February brought its share of emotional moments—some painful losses that truly tested us. But alongside the heartache were quiet reminders of why we do this work: signs of progress, glimpses of hope, and moments that helped us reconnect with our purpose.
Our new hospital is coming to life quickly, and will constitute a huge step forward in our ability to care for more animals in need. Our education program is reaching further than ever, inspiring real change in how communities view and treat animals. And when it comes to impact, the numbers speak for themselves: this month alone, we successfully sterilized 363 dogs. This makes February 2025 among the most productive months we’ve ever had, and a reflection of how far we’ve come in reducing suffering and creating healthier, happier lives for street animals.
This month’s report is lovingly dedicated to Rocket and Wanda, two unforgettable souls who touched our hearts deeply. Though we couldn’t give them the longer lives they deserved, they reminded us of the love, joy, and resilience that animals bring into our lives—and why we never stop fighting for them.
Rocket – A Life Full of Love
Rocket was full of joy from the moment he arrived. Despite the large, fast-growing mass on his head, he bounced through our clinic like any playful puppy—curious, affectionate, and endlessly charming. He had a way of brightening every room he entered.
His case was incredibly complex. We consulted with specialists in Thailand and overseas, but no one could say for certain what was causing the mass. What they all agreed on was that his best chance of survival would be to remove it. We booked him in for surgery at a specialist clinic and took every possible precaution. Dr. Cooky’s dog, Gina, even stepped in as a potential blood donor.
The surgery went well, and we received the call that Rocket was out of theatre and recovering—a huge sigh of relief. But later that evening, he developed unexpected complications. Despite the team’s best efforts, we lost him.
His passing was heartbreaking. But Rocket’s short life was filled with love, play, gentle hands, and warm cuddles. He mattered—to us, and to everyone who followed his journey. He left behind his brother, Fergus, who was quiet and confused in the days that followed. But with time and love, Fergus is finding his spark again—and we’re more determined than ever to give him the beautiful life both boys deserved.
Remembering Wanda – The Heart of Rescue P.A.W.S.
Wanda was the kind of dog who made an impression without trying. She was a constant presence at Rescue P.A.W.S.—a familiar face, a gentle tail wag, a funny little side mission to the nearest restaurant in search of treats.
She’d been with us her whole life and officially made the staff house her home after COVID. She brought joy and comfort to everyone, whether you were a long-time team member or a new volunteer arriving on your first day.
When she developed a tumour in January, we hoped we’d have more time. But it returned quickly and aggressively, and Wanda, in her quiet and graceful way, let us know she was ready.
On her final day, we gathered around her. She got up, just once, to greet everyone she loved. She passed peacefully, surrounded by people who adored her.
Wanda had the life every dog deserves—one filled with love, freedom, purpose, and family. We miss her dearly, but we’re so grateful she spent her days with us. Wanda, thank you for the years of memories, laughs, loyalty, and love.
Though February held moments of loss, it also gave us clarity. Rocket and Wanda reminded us of the deep connection we have with the animals we care for—and why every effort, every rescue, and every small act of kindness matters.
We carry their memories forward as motivation to keep doing more, loving harder, and fighting for those who need us most.
This month, a call came in about a dog with a badly injured leg. The injury had occurred several months earlier, and sadly, the dog had never received any veterinary care. When our team arrived, we found a young female—frightened, in pain, and completely unsure of our intentions.
It took hours of patience and care for the catching team to gently secure her, but we finally brought her to safety and began her journey to recovery. We named her Olive.
Olive had a severely broken back leg that required amputation. As a stray, she had never received any parasite treatment and was suffering from blood parasites, which had left her dangerously anemic with low platelets—making surgery far too risky at first.
While we worked on improving her blood, something beautiful began to unfold: Olive started to come out of her shell. She slowly began to trust us, finding comfort in kind hands and gentle voices, and letting her sweet personality shine through.
