Dogs in Hua Hin

[DawnHRD]

Sorry it's taken so long for us to join in this discussion. I must admit, I really didn't think dogs would be the sort of thing discussed on Hua Hin after dark - I apologise for being so narrow minded!

I'm one of the managers of the dog rescue center here in HH. I've read the previous comments , and, although I don't agree with a few of them(!), I'm really pleased to see so much interest in the state of the dogs here, as one of the main problems we come across is extreme apathy.
I can't remember who wrote what, so excuse me for not going with names.
Yes, we are desperately understaffed & underfunded, but we try to do what we can
Killing the dogs is not the answer - poisoning used to be (& often still is) the local answer to problem dogs. It only "solves" the problem temporarily. Killing or removing the dogs gives you a temporary respite, but new dogs move in to claim the territory. The only answer is neutering - males & females. A neuter & release programme is what's needed here & all over Thailand, & indeed, Asia. Within a couple of generations the problem has vastly decreased. And all dog owners should also be responsible & neuter their dogs (yes, my 4 are neutered!) Not only does it reduce population, it reduces hormonal cancers, aggressiveness, venereal disease, wanderlust ....
Other rescue centers concentrate mainly on neutering, but, although we do neuter center dogs, we concentrate on sick & injured dogs, so have only been able to neuter small scale before, but at the end of October we will be neutering 60 dogs with the aid of a team of Danish vets, if you know of a (approachable) dog in your area that you'd like neutered, please contact us.
Oh, the blindness may be caused by toxicaris but it may also be caused by glaucoma, venereal disease, cataracts (unlikely, unless they're all old), tumours or many other problems. Your neighbour is definitely remiss if she's denying the dogs veterinary attention. If she can't afford it, maybe you can suggest she contacts us?
And, yes, most of our dogs are available for adoption. We have nearly 90 now, so, if you'd like a loyal, loving, wonderful companion, please contact us. We virtually never have purebred dogs, but we do have the most intelligent, gorgeous Thai dogs who have all been through hardships & illness & need good homes. We can guarantee their health, they're free, vaccinated & (unless pups) neutered. A much better deal than you can get in the market!

[Lev]

Sorry it's taken so long for us to join in this discussion. I must admit, I really didn't think dogs would be the sort of thing discussed on Hua Hin after dark - I apologise for being so narrow minded!

Welcome aboard Dawn, everything and anything gets discussed here! We look forward to your contributions, keep up the good work.

[Wanderlust]

And all dog owners should also be responsible & neuter their dogs (yes, my 4 are neutered!) Not only does it reduce population, it reduces hormonal cancers, aggressiveness, venereal disease, wanderlust ....

I don't think I like the sound of that!

[DawnHRD]

Bad choice of words there - sorry! Guess you're not up for the "treatment" then?

[Wanderlust]

Well some might say I have been a bit of a dog in the past but....no thanks!

[dr dave soul monsta]

Hey Dawn how about puting some directions and contact numbers for HHdrc (Hua Hin dog rescue center) on this thread

and dont take some of my earlier comments to heart !!!!!!!!
the neighbour could defenatly afford treatment for her creatures ,i think it a case of its still alive its ok

[malcolminthemiddle]

Hi Dawn, if I’m honest, like many others I used to think the rescue centre actually perpetuated the problem.

After reading your post I can see that isn’t the case.

Next time in town, I’d like to make a cash contribution to the centre.

The way I see it, if enough money can be raised, the HH Dog Rescue Centre offers the possibility of a real long term solution to the problem.

How about a campaign under the heading:

“Reduce the number of homeless dogs in HH - make a contribution to the HH Dog Rescue Centre.â€

[JD]

The Hua Hin Dog Rescue Centre do a great job in this town. Even with the recent troubles they have had, and the relocation of the centre, they are still committed to doing the best they can for sick and injured dogs.

Anyone wanting to make a contribution to them can do so at their shop in The Shopping Mall or at any of the boxes they have around the town.

We at the Ham and Bacon Co have been supporting this great cause for a number of years now with donations and food for the dogs, (bones and scraps). I know a number of other business' do the same, as was witnessed at the recent auction of donated items they had. Seems there are many dog lovers out there after all.

Any one wanting to post a pledge donation please do so, if you want to make good on the pledge you can drop it into their box at our shop and receive a free pie for your trouble, (no purchase necessary).

Well done Dawn and the Team, keep up the good work, and best wishes for your new rescue centre.

