Since our end-of-year exams ended, we started searching for an animal shelter that would let us volunteer despite being only 14 years old. After failures at several shelters, we found Zeus Communications. We contacted Lynda and soon, we were at the kennel.
On that first day, Hilda brought us into the kennel. She introduced us to Ida, the dogs's favourite caregiver and Jinxuan, a youth volunteer who is a year older than us. We were welcomed with open arms and enthusiastic barks by Ryan, the Golden Retriever. We were quite amazed at the number of dogs that are actually living here and roaming around. They, too, greeted us with wagging tails.
Clara posing with Daisy.
Then, Ida taught us how to bathe the dogs. Thereafter, with the help of the other volunteers, we spent the whole afternoon bathing the dogs at Zeus Playhouse, including the dogs at Uncle Khoe's side. After so, we felt satisfied to see all the dogs looking so clean. Despite feeling tired and aching, it was truly a great first day at the Zeus Playhouse.
Upon leaving, we already started missing the dogs. It was amazing at the kennel, with everyone so light-hearted and carefree. We returned to the playhouse several times a week for the rest of the holiday.
One of the most significant residents at the Zeus Playhouse was Ryan, the Golden Retriever, who never failed to make us feel loved by constantly coming to us to request for a pat. His love for water amused us as he would happily drink from the hose and purposely tried to get all wet! Ryan also has an amazing appetite as well as the ability to eat a humungous amount of food, which made us stuff him with lots of treats. We would play ‘tug’ with Ryan’s toy sometimes and it was considered a challenge for us because Ryan was a really strong one!
Despite being clumsy and inexperienced in the beginning, Hilda’s confidence in us spurred us on. This moulded us to become assured dog handlers within such a short time. She taught us to be more daring in everything we did, and to at least try if you weren’t sure. She was also very caring and selfless, constantly offering a lift out of the farmway to either buy lunch or to the bus stop to go home. She also kept us entertained by sharing many interesting experiences with us. We cannot recall a single awkward moment with Hilda because of her bubbly personality. Also, Hilda’s hospitality helped us feel like we belong to this big family of passionate volunteers and special dogs. Ida is the ever-so cool and efficient caregiver. Her hardiness always gave us a sense of security. Knowing that no matter how complicated the circumstances were, we could always rely on her to be our superhero and save our day. When looking at Ida work, one can’t help but notice how devoted she is to her job. It may not be the best job in the world, but she loves the dogs so much that the amount of energy she has to invest in this did not seem to matter.
Claris posing with MiMi.
Lynda was also a wonderful fairy godmother who linked us up with Hilda in the very beginning and giving us the incredible chance to spend time in the kennel. She invited us along for vet trips as well as a dog owner seminar to train us up as dog handlers. Lynda gave us many opportunities to grow and learn priceless lessons.
Of course there were other volunteers who also taught us many things about dogs along the way. They also made our experience at the kennel a more wonderful one!
At the kennel, we’ve gained countless of priceless experiences that we could only dream of before finding Zeus Communications. We were part of the Big Move to the new kennel, hosting visitors at the playhouse, trips to the vet and bringing our adopted dogs to their new homes. Being at the kennel this holiday has motivated us to be just like the other volunteers, dedicating endless time and commitment to these lovely canine companions. The time spent here has also made our love for dogs and passion to make their lives better has become even stronger. Even though the school term has started and we are busier than ever, we try our best to visit the dogs as much as possible. The subsequent weekends and the next school holiday will definitely be spent at the Zeus Residence again!
WARNING: Certain photographs / videos present in this post may cause some readers to feel uneasy.
What exactly is pain?
How do you describe your pain and get relief from pain?
The feeling of physical pain is generally described as an unpleasant sensation or distressing experience of being aware of harm to the body. Humans experience pain in a variety of ways and from a variety of causes, but most commonly we experience pain that is related to injury or illness.
Pain is normally a symptom of an illness or an injury and is the body’s alarm system signaling that something is wrong. Pain can be an unpleasant sensation ranging from mild localised discomfort to agony. It gets your attention, signals that you are in danger and has an essential survival value. Pain can serve as a protective warning of potential damage, can promote learning (hot surface, harmful) or can set limits on activities, which encourages resting.
Xiao Hei went through so much pain and he behaved as though nothing had happened.
We have all gone through different kinds of pain - when we fell as kids while running or playing catch and chasing our friends around the playground, and as adults we go through pain either from physical injury or emotional pain.
