HHDRC to permanently close

[DawnHRD]

This post is more for information than to start a discussion.

HHDRC will be permanently closing next week. The healthy adult dogs will be released where they came from (neutered & vaccinated). The sick pups that the Tessadban dumped on us will be returned to them. Verity will take 3 dogs to her home down South and I will keep 15 or so (blind, behavioural problems, paraplegic etc) who cannot be released, as my personal pets & fund them myself.

The reason is mainly financial, but also due to no physical help, although we have had a wonderful volunteer from way back return to HH from UK and he's been a godsend in the past month or so. It is also due to stress on me personally, due to bullying and personal attacks from various corners (none from HHAD, I mean in a more professional capacity). Strangely, we have the wholehearted support of the BKK branch of WSPA and other dog orgs in Thailand, but that doesn't seem to stop the pettier members of HH society.

My personal plans are to stay in HH until the beginning of next year & then relocate with my littl'un & the dogs I'm keeping.

I would appreciate it if nasty comments could be restrained. I already know I've failed massively & feel probably the lowest I ever have in my life. No comment could make me feel any worse.

Once the dogs are gone, I will be changing my phone number & it will only be given to friends & family, rather than publicly available, like it is now. I will not be able to help any dog in any way from now on, so please don't ask me to.

If anyone did want a dog, now would definitely be the time to get one from us & I'd be eternally grateful to anyone that could give one of the dogs a home.

Thank you for the support I've/we've received in the past from the majority of members. I really do appreciate it.

[DawnHRD]

Sorry, forgot to mention that DogChance's neutering clinic will remain open & operational & I will continue to help with that until I move.

[miked]

(I would appreciate it if nasty comments could be restrained. I already know I've failed massively & feel probably the lowest I ever have in my life. No comment could make me feel any worse).

Failed ???? NO. fantastic job against all the odds. YES
best wishes for the future
mike

[Jaime]

I already know I've failed massively & feel probably the lowest I ever have in my life. No comment could make me feel any worse.

Believe me Dawn, you have not failed anyone.

You have done something that few others have because you have actually made a difference under extremely difficult personal and professional circumstances in a foreign country with a different set of values. Even though it has come to an end you should be justifiably proud of what you have already accomplished.

Think of all the good you've done, don't underestimate your achievements and don't dwell on what you may currently regard as failures. In time you will see that you did everything you could - and that is all anyone can do.

You are making a great success of raising your little boy, who loves you dearly.

That in itself is enough of a success story for anyone. It's also an ongoing project of course, so stay strong for the little one and keep on doing the best job in the world - being his mum!

Things will get better and Mrs Jaime and I wish you and junior all the best for the future, wherever that may lead you both.

Chok Dee khrap!!

[JW]

Dawn,

Youve took on an impossible task and to keep going as long as you have is a testament to your passion for what your doing and your personal strength. It matters nothing what others think who dont like dogs - you did what you believed in and that is all that matters. Take my hat off to you for your efforts. Christmas dinner is on me for you and Farook if you want to come. Its worth it just to have the wee fella around!!!
Keep your head held high, its been a sad week already don't let it be that way for you.

[Don East Stand]

Hi Dawn,

So sorry to read about the impending closure of the HHDRC and although I have never met you I believe you were doing a great job there.

One of the few downsides to Hua Hin IMHO is the amount of stray dogs that go about the place and I can't see that situation improving once the HHDRC closes.

If the main reasons for closure are financial and lack of volunteers then that is very sad but pretty much unavoidable. I would not like to think that you are being driven out due to stress induced by bullying and personal attacks.

Whatever you decide to do in future I would like to wish you all the best.

[JD]

I would appreciate it if nasty comments could be restrained. I already know I've failed massively & feel probably the lowest I ever have in my life. No comment could make me feel any worse.

Far, far from anywhere near the actual turn of events as I have seen it for many a year Dawn.

Through all adversity, through every possible calamity that life, the Tessabahn, the unsupportive ex-pat community and all other life’s problems could throw at you. You have continued to put the welfare of the dogs at the forefront of your working life. Such dedication is to be applauded, and makes me privileged to count someone such as yourself among my friends.

Such hard work deserves the highest reference should you ever apply for work, unfortunately, there is no one to give such a letter of recommendation within the field of caring you chose. Should it ever be needed, I would be happy to give a personal reference of your all to important, and unrelenting hard work to fulfil the needs of them that couldn’t ask for help, they were just lucky enough to be on the end of your compassionate heart.

I’m sure that them that know you and your work are overwhelmed at the strength and dedication to the cause you have shown Dawn.

Even with all the current legislation and dog awareness campaigns being bandied about by the powers that be, I’m sure their awareness of you and what one lady can achieve has made them think about their obligations, something they might not have done without you around.


Don't forget all them that don't speak but who you have helped, I'm sure you understand the thanks they feel.

[Big Boy]

Hi Dawn,

Very sorry to hear the news. John & I really enjoyed our few hours with the dogs during our last visit, and if nothing else you have certainly improved the quality of life for those dogs in your care for as long as you possibly could have. While we were there, we closely examined the condition of your dogs against that of the Tassabahn dogs. Those that you cared for were in the same condition as you'd expect from an English dog. The Tassabahn dogs were purely Thai dogs.

If it is bullying and personal attacks from various corners that has significantly contributed to your decision, then don't see it as failure - you are a victim of your own success. Bullying and personal attacks would almost certainly have emanated from jealousy over how well you were doing what you do best.

I would like to think that we will still see you when we visit next year, but if you have already moved on, can I take this opportunity to wish both you and Farook the very best in your future lives.

[gaijin]

Dawn,

You know the saying “It is better to have tried and failed, than to never try at allâ€

[DawnHRD]

Thank you everyone. I'm crying again. What with one thing & another, I seem to have been crying most of the week. Not as tough as I make out, am I? I appreciate all of your kindness more than you can know. And, yes, JW, we'd love to spend Christmas with you again.

Thanks again, all. It doesn't make me feel any better about what I have to do, but I know I have friends & that's a nice feeling.

[john bell]

dawn, good luck in ure future endevours,ive never had the pleasure to meet u but u do seem to be a remarkable and caring person and while i have no idea of the things that were causing u the stress i do believe that the good that people such as yourself were doing exists long after we are gone. i happen to be a dog lover and while ive been in hua hin a few times and not visited your centre if i can assist you in any way even if only financial please let me know.if this offer is to late to assist u my wife &i plan to spend a month there next year at the hilton &would love to have dinner with u & spend some time with one of the good people in the world who actually make a difference

[migrant]

Hi Dawn,

I'm among those that never met you, only through your posts (my loss).

As has been said above, but never enough, you didn't fail. To fail their has to be a chance for success, and from all I've seen, and read, the odds were too stacked against you. It's amazing what you did with what little you had!!

I hope even with your move you stay active on the board, your posts are always enjoyable.

Good luck and be proud of what you did manage to do.

[pfotoguy369]

Dawn, the only failure would have been not to try.

Thanks for trying

[Randy Cornhole]

Dawn, the only failure would have been not to try.

Very well said pfotoguy my sentiments exactly.

[K2OWN]

Oh Dawn
I am so sad to read what has happened. Like many others I have never
met you but admire you from afar for all that you have achieved. Please don't be too down on youself as you did a marvelous job and no one can take that away from you.
Enjoy all the time that you will now have with the Wee Fella and Good Luck to you both with whatever you decide to do... xx.