Once she was strong enough, Dr. Cooky performed the surgery to remove her leg. Olive recovered quickly, adjusting to life on three legs with resilience and grace. And best of all, the kind family who originally reached out for help has now welcomed her into their home—giving her the love, safety, and second chance she so truly deserved.
🎥 Watch Olive’s journey on our YouTube
Meanwhile, our team also returned to the remote community of Pala-u to deliver food donations and carry out a dog count in preparation for our next sterilization event. Many of the puppies who were too young for surgery during our last visit have grown strong and healthy—thanks to the nutrition we provided—and are now finally ready.
There are still around 30 dogs to go, and encouragingly, several community members who had previously declined sterilization have now changed their minds after seeing the positive effects in their neighbours’ animals.
It’s not uncommon for people to hesitate when it comes to sterilization—whether due to cultural beliefs, fear, or simply a lack of understanding. But when people are given the opportunity to learn, witness the transformation in their own communities, and build trust with our team, their perspectives begin to shift.
Education, paired with visible results like healthier dogs and fewer unwanted litters, leads to real behavioural change. And that change is the cornerstone of sustainable, long-term improvements in animal welfare.
This month, our education team focused on one of the most important lessons we can teach: how to safely and respectfully interact with dogs.
You might wonder—why bring dogs into classrooms?
Because for many children here, dogs are a source of fear, not friendship. In some of the schools we visit, over 80% of students have been bitten by a dog. It’s a staggering figure that highlights the urgent need for education and safe, positive experiences with animals.
That’s why our school visits are such a vital part of what we do. Dogs like Jamook and Bucket aren’t just there to be adored—they’re there to teach. Jamook’s calm, steady presence helps children build trust and learn how to interact with dogs safely. Bucket made his school debut this month and quickly won hearts, turning nervous faces into smiles and curiosity.
Together, they’re helping children read dog body language, prevent bites, and develop empathy and respect. These are small but powerful steps—ones that not only reduce fear but also lay the foundation for safer, kinder communities.
During one visit, students also took part in mock rescue missions using toy animals—learning about vaccines, operations, wound care, and basic treatment. It was hands-on, fun, and planted seeds of curiosity and compassion that we hope will grow for years to come.
The future for stray animals in Thailand won’t be shaped only in clinics or shelters—it will be shaped in classrooms, where the next generation is learning to see animals differently: with care, kindness, and responsibility.
At the heart of it all, education remains the most powerful tool we have to change the future for stray animals in Thailand.
Last month, we hinted at exciting news—and we’re thrilled to finally share it. Happy Doggo, an incredible organization working to improve the lives of dogs across Thailand, saw the impact of our work and chose to stand beside us. Their generous sponsorship of a brand-new veterinary team means we can now expand our reach and help even more animals in need.
Thanks to their support, we’re now part of a growing network of organizations committed to reducing suffering across the country. These partnerships remind us that we’re not in this alone—and that when we come together, real change doesn’t just feel possible—it’s already happening.
Our momentum is also visible—brick by brick—at our new hospital site. The walls are going up, and the progress has been incredible to witness.
As much as we love our current temple home, it’s no longer fit for the scale of the work we’re doing. (Did you know it used to be an old police box?) We’ve done everything we can with the space we have—but it’s time to grow.
This new facility is our future. It will give us the space to treat more animals with greater efficiency and comfort, to expand our veterinary services, and to grow the education program that’s already making such a difference. Every wall that rises is a promise—to the animals, to the community, and to the future we’re building together.
Like we said at the start, this month was emotional—at times difficult. But as we step back and reflect, we can truly see the significance of what’s unfolding. From the individual animals whose lives have been forever changed, to the growing reach of our programs and the walls rising on our new home—the impact is real, and it’s only getting stronger.
Thank you for being on this journey with us. For standing by our side through the highs and lows, and for believing in this mission.
Together, we’re not just helping animals—we’re shaping a kinder, more compassionate future for Thailand.