If we can feel the pain that hurts us so much – how would a dog feel?
Can they tell you the pain that they went through when they encounter a dog fight and start to bleed? Can they tell that they are unwell and feeling discomfort? They can – if you can feel their emotions.
Xiao Hei was attacked by some dogs.
Sunday, 4 September
If you put yourself in Xiao Hei’s position – can you imagine the amount of pain he went through? Xiao Hei was in so much pain and not once he has ever complained. When a pack of dogs attacked him on 4 September 2011 morning, he was bleeding so badly till part of his flesh wound came off. Jacqueline, a volunteer with a shelter next door to Zeus Residence ran to me and asked for help. Immediately, I rushed to their kennels to see what had happened to the poor dog.
To my horror, I felt so much pain from Xiao Hei and he just sat quietly at the corner, as though nothing had happened. I was so cross that I asked the caregiver why the wound had not been cleaned and attended to – and she said to me in Mandarin “the wound will heal by itself”. I could not believe the silly reply that she gave me and we immediately cleaned Xiao Hei’s wound and applied basic first aid on him.
While cleaning Xiao Hei’s wound, I discovered several scars on him which were caused by dog fights. Xiao Hei was like an abused child being beaten by his parents continuously. I told myself that the hurt and suffering has to end for this poor dog – and that he will no longer have to live in fear.
Close up of Xiao Hei's wound.
Feeling sorry for Xiao Hei, we took him over to Zeus Residence to nurse him and the next morning, our volunteer Hilda took Xiao Hei to the vet at Bedok to ensure that the wounds were not infected. The vet cleaned the wounds up and he went home with antibiotics.
Saturday, 10 Sept
When I visited Xiao Hei on Saturday afternoon, his wound was healing very well but to my greatest horror – I found out that Xiao Hei’s anus was bleeding and part of it was sticking out. Immediately, we tried to clean the wound to stop the bleeding and to make him comfortable. As I was cleaning his wound, I felt so upset that Xiao Hei has gone through so much pain and suffering.
Xiao Hei was back at the vet again to see Dr Ang at Redhill who was on duty on Sunday. The vet did several blood tests to check whether Xiao Hei could go under GA – when the results were out – we were saddened to hear that Xiao Hei had tick fever and heartworm. No way he could go under GA – he would never make it. Dr Ang tried her best to push the rectum back with mild sedation and continued to monitor Xiao Hei.
When asked what was the cause for his anus to stick out – it seems that Xiao Hei had frequent diarrhea and he was using his muscles to push so often that it affected his anus.
Monday, 12 Sept
On Monday evening, Dr Ang called to say that Xiao Hei’s was losing blood and becoming weak. Hence, we needed to have a blood donor on standby the next morning for him.
Blood Donors Friends helped to broadcast for blood donors through Facebook and SMSes. You must be asking me this question now “I thought you have a data base of blood donors – what happened?” to be honest, it is still difficult to get owners to come forward to pre-register their dogs as a blood donor and some have donated before and they cannot donate so soon. My vision for the future - I hope to raise a pool of dogs that are able to donate blood To Help Save Lives.
Not once has Xiao Hei ever complained, whined or growled at us despite all his pain. He never struggled whenever we cleaned his wound; he just stood still and allowed you to do anything on him. He is a real darling who went through so much pain.
Tuesday, 13 Sept
In the evening, we managed to find a Husky to donate his blood to Xiao Hei. Unfortunately, its blood type did not match.
And the search for another blood donor continued.
Wednesday, 14 September
It was late afternoon when we managed to find Dougie, a Golden Retriever to donate blood. However, it was getting late and it was not possible to get the transfusion done in the evening and we have to wait for the next morning to find out if there was a match.
Dr Teo called me in the evening to say that Xiao Hei had not been eating for the last 2 days and that his immune system was going down. Dr Teo wanted to prepare me that Xiao Hei may not make it through the night.
Saddened by the phone call, I knew that in Xiao Hei’s heart that he wanted to live and that he was not ready to go. I communicated with Xiao Hei and told him to be strong – I stayed focused and kept telling myself that I want to see him get well and see him play with the dogs at the shelter. He deserved this chance to be alive again!
Thursday, 15 Sept
At 10.00 am, Hilda made her way to Jalan Kayu to fetch Dougie but on the way to the vet, they were caught in a bad traffic, Dr Ang called to ask whether the donor was on the way.
