In Taiwan - horror and courage

At the end of this blog is a photo that will distress you. It is horrific. When I unsuspectingly opened it up on an email i received from Ms Wu, I gasped. The entire email was written in Chinese , so I could only guess at the contents. Unfortunately, I was right.

Ms Wu, pictured above at an animal rights demonstration in Taiwan, sends me regular posts on her concerns for animals in that country. And the world, for she knows, as we do, that animals are tormented, abused, abandoned and killed everywhere. But Taiwan has special horror stories, and in the 90'2 was declared by the World Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals as the worst place to be a dog.

Things may have improved somewhat, but only through the passionate kindness of Ms Wu - and others like her- whose life is dedicated to making a difference. Not just for the dogs she personally saves and cares for, but on a broader level, through education. They are finalising an 8 minute animated film, which they hope to distribute as widely as possible. Making such films is expensive, but essential, and she welcomes any ideas or financial help.

She tells me that in Taiwan, mixed breeds and strays are not rescued and adopted. And in the public animal pound, where they may end up, there are cases where dogs eat each other for food. She wants to tell the horrors stories, and educate about spay and neutering, to make a difference with her life.

The demonstration, in honour of the unnamed dog at the end of this post, was a success. The government gave assurances it will promote the revised animal protection law, and establish an animal police squad.

Ms Wu says this is only a beginning. They have to make sure the promises are fulfilled, and the animal rights groups will continue to condemn the violence, make the public aware and bring the government under pressure.

Her voice is ours - all of ours - who weep to think of the pain inflicted, and the senseless killing that happens - every day - in her country and in ours. Tara's Babies is honoured to support Ms Wu and the work she does, because it is compassion without bounds. And that is what we aspire to be.

This dog was skinned alive and left to die in the market place.

These dogs were due to die

I continue to uncover the extent of suffering - and kindness - in the world. Ms Wu in Taiwan sends me emails about the hardship of dogs there, to which her life and heart is committed to changing; I will share some more on that another time. Closer to home, we stumbled into a not uncommon scene in this country: beautiful, loving adoptable dogs about to be killed. Just because they have no home.

Benji, a shy shepherd mix, uncertain of the world, after being left as a puppy, eyes barely open, outside in mid-winter. A bit shy and will bark when he feels uncertain, but when he is sure you will love him, and his world is safe, he has a heart of gold.

Two pleading emails crossed Tara's Babies path within days of each other; both from rural Arkansas, each was an album of dogs who were to die the very next day. Shelters over crowded, kind-hearted volunteers not able to take or keep them all. Their time had run out, and the women who dedicate their lives to making a difference put out last, desperate pleas for help. Fortunately, we heard them. As did other people across this country, horrified to think that death was considered an option simply because they had no home.

Scamp, aka 'Fatboy', ready to play and have his gorgeous belly rubbed. Has lots of energy, loves people and would blossom in a great big yard where he can romp in delight.

At this point about 20 from two shelters are slated for Tara's Babies, and we need to find homes for them all; but already there are more sad dogs, big and little, scratching at our door. Pleading for a life, for a family, to be able to play and sleep on a rug, and make you laugh, and go for walks. Pleading simply for a chance to live.

Itchy arrived an itching bag of skin and bones, with a blood infection; she was slated to be killed. Kind volunteers saw past the surface, and now she is healthy and playful. Loves people, dogs - just happy to be alive. Has a goofy walk that will make you laugh, as if she is trying to get ahead of herself. So much beautiful world for her to savor and explore.

It has been wonderful for me to connect with these women whose days are filled with 'regular' jobs, but whose lives are committed to compassion. Joy, Marsia, Terri, Betty, Jaxi - these I am sure are just a few of the invisible people who make a real difference, every day. Just because they know that is the right thing to do, to ease suffering however they can.

Ace was badly mauled, and one eye looked like a horrific Halloween image. Now he has two sparkly ones filled with love. He is young and very smart. An attention hog, he will fall asleep as you stroke his ears.

Rural AR is just one snapshot of what happens, every day, here and all over the world. Four week old puppies dumped by the side of a road, or in a trash can, or - eyes barely open - left outside to die in mid-winter. Dogs not spayed or neutered because it costs too much and people are poor, so more puppies are born. Dogs wandering lost and homeless - young, old. Dogs just like the ones that sleep on our beds at night - they are no different, except they don't have anyone to love them. Inadequate animal shelters, where dogs can fight and the small, weak and sick will be injured.

These five tiny ones were rescued this week, 4 weeks old and dumped by the side of the road. Marsia is tending to all their physical needs, and will care for them until they go to a home. Who can resist?

A country shelter - inadequate for the numbers of dogs who are found. The small, young and sick get beaten up on, and are quickly removed by worried volunteers.

The women I have come into contact with are at the front line, picking up the new-born, injured and dying dogs in their arms, and bringing them to safety and life, giving them refuge where they can. But for every dog they save, a litter of unwanted puppies has been born, and another grown dog dumped from a passing car. They can't do it alone. We have to help.

Hambone, a gorgeous beagle less than one year old, rescued from the shelter because he had attack wounds all over his leg. See below, where he is timidly hanging back from the big pack. A kind volunteer removed him to treat him, and he is not going back. Hambone is playful, loves dogs and people, and croons in you ear as you pet him. A real ham!!

Tara's Babies relies on every willing heart, so that together we can change things. These dogs need homes - as a temporary foster, or a forever adoption. And the dogs need vet care - for worms, ticks, fleas, spay and neuter, which can cost up to $200 per dog. No wonder these dogs end up dying, in a place where many people themselves face hardship.

Bonnie, sister of Benji above. Very shy, but when she warms up, she is loving and sweet. She and her brother need a home filled with patience and love, where they can learn to trust.

Let us be the guardian angels of dogs like these. If you can take a dog into your home - or know someone who can, or are willing to ask your friends and extended family