Dog Lovers Only Please...

[transat99]

Yes -- I fully realize that Thailand has hundreds of thousands of stray dogs and cats ... and that many of them could use medical treatment.  And for those of you who don't care (or are just too desensitized to care) about animals in distress, I fully understand that animal welfare just isn't your "thing" ... so there is no need for you to express your opinions or offer snide remarks.

 

Returning from Chinatown, I had just passed Wat Traimit on my way back to the Hua Lamphong MRT station when I saw a stray dog.  He looked miserable.  The dog had lost most of his fur and likely had mange.  He walked with a slight limp ... and appeared to have several tumors.  One large tumor dangled from his tail area.  Absolutely the worst-looking dog I've ever seen and a very depressing sight for me.

 

Since the dog was looking for food, I went into the adjacent 7-11 and bought a large can of tuna steak in spring water which I emptied onto the pavement.  He ran over and ate it up immediately.  I also emptied a bottle of fresh water into an empty food dish I found lying nearby.  If it had been previously filled with water for the dog, it had been quite a while (bone dry and filled with assorted dust and insects before I cleaned it).  Since the 7-11 didn't carry dog food, I probably should have also purchased some precooked white rice (probably gentler on his stomach).

 

After eating, the dog walked over and looked up at me ... probably wanting more food?  Of course, I read it as the dog looking up to me for help.

 

I didn't even attempt to touch him (my mother taught me at a young age NOT to touch stray dogs).  And, although he seemed very thankful/friendly, I didn't want to take a chance of being bitten.  Besides, I'm not sure he would even enjoy being touched given his physical condition.  I suppose that he finally realized I wasn’t going to be any great savior and walked away.  I felt like a louse.

 

I'm guessing that some "nice" family probably got him when he was a cute little puppy ... and now he has ended up like this.  That "nice" family didn't do him any favors.  I just hope they never get another pet.

 

I contacted the Bangkok office of the SoiDog Foundation and was surprised that it was their vet and director, Dr. Tuntikorn Rungpatana, who answered the phone and gave me instructions.  By the sound of the barking over the phone, I’m sure he had lots of other things to do.  They must REALLY need volunteers.  Perhaps some people living here full-time in Bangkok could volunteer to help them out???  Try visiting them at SoiDog.org.

 

Dr. Tuntikorn informed me that SoiDogs was currently not able to “adopt” the dog (likely overwhelmed) … and gave me the name/number of a freelance dog catcher who could help me transport the dog to either the Small Animal Teaching Hospital of Chulalongkorn University -or- the SLV Pet Hospital.  Apparently there are weekly treatments needed to cure mange … unknown about the tumors.

 

And I would be responsible for all transporting and treatments costs (no idea what that would be) … US$100 … US$500 … US$1000+???

 

 

The odd part (at least for an American in Thailand) is that I’m supposed to drop the dog back off at the soi where I found him after each weekly vet visit.  Just leave him there in the street!  And I guess I should also make sure that he has actual dog food and water each day.  I’m living up in Ladprao so that will be a hefty daily commute to/from Hua Lamphong.

 

 

I would like to add that Dr. Tuntikorn also stated that if I can’t afford treatment (not sure if I can), I can bring him to the SoiDog Clinic for an estimate of his condition and a basic health check.  They will then plan a treatment for him.  But the weekly vet commute between Chinatown and Ladprao would be REALLY long … though I could probably just pay for the freelance dog catcher each time and make a donation to the DogSoi Foundation???

 

 

Any way you look at it, it is going to be pretty DIFFICULT!  There HAS to be an easier way!  Anyone here have any ideas?  Anyone know of a shelter where they might have space to house the dog while he gets treatment?  It isn’t really an option to just turn my back and walk away from the “problem” but this may be more than I can handle.

 

 

Funny thing is that I was initially in Chinatown taking photos for a non-commercial website I’m creating about Bangkok … where I was already planning to promote the SoiDog Foundation (and other domestic animal/elephant rescue operations in Thailand).  So now I’m getting a little MORE involved than I originally anticipated.

 

 

Any constructive suggestions would be greatly appreciated…

Edited February 23, 2017 by transat99

[dick dasterdly]

It sounds as if Bangkok Soi Dogs are less helpful than Phuket Soi Dogs who are also overwhelmed, but will still turn up for a dog that is in serious trouble.

 

The first time I came across an obviously v sick (turned out to be pneumonia) and starving dog, I 'phoned Soi Dogs who suggested I take her to the surgery of the vet they use - and the dog could then be transferred to the Soi Dog facility if necessary.  Long story, short - I took the dog to the vet, explained that Soi Dogs would take over, and left 1,000 bht as a donation towards the vet and Soi Dogs costs.  A few days later the vet 'phoned me to say the dog was a lot better and well enough to be taken home!  An obvious misunderstanding, but the dog was so sweet when I first came across her that I decided to adopt her .

 

The next time something similar happened (obviously v sick dog),  Soi Dogs came out and after talking to the owner (...) they took the dog away for treatment.  Unfortunately the dog was too sick, and only survived a day or two.

 

Recently, a 'neighbour' found an abandoned dog that wouldn't move from his/her 'shed' and so I 'phoned Soi Dogs for help after going to see and realising the dog was blind - which was why he wouldn't move away from his 'home'....  Overwhelmed as they are, Phuket Soi Dogs still came out the next day and took the poor dog to their shelter.

 

I realise none of this helps you, but am suprised that Bangkok Soi Dogs are so unwilling to help in any way with such an obviously sick dog that clearly needs help .

 

Edit - Typing this post has made me wonder whether your best course of action might be to see if you can find the dog again (he's unlikely to have moved far in view of his condition)/take him to the Soi Dog clinic (or pay for a 'freelancer catcher' to do so) and pay for him to remain at the clinic until cured?  Obviously this is only possible if you can afford to do so, but the Soi Dog clinic is likely to be v cheap?  If he has such obvious tumours, sad to say he's unlikely to survive long - in which case it may be possible to adopt him for his final days/weeks?

Edited February 25, 2017 by dick dasterdly

[overherebc]

To the OP it's a hard one mate. At least once a week we go to the local beach and there is one little dog we buy beef or chicken fried rice for. This week I will get worm and heart worm tablets for her.

We can't do any more than that as we already have two dogs. We would love to take her home but it's just not possible. I know how you feel believe me.

 

[MikaQ5]

The veterinarian costs in thailand Wont be what you. Referred too 500/1000 etc

For example I was at the Kasesart veterinarian hospital small animal hospital last week ( a very efficient Hospital ) and total cost of my visit ( Including for the dog chest and spine Xrays !!! )
Was 660 baht

My suggestion would be ( if you are short on time ) - take the. Dog there for the first ( or to another teaching hospital .they are all reasonable with fees as they cater to the local population ) With a Thai person you know /trust --and. Pay your Thai friend for any subsequent visits the dog might need

100 USD Will go a long way. To helping that poor dog
It's a good endeavor -





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