Immediately when Dougie arrived, we did the necessary blood tests and at 1pm – I was delighted to hear that their blood cross matched and the transfusion was going to take place. Such news brought joy and tears, knowing that Xiao Hei was going to get his second chance to live again.
It was 4.00 pm – Xiao Hei received about 300ml of blood from Dougie and he was in stable condition. I visited Xiao Hei after work and Dr Ang told me that Xiao Hei had started to eat again.
Before I left, I gave Xiao Hei reiki till he fell asleep and also to reduce the swell on his legs which occurred due to water retention. When I left the clinic, Xiao Hei was fast asleep. Reiki helps to calm your mind and puts you at ease and helps you to rest well.
Xiao Hei was given the freedom to move around the clinic.
Black Magic? Xiao Hei’s caregiver (we shall not name her but some of you will know who she is) told me that Xiao Hei was possessed by black magic, which sounded like some Chinese drama serial. It is believed that one man’s wife had an affair, hence the husband cast a spell on the dog and abandoned him at the temple to spite the wife. Feeling sorry for the dog, the caregiver decided to rescue him although many had warned her against taking the dog for it would bring her bad luck.
If you want my honest opinion, there was no black magic performed on the dog and he was fine. The dog simply had low self esteem and no confidence - that’s why he couldn’t fend for himself. We were going to change that for Xiao Hei by giving him the confidence he deserves so he can stand up for himself in future.
Xiao Hei is a young dog estimated to be about 3 years old. I made a promise to him that he will not have to return to the shelter where he came from and he will start a brand new life at Zeus Residence, where volunteers will show him with love and care.
Sunday, 18 September
It was Sunday afternoon and I was at the shelter getting ready to send 2 dogs to the vet for sterilization and I received a call from Dr Ang giving us the bad news that Xiao Hei passed away in his sleep. I recalled seeing him on Friday evening when he was so alert and walking about in the clinic – he showed me the will to live but I had this feeling that his system was slowly shutting down – Xiao Hei did not even show us his suffering and his pain. Could you see how strong willed this dog was?
We are extremely glad that Xiao Hei received the treatment and a second chance that he deserved. When he passed away, he went knowingly that we all loved him very much and he passed away with dignity.
What is Pain?
Could you feel the pain and the sadness Xiao Hei was going through? If it was us, we would ask for pain killers to stop the pain because our threshhold for pain is low. As for Xiao Hei, he persevered and he never gave up. When an animal wants to live, its survival instinct is very high.
We would like to thank Dougie’s owner James for allowing the donation of Dougie's blood to Xiao Hei. Dr Ang and Dr Teo for attending to Xiao Hei and for doing what they could to save him.
I know that from the bottom of Xiao Hei’s heart – he says "thank you for caring".
Xiao Hei has gone through so much pain.
Xiao Hei passed away peacefully
in his sleep on 18 September 2011.
What is Pain?
Xiao Hei may you rest in peace and
we know that you are very forgiving towards
humans and dogs that have done this to you.
You still trusted humans despite what you have gone through.
This is Dexter when we first met him at Lim Chu Kang fish farm.
He was such a happy camper. He was delighted to see us, completely oblivious to the fact that he was severely emaciated.
There wasn’t any sign of Dexter feeling sorry for himself. Though extremely scrawny, he was living each day with exuberance and joy.
Seeing Dexter has taught me about optimism in the face of adversity.
It must have been months as a vagabond with little food to eat and fresh water to drink before Dexter wandered into a fish farm at Lim Chu Kang.Dexter (as we have named him) was skin and bones when he was found inside the toilet by AG who was renting part of the fish farm. One can literally count the number of bones on his rib cage. Dexter was shivering badly when he was found, shaking from hunger and cold as it was pouring heavily that day.
AG had no idea how he managed to get there because there were guard dogs at the fish farm and they were not too friendly towards other dogs.
“Hello boy, why are you here? Did you lose your way? Are you hungry?” asked AG.Dexter responded by wagging his tail as hard as he could and followed her everywhere she went. Fearing that he would be attacked by the other dogs at the fish farm, she led him back to the toilet by giving him canned food.
She was astonished that it was finished in seconds!Dexter was literally gobbling it up. He must have been famished! Filling up the food bowl with dried kibbles to the brim this time, again it was devoured in last than a minute. For the third time, she filled the bowl again and this time around Dexter finished half of it. Can you imagine how hungry Dexter must have been, to have finished one huge can of dog food and one and a half full bowl of kibbles all in a matter of minutes!?