[lomuamart]

What gets to me about bad dog owners is that they just don't consider the dog.
Easy to say but true.
I'd love to have one here. I've got the time etc etc to take of it, but if it dosn't get enough exercise it goes crazy.
Grew up with father and son golden labradors in the UK. Nothing like taking them for a LONG walk in the hills in Scotland. I'll never forget those days.
I'd take one off you Dawn, but I just don't think it would have the freedom necessary for its well being.
One day, if I get a bigger place than this igloo?

[DawnHRD]

Thanks a lot for the compliments & good wishes - I'm blushing!!

Just out of interest, Malcolm, in what way did you think we perpetuated the problem? This is really useful for me, as we rarely get any real feedback; it's either "Aren't you wonderful?" or "Why are you wasting your time, they should all be shot" It's really useful to hear some constructive comments & feedback & know how we're perceived. Don't worry, I've got a really thick skin!

I didn't take anyone's comments to heart, don't worry. As I said, it's really useful for me to be able to eavesdrop on & participate in a discussion like this. I don't get out much!!

Thanks to Hua Hin Ham & Bacon for all their support - the dogs love it when it's "bones day". They smell the bones as I come through the gate & start crying for them.

Seriously, if anyone has any constructive comments, criticism or suggestions, please let me know. This is really intertesting.

Lomuamart - ever considered fostering a dog (having it for a couple of weeks or so)? It's a new scheme we're thinking of trying to get the dogs socialised & more adoptable. Anybody think it's a good idea?

[lomuamart]

Dawn,
Your idea of adoption could be a good one, but not for me at the moment. I simply don't think I have the space.
One thing I would say about adoption is that surely the dogs have already had a pretty hard time of it all. To move them into another environment for a temporary stay may not be kind to the dog when the foster family give it up later. More trauma etc etc.
Just a suggestion. I'm sure you'll know better than me.

[Dangerous]

Hi Dawn,

There’s a dog rescue place not far from us who run a similar program to what you’re suggesting. Each dog selected for the program will have from 3 to 5 adoption homes who take it in turn to look after the dog. The dogs get accustomed to each of the families very quickly and the rescue home provides guidelines as to what food and how much each dog should be given, guidelines are also given to how much exercise the dogs should have. This information means that the dogs get a regular diet and equal exercise regardless of what home they are staying at.

Best of luck.

[caller]

Hi Dawn

As Dr. Dave says, can we have some directions please - intended to visit you last month when I was in HH but never made it. No-one seemed to know where you were being a small part of the problem, although we could have tried harder.

[Guess]

Hi Dawn

No-one seemed to know where you were being a small part of the problem, although we could have tried harder.

Dawn, I agree is doing a great job with the best of intentions. The truth is though that feral dogs are a danger in SE Asia and many other parts of the world. It is refreshing to see the lack of them in certain areas in the South where Reticulated Pythons can roam (or is it slither) freely.

Caller obviously has the crux of the matter articulately presented.

As for the innuendo regarding wanderlust:I just do not believe it.

[malcolminthemiddle]

Thanks a lot for the compliments & good wishes - I'm blushing!!

Just out of interest, Malcolm, in what way did you think we perpetuated the problem? This is really useful for me, as we rarely get any real feedback; it's either "Aren't you wonderful?" or "Why are you wasting your time, they should all be shot" It's really useful to hear some constructive comments & feedback & know how we're perceived. Don't worry, I've got a really thick skin!

I didn't take anyone's comments to heart, don't worry. As I said, it's really useful for me to be able to eavesdrop on & participate in a discussion like this. I don't get out much!!

Thanks to Hua Hin Ham & Bacon for all their support - the dogs love it when it's "bones day". They smell the bones as I come through the gate & start crying for them.

Seriously, if anyone has any constructive comments, criticism or suggestions, please let me know. This is really intertesting.

Lomuamart - ever considered fostering a dog (having it for a couple of weeks or so)? It's a new scheme we're thinking of trying to get the dogs socialised & more adoptable. Anybody think it's a good idea?

Hi again Dawn,

I had always thought that the best solution to an animal epidemic was culling you know kangaroos in Australia, pigeons in Trafalgar Square type of thing, whereas a sanctuary appears counter productive to that common thought.

I believe if the centre focused more on advertising their neutering program with an emphasis on reducing the number of homeless dogs on HH streets, rather than emphasizing their dogitarian efforts, you would get a lot more support from converts such as me.

HH is becoming the preferred retirement location of many expats who could easily afford and be willing to make a small cash contribution if they knew the money was being used effectively.