank you.”

As I drove home, a sense of fulfilment washed over me, and I could not take that smile off my face. At that moment, I knew with unwavering certainty that I would continue to be their voice, no matter the challenges that lay ahead.

Pay it forward

To pay it forward, to other dogs. I take regular walks around my quaint village in the serene town of Kampot, Cambodia. Sometimes accompanied by our dogs and sometimes on my own, I distribute small food parcels containing a vital tablet to street and family dogs alike.

The food parcels contain a blend of fish, vegetables, and wholesome brown rice. Which provides essential nutrition to these furry friends. Nestled within each parcel is a tablet designed to combat ticks, worms, and mange.

As I make my rounds, the dogs in my neighbourhood have begun to anticipate “medicine day,” eagerly awaiting their nutritious meal and preventive treatment.

It warms my heart to see them thriving, and I firmly believe that providing healthy food plays a crucial role in keeping diseases at bay. After all, you are what you eat, don’t you agree?

Additionally, every few months, when my finances allow, I extend support to the local pagoda by donating free food. It’s my way of giving back to the community and ensuring that both animals and humans receive the care they deserve.

In my efforts to combat animal abuse and neglect, I find inspiration in the advocacy of individuals like Keanu Reeves and other celebrities who share a passion for animal welfare.

Their willingness to use their platform and resources to help those in need serves as a beacon of hope.

I’m grateful for those with the means to make a difference and wish that more individuals, regardless of their fame or fortune, would join the cause. After all, compassion knows no bounds, and together, we can create a brighter future for all beings.

Mange is a huge problem in Cambodia

Mange is a widespread issue in Cambodia, casting a shadow of suffering over countless animals. Coupled with other challenges and the looming threat of rabies, it paints a grim picture of the struggles faced by animals in this country.

This parasitic skin disease, caused by mites, can lead to severe discomfort, itching, hair loss, and skin infections if left untreated.

Unfortunately, mange is all too common among street dogs and other vulnerable animals in Cambodia, where access to veterinary care and resources may be limited.

The prevalence of mange highlights the urgent need for proactive measures to address this issue. Providing regular treatment and preventive measures, such as medicated baths, oral medications, and topical treatments, can help alleviate suffering and prevent the spread of mange within communities.

During my efforts to combat mange, I have encountered many heartbreaking scenes, including a distressed elderly dog.

Thus he got tied to my motorbike while I administered mange shampoo treatments every few days. The sight of animals afflicted by this condition serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for intervention.

In Kampot, where access to veterinary care is limited, But getting better with every year.  The situation is particularly challenging. especially with only a handful of vets. 

Takeaway

I will fulfil my dreams

My website is designed with a simple yet profound intention, to help fulfil my dreams of helping others.

I aspire to be the unwavering voice for animals, advocating for their rights and well-being.

Secondly, I am deeply passionate about like you. I want you to discover your voice, and help be the positive change in the world.

But my dreams don’t stop there. I believe in the power of having multiple dreams as each one contributes to a greater purpose.

One small yet impactful way you can help animals is by choosing to adopt rather than shop for pets. It’s a simple decision that can make a world of difference in the lives of countless animals in need.