AG gave Dexter some water and asked him to stay where he was. Sweet Dexter obeyed.
“He is very trusting and sweet. I wanted to help him because he is very pitiful. I felt that he trust us and seem to understand what I am trying to tell him.” AG told me. That was when she decided to call us to help Dexter.
Dexter is probably a Cross Weimaraner/Labrador. When we found him, he only weighed 14.9kg.A dog his size should weigh between 25 to 30kg.
Dexter is thin as a rail, literally skin-and-bones.
Seeing the condition that Dexter was in, we immediately brought Dexter to the vet for a health assessment.
Dexter at Mount Pleasant (Redhill), waiting for his turn to get his health check. Seeing how thin he was, Dr Teo offered him a bowl of dog food but Dexter was more interested in the dental treats at the vet clinic and chomped up every bit of it.
At the vet, tests were done on Dexter. He was having a slight temperature, his blood count was a tad lower than normal (which could be the result of malnourishment and starvation). His white blood count was elevated which indicated infection of some form. But we were relieved that test showed that he was free from tick fever and heartworm.
Dogs have given us their absolute all. We are the center of their universe. We are the focus of their love and faith and trust. They serve us in return for scraps. It is without a doubt the best deal man has ever made. ~Roger Caras~
Dexter is the sweetest young man. Undemanding, easy-going, optimistic and warm. He is estimated to be about 1 to 2 years old. We are not sure how Dexter became so emaciated, whether he once had a family or was a breeding dog that has outlived his usefulness. We can only feel his emotions - but one thing for sure, Dexter is a fighter and he wants to live life to the fullest. He doesn’t give up on life. He feels no self pity and like a soldier, he trudges along bravely and optimistically.
Recently, while cleaning his teeth, Dexter’s fosterer found a bamboo stick of about 3 inches long, lodged in the upper soft palate of his mouth. No wonder, there was a foul smell in his mouth despite numerous brushes over the last few weeks. Because of how deep the stick was embedded, it wasn’t spotted during the last 2 vet visits. It must have been there for some time and the gums have eroded.
This is a testament to the great endurance that Dexter exhibits. He was a contented and happy boy that no one would have guessed that he had a painful wound on his mouth.
There is light at the end of the tunnel for Dexter. A kind family has decided to foster him and he has since gained 2.3kg with nutritious meals.
Despite the tender loving care that Dexter receives and sumptuous home cooked meals which he eats heartily every day, Dexter’s blood count dropped from 31 when we first found him to 26. The vet will be doing another blood test in a week’s time and we are keeping our fingers crossed that his blood count will improve. If the blood count continues to drop, further tests need to be performed.
If you would like to help us to defray the cost of Dexter's medical bills or would like to contribute to the medical expenses incurred during the course of our animal rescue work, you can write a cheque to "Mount Pleasant Animal Medical Centre (Redhill) Pte Ltd. Kindly indicate behind your cheque "In Aid of Dexter" and mail your cheque to 8 Raffles Avenue #02-01 The Esplanade, Singapore (039802).
Or join us as volunteers and help us in caring for the less fortunate animals like Dexter. Simply drop us an email at dogstalk@starhub.net.sg
I would like to share with you the Rescuer's Creed.
A RESCUER’S CREED
By Susan M. Pearson
I shall be a believer of all that is good in man and of all that is deserving in animals.
I shall plead for their lives, campaign for their safety and uphold their right to a natural death.
I shall seek out the injured and the maimed, the unloved,
and the abandoned and tend to them in their last days.
I shall not forget their place in the hierarchy of life, nor that we walk in each other's paths.
I shall bear witness to the wonder they bring into our lives
and to the beauty they bestow upon our souls.
I shall renew their spirits when they are waning, bind their wounds when they bleed, cradle them when they whimper, and comfort them when they mourn.
I shall be near them in their hour of greatest need - a companion and friend when the time has come.
I shall watch over them and console them and ask that the angels gather them in their arms.
From the creatures of the earth, I shall learn the fruits of compassion and undying love, and I shall be called the beloved of God.
Many of us would love to give our Singapore Specials a place to call home - unfortunately, due to HDB* guidelines this is not possible.
We hope that one day the authorities will change the guidelines and allow our Singapore Sepcials to stay in our HDB apartments.
We are Responsible Pet Owners, we train our dogs to listen, to obey and to respect our community and neighbours.
If the authorities give Pet Owners a chance to let our Singapore Specials stay in HDB apartments, we promise that our dogs will not be a nuisance to our neighbours and our dogs will help us to guard and protect our home, family and neighbours.
