Everyday Is a School Day

First week is over at the Soi Dog Foundation shelter. It has gone so quickly and been extremely eventful. I learn something new every day about the role I have taken on but also learn more about myself and how I plan to spend the next couple of years - I am surrounded with people who seem to consider home being where they rest their head. They are constantly on the move, exploring different places and passionate about causes similar to my own.

I have gathered a better understanding of the dogs in A1 as the week has gone on. The trouble starters, the rascals, the shy ones.. their personalities are all different and I have found I can relax more easily knowing them a little better (for fights it is easier identifying which dogs this more commonly occurs between and the warning signs in order to control).

We started walking the dogs on Wednesday, two out of the run at a time around the shelter, in contact with other dogs from other runs. For the best chance of adoption, learning to walk on a lead is a huge advantage and this also allows us to spend some quality time with the dog, especially the shyer ones who get picked on if we show them too much attention in the run. On Thursday we were shown another example of jealousy proving a problem between the dogs as they all crave our affection. (My favourite) Ferrari (see left) unfortunately finds herself the main victim of bullying. Me and Christie decided we wanted to give her some attention without the others snapping, so we took her out for a walk. We followed the guideline, walked the top dogs first. But, as soon as we arrived back in the run she was quite viciously attacked in front of us, Christie tried to intervene and pick her up out of harms way but the others still jumped up biting her legs and pulling her down. It is hard watching them like this, especially now when we know that Ferrari will go for a walk (a few still refuse) and is such a darling away from the others. It will be worked on.



On Thursday afternoon we experienced a huge thunderstorm. Without enough time to run inside, we stayed in our run in one of the little shelters. As it was so loud and jumpy, the dogs were frightened and the storm turned into a perfect way to bond. We were able to sit with them and comfort them, even the shy ones came out of hiding. The moments of calm, even throughout a storm are what I have learnt to appreciate. Building trust is a massive factor and this has helped us to gain some control within the run, The dogs have started seeing us as a safety barrier (a bit scary in a fight but very cute while out walking).

Bonding with us during the storm

The storm bringing them all together

Baby Sunset - (seeking a forever home) - on edge during the storm

           
Learning more every day through trial and error, seeing results such as the shy dogs approaching me and spending quality time with the dogs which they wouldn't receive without volunteers gives me a huge sense of achievement. This trip is proving itself to be the best job I could have asked for and I come away each day feeling exhausted but extremely proud of myself and the animals . Donations and volunteering truly go a long way over here, As previously mentioned, the new hospital being built on site will allow Soi Dog to treat over double the amount they can at the moment and new facilities will also improve the after care and recovery. We are shown examples of the work the vets deal with every day. Today, a dog came in who was run over by a motorbike and left untreated for a few days resulting in an infection down to the bone. Yesterday, the vets were carrying in a dog in pain hooked up to a drip. It is heartbreaking seeing all this but you just have to remind yourself that the insane suffering stops here. Please donate to http://www.gofundme.com/jessiessoidogs every penny counts and the hospital is built on generous donations.

The amazing hospital - your donations could help

On a last note, something that made my day (and hopefully yours too), Ferrari has been adopted and will be leaving as soon as she is able to :)