Wanderlust: Expat Life & Style in Thailand December 2014 / January 2015 | Page 44

Life & Travel SOI DOG Soi Dog’s mission is to improve the welfare of dogs and cats in Thailand, resulting in better lives for both the animal and human communities. They seek to end animal cruelty and ultimately to create a society without homeless animals. This foundation helps homeless, neglected, and abused dogs and cats of Thailand. Soi Dog volunteers work to end the dog meat trade throughout the region, and they respond to animal welfare disasters and emergencies. They want to set an example for the Asian region on how to reduce humanely the number of unwanted dogs and cats through spaying and neutering and how to better the lives of stray dogs and feral cats. There are many stories of the great work of Soi Dog, such as the story of Tai Chi. Tai Chi was found lying in the gutter, severely malnourished and unable to even stand on his own. After getting him back on his paws, Soi Dog found him a loving home. Soi Dog provides safe accommodation for 400 dogs and 30 cats. The dogs live in large outdoor cages where they play and enjoy their lives. They are divided into groups. There is a designated area for the puppies that are ‘supervised’ by the older dogs that teach them how to behave. 44 WANDERLUST part of Thailand. He has been at the shelter for nearly a year and is looking for a great place to live. A little bit further down, the older dogs live together minding their own business. Soi Dog receives no government funding and they rely mainly on volunteers who come to help with the animals on a daily basis. Soi Dog is open to the public from Monday to Friday, 9:00 am12:00 pm and 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm. There are free shelter tours given at 9:30 am, 11:00 am, and 1:30 pm to anyone who’s interested. There are many ways to help Soi Dog, but if you’re able to give one of the dogs or cats a safe and happy home that would be the best option. Soi Dog sends animlas to adopters all around the world. At this moment there are several dogs waiting for a new home, such as Snowflake. This 7-year-old male was left begind when his family moved to another THERE ARE SEVERAL WAYS YOU CAN HELP THIS FOUNDATION. SOI DOG RELIES ENTIRELY ON DONATIO