When a street dog is given a chance to stay in an our HDB apartment - there will be less strays on the streets.
THE STREET IS NOT THEIR HOME
The black puppy without a tail that you saw in the video is Venus.
Special Thanks To
Ms Melanie Martens
Ms Chia Sui Yoon
Mrs Martens
Secret Garden
and the following students who have made the video possible:
Dr Ang says it’s almost time for me to be discharged. I’ve been staying at Mt Pleasant Redhill for the last 7 weeks.From the tone of her voice, I know she can’t bear to let me go. She keeps telling Aunty Jeannie to make sure that I go to a good home.They’ve looked after me day in and day out and I’m like family to them now. I will never forget them even if I find a home. Everyone here has been so sweet towards me. They’ve tenderly nursed my wound when I was injured and in great pain.
Oh I would also like to thank everyone who helped Zeus Comms. to sponsor for my hefty medical bill.You are my HEROES. Thank you for helping me when I’m in need, rooting for me when I was hurting. I’m ever so grateful to you.
That was my wound after my first surgery when Dr Ang skilfully cleaned up my wound
and performed a skin graft on me to hasten the recovery process.
Everyone at the vet clinic has been so sweet towards me. They’ve tenderly nursed my wound when I was injured and in great pain. My paws would automatically open and close as Carrey the vet tech cleaned my wounds daily; it was excruciating but I know it’s for my own good so I’ll endure it with all my might and would never retaliate.
Dr Ang specially ordered this little green shirt for me. It’s meant for my wound to heal faster and of course to prevent me from chewing on it when it gets too itchy. Coincidentally, it helped to accentuate my green eyes.
The clinic staff knows I am very manja and wouldcuddle me whenever they are not so busy. They’ll even take me out to sayang me and let me roam about the clinic for a cat stretch.They also fed me well… they say that I’m a glutton and eat like a pig! Hee hee… I do have a huge appetite. Can you see my bulging stomach? My little green shirt seems to be a little tight now.
I need a home now that I’m almost completely healed. Would you like to take me home please? I promise to be a very good girl.
If you are interested to adopt Crystal, please SMS Jeannie (91090 475), Nancy (9488 6419) or Lynda (9199 6247)
Footnote: Crystal was discharged from hospital on 6 September.
This is Crystal. She is a very petite and sweet natured cat of less than a year old. She is still very much a toddler and ought not suffer what she has been through. Read about her ordeal below.
Last Monday night, Zeus Communications received a call from a young lady, SY to request for help. SY remembered Lynda from one of our talks and googled Zeus Communications for our contact details.
SY asked us to help her with a cat that has a “wound” but we were not given details on how big or severe the wound is.
Apparently, SY’s father – Uncle Yap has been feeding Crystal on a regular basis but for 2 days, Crystal disappeared. When she finally reappeared, it was one of a plea for help. Crystal was seriously injured. A third of her body was covered in a deep open wound.
Crystal before when she was first rescued, body arched in pain.
We could only imagine the tremendeous pain that Crystal has to endure and is continuing to endure.
As it was already very late at night, we advised Uncle Yap on what needs to be done and on our end we made all the necessary arrangements for Crystal to be attended to first thing in the morning at Mt Pleasant Redhill, which included arranging for pet transport for Crystal to be rushed down to the vet clinic quickly and safely.
In the meantime, Lynda communicated with Crystal to let her know that help is on the way and for her to hang in there.
Crystal was attended to by Dr Teo JW who performed all the necessary blood tests to ensure that Crystal was in good health before we proceeded with the general anaesthesia to clean up her wound.
While we do not know what exactly transpired, through animal communication, Crystal showed Lynda that someone had poured blistering hot liquid on her and she screamed in excruciating pain. We just cannot imagine who would ever do such a thing to a defenceless cat.
Crystal's horrific wound - still looking very raw and inflamed. We are glad that Crystal sought help from Uncle Yap who found us through his daugher SY. Without treatment, Crystal's wound would have been very badly infected and skin rot may set in, possibly putting Crystal's life in danger.
Crystal is currently hospitalized at Mt Pleasant Redhill. Although her wound is recovering under the care of Dr Teo JW, it is estimated that she is likely to have to be in the hospital for 1 to 2 more weeks as her wounds are still extremely raw and inflamed.
Crystal resting in her little "hospital" ward. Her movement is limited at the moment as her huge wound causes her pain when she moves around.
