Best Job I Ever Had

On Saturday I realised I was excited for Monday. I'm not a planner but I tend to have 10384 life goals and finally feel I am on the right track to achieving some of them. From feeling like I don't make much of an impact in any job, I now feel that I'm being taught more everyday while making a positive difference. Voluntary work definitely holds more value than being paid money. The appreciation from the dogs is better than any pay packet ive received from a whole number of different jobs.

Again its only Tuesday and so much has happened. I have noticed different sides to a few of the dogs in A1 this week, proving that patience is key while working alongside them. I still find it quite hard to totally be at ease within the run, all hell can break loose in a matter of seconds and I am wary about getting involved in attempting to break up fights. A big one happened today which shook me up, a new addition was introduced into the run and our dogs did not take well to him. It terrified me to watch a dog get attacked and I hate feeling useless. Im working on my confidence so that I can start intervening and gain the control and power to stop this happening so often. The little newbie was swiftly removed and extremely scared, but seems safe enough in a different run next door. The pack system is very important and the addition/removal of certain dogs can completely change the arrangement. However, on walks individually with each dog, I feel completely confident in my ability to control them. It is obviously not all fighting and competitiveness. Ive noticed the smallest positive changes in some of the dogs which make my day. I love seeing the shy dogs coming out of their shell and approaching me more often. We haven't used treats or toys to coax these animals so this goes to show that putting the hours in builds the greatest genuine trust. 

Its nice to feel important 

They learn, I learn. One of our main goals as volunteers is teaching the dogs how to walk properly on a lead. Fine when you are teaching a puppy, but teaching a former street dog with a background of human abuse? Different story! Despite some dogs almost choking themselves out from pulling so much, distraction from the different surroundings, leaping at ducks/other dogs or simply being too afraid, I am happy at how well my dogs walk. This is a big step towards adoptive life in a loving home where all the attention can be on them. We can now walk all dogs minus 1 in our run, which is a massive deal and something to be proud of. (the bullied ones now get out when the dominant dogs have been separated - to prevent jealous fights like what happened to Ferrari in my previous post).

The walking track around a pond within the shelter 

Even though they are not perfect, each and every dog manages to melt my heart at least once a day. They crave attention, love and care. On their own, you can see the sides of them that would make a perfectly loyal pet. Soi Dog, although brilliant, do not want their dogs to stay in the shelter until they die. They all deserve a home and adoptions are a celebration. Its going to be hard leaving here without a couple. By looking into adopting, you are actively changing a dogs life around. Some of the dogs here have been through so many traumatic experiences and a little affection goes a long way.

Standing up for what is right & providing desperately sought after love  

The new addition making its way into the run. Scary to experience.

Put in the hours and see results - this dogs first walk

I am certain by the end of this week I will have more stories to share. I am also gathering some more facts about the barbaric dog meat trade and hope to blog about a few of Soi Dogs residents who have been saved from their unthinkable fate. Again, I plea for anyone to donate a little spare change towards this cause. It really is unbelievable how far money can be stretched. If not, then please share! Spreading awareness can only lead to great things. Thank you!  

http://www.gofundme.com/jessiessoidogs