Article: Tireless rescuers

Stories by JOLEEN LUNJEW

There is hope for abandoned and abused animals here, after all.

We’ve all been guilty of it at some point in our lives. We’ve turned a blind eye to an abused pet at a neighbour’s house, ignored a hurt animal on the highway or turned away from a stray because it looks dirty and diseased.

Fortunately, there are people who care enough to do something to help when confronted with an animal in distress.

Andy Koh is a friend of animals

Here are three groups of people who are actively fighting for better animal care both on- and off-line.

Independent Pet

Rescuers (IPR)

www.rescue2rehome.blogspot.com

As the gates of the house in Petaling Jaya opened, I was greeted by a beautiful black mongrel with long, shiny fur. She barked to announce my arrival and came up wagging her tail.

“That’s Gabby,” said Sherrina Krishnan, creative director of a production house.

“You wouldn’t have recognised her when we rescued her from the Puchong pound a year ago. Her fur was all matted up and she was very sick from a viral infection. We nursed her back to health at my sister’s place, and she is very much part of the family now.”

Above: Sherrina Krishnan, founder of Independant Pet Rescuers (IPR) with rescued dog Gabby and niece Elena (left) and nephew Ethan Navaratnam. — ART CHEN/The Star

Sherrina, 38, is the founder of an unofficial group that calls themselves Independent Pet Rescuers (IPR). These are individuals who rescue animals independently and band together when necessary to exchange information or seek help.

“The idea started three years ago when I discovered some abandoned puppies caught in the rain. Whenever I sent out an e-mail, I attached pictures of these puppies with it. I found out that people, my clients included, were very receptive, helping me circulate my e-mails to their contacts.

“All four puppies found a home within two weeks. It was then that I decided to start a blog to find volunteers who could help rescue and foster homeless animals, either temporarily or permanently,” said Sherrina.

Volunteers can send pictures and details of the animals they have rescued, and Sherrina will post them on her blog. Interested foster families may contact the relevant parties directly.

“My policy is very simple. I neuter, deworm and vaccinate all my rescued animals before putting them up for adoption. Sincere adopters can donate whatever amount they want for the costs I’ve incurred.

“We received a large donation from Nanyang Foundation for RM15,000 which has been given to our vet for neutering, deworming and vaccinating purposes. We are very transparent. The public can check our vet’s accounts,” said Sherrina.

Besides rescuing animals themselves, IPR helps people who are unsure of what to do when they come across an abandoned animal.

“A Malay lady in Puchong saw abandoned puppies opposite her home a while back. It was raining heavily and the puppies were in danger of drowning.

“Fatimah called us because she didn’t know what to do, and we immediately sent the nearest volunteer to her place. Although one puppy needed immediate surgery, all are fine and in their new homes now,” beamed Sherrina.

IPR organises adoption drives for both dogs and cats at Plaza Damas (2nd Floor, same row as Starbucks) every Saturday from 1pm.

Related stories:
On-line do-gooders
Champion of the oppressed
Looking for homes

This article was taken from: The Star Online: Lifestyle: Focus 11 April 2009