Antibiotics, anti-inflammation drugs and pain medication are being administered to Crystal and her wound has to be cleaned daily.
The vet technician has all but praises for Crystal. Although, the pain must be excruciating, Crystal is taking it like a brave little feline.
In spite of her horrendous pain and injury, Crystal exhibits tremendous fighting spirit and the will to live. She seems to know that the vets and technicians are helping her and would doggedly endure the pain, being very sweet and cooperative during her daily painful regimen of wound cleaning.
As Crystal is a very young cat, her chances of a full recovery is good. She is also FIV and FELV negative. Blood tests also shows her to be in good health.
Here’s three cheers and a round of meows for our brave little feline - Crystal.
Crystal would need to stay at the vet to be nursed until her wounds are healed. Her hospitalisation bill, including medication and medical procedures would cost est. $900. As of 31 July, the medical bill was $728.80.
If you would like to help Crystal, you may write a cheque to “Mount Pleasant Animal Medical Centre (Redhill) Pte Ltd". Kindly indicate behind your cheque “In aid of Crystal the Cat” and mail your cheque to:- 8 Raffles Avenue #02-01 The Esplanade Singapore (039802).
Or if you would like to adopt/ foster Crystal, kindly contact Lynda at dogstalk@starhub.net.sg
Molly has an irresistible, magical quality that shines to show she’s the happiest doggie you’ve ever met. She’s got smiling eyes, a warm, fun-loving personality that wins you over within seconds of first meeting her.
Molly has a secret though: a dark, painful secret that she doesn’t talk about these days. To her, every day is a blessing and she gives great joy when I wake up to see her face in the mornings.
When I first heard of Molly, she had just been rescued JRT from a breeding farm. Although I was glad she was safe, I thought nothing more of it initially.
However, when I met her the next day, something changed. There was something I saw in her eyes. They somehow gave a glimpse of her hopes and promises. There wasn’t the slightest hint of her past hardship, no trace in her eyes of the pain she had endured. If there was one clear indication, it was that she was not giving up on love and companionship.
See the glitter in her eyes!
It was only a matter of time that I found out about Molly’s dark, painful secret: she had a fractured hip, bones and a completely broken leg. No one knows for sure how she came to suffer these painful injuries. Adding to this, she was an expectant Mum when she was brought in. Being in such a state, the Vet recommended an emergency abortion.
Till this day, I still cannot put the precise moment or the exact emotion when she touched me, drawing me close to her for some strange reason. I have two dogs and pups but yet there was a compelling sense to help her.
Molly at the vet - looking as cheery as ever!
Molly's seven broken bones!
Next scene: She arrived at my home after her discharge, much to my delight. In the beginning, even though I wanted to reach out and hold her, I was afraid I would hurt her fragile condition. She came to my home, after having had an abortion, re-stitched and her leg, still broken.
Although told she was not in pain, I was still very apprehensive. I must admit, it took me a quite a while to work up the courage to pick her and hold her. Now, I just can’t hold her enough. Over the days, she has built up her strength and confidence and races around her room freely. Molly is a free-spirit again, having found warmth and love, and giving back just as much, if not more.
Nowadays, she can easily draw a chuckle from me when I least expect. She reminds me of the cartoon “Road Runner“, when she zips around on her three legs. I call her my Comet. She is not shy and lets my other dogs and pups know she is in charge. She is mellowing a little now, as she nurtures a special bond with one of our pups, Matthew. They play like kids do, and when Matt gets too rough, she walks away. Just like some classy great ole’ dame, she gets grumpy when she is tired.
This is when she wants her quiet time. When tucked in for the night, she reaches for her prized possession, her towel. At sleep, she always looks peaceful and contented, like a little angel.
Isn't that a cheeky smile?
Molly has taught me one great lesson, without saying a word – the true meaning of second chances. Even after all she’s been through at some others’ hands, she has kept faith in being utterly trusting, forgiving and loving. Molly has added a new emotional dimension to my life and I’m glad she’s part of the family – she’s got the best bet for a place in the sun in my home….
Written by Susan Dhanwant, Molly's new mommy
We would like to thank Susan for generously sponsoring the printing of the shirts.
"He is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog. You are his life, his love, his leader. He will be yours, faithful and true, to the last beat of his heart. You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion."- Unknown
Crystal before when she was first rescued, body arched in pain.
Here’s three cheers and a round of meows for our brave little feline - Crystal. 
