Soar - Journey to HOPE Animal Sanctuary: Embracing Stray Dogs and Cats with Acts of Kindness
Hello, everyone! We are delighted to share our experience participating in the Bathing Day event at HOPE Animal Sanctuary on November 12, 2023. This special occasion allowed us to gain deeper insights into the sanctuary located in Pekan Nanas, Johor, Malaysia, and to understand the mission and needs of HOPE. HOPE, short for Hope Animal Sanctuary, is a non-profit organization established in December 2009 and officially registered with the Malaysian Registrar of Societies. Their mission revolves around sheltering and caring for stray dogs and cats, providing them with a loving home. Currently, HOPE accommodates approximately 3000 dogs and 200 cats, making it one of the largest shelters in Malaysia.
Auntie Jiajia
The founder, Auntie Jiajia, is the driving force behind this organization. Over the past 15 years, she has dedicated herself to the cause. Her compassion for animals stems from a deep empathy for stray dogs and cats. She shared with us that some animals were abandoned by their owners, while others were rescued from dangerous situations by dog-catching teams. The sanctuary faces substantial monthly expenses, totaling up to Rm 200K, covering the costs of food, medication, facility maintenance, and staff salaries. Some elderly or sick animals even require blood transfusions, further increasing the medical expenses. Despite Auntie Jiajia's persistent efforts over the 15-year period, the challenges are undeniable. Some animals, due to age or tumors, require additional care. Facility damages and medical debts forced Auntie Jiajia to make difficult decisions, such as temporarily halting the intake of new stray animals to prevent worsening the financial situation. Currently, the sanctuary's debt is approaching nearly RM 300,000.
In response to this situation, our Soar team decided to extend a helping hand. We provided approximately 70kg of animal food to alleviate some of the economic burdens faced by HOPE. Additionally, we actively participated in the volunteer activities during Bathing Day, offering care and warm bathing experiences to the dogs and cats at the sanctuary.
This experience has profoundly highlighted the importance of organizations like HOPE and the significant challenges they encounter. We urge more people to pay attention to and support these selfless volunteers, allowing love to spread and creating a brighter future for stray animals. If you also wish to contribute to HOPE Animal Sanctuary, you can find more information on their official website or social media channels. May our acts of kindness bring warmth to this loving family and provide hope for the stray animals.
