I cannot do holidays. At least not the “normal” ones. Lying on my back, doing nothing? Nope, this cannot be done. And Thailand is no exception. But if not on holiday then why I am here?
The most obvious answer is – dogs and cats. And more specifically, Lanta Animal Welfare – a small but very effective charity helping dogs and cats on Koh Lanta, a small island in South-West Thailand. Established in 2005 by an amazing Norwegian lady, Junie, it aimed maily to put an end to suffering of animals living on the island. At that time there was an incredible overpopulation of dogs and cats who were massively killed in road accidents, dying from diseases or injuries from fights. Being a great animal lover, Junie could not go past the animals in need – she sold everything she owned, came back to the island and opened LAW.
Today, 13 years later, LAW is a well-functioning organisation and Junie is a very respected member of the Lanta Community. Thanks to systematic sterilisation and education the population of dogs and cats on the island dropped by around 80%. During that time there was not a single case of rabies – something very unusual in Asian countries.
LAW would not exist without Time for Lime – a great restaurant opened by Junie as the main source of financing for LAW. Currently, LAW aims for self-sufficiency and expands its work to surrounding islands by running mobile clinics where 50-100 animals are sterilised daily.
LAW is a working hospital and a safe haven for around 40 dogs and 50 cats – many of them are dog and cat babies, very often orphans, who are being taken care of, medically treated and prepared for adoption. Most of them find their forever homes abroad, mainly in Western Europe – but this is something I will talk about separately.
Volunteers play a crucial role in caring for animals – they clean, feed, bathe, walk, socialise and love every dog and cat. Coming from all over the world, without one complaint they get up very early to feed the hungry and clean kennels and litter trays. Vets treat even the most drastic and difficult cases. Sometimes they stay even for a few months. Hats off because without them, LAW would not be able to function.
My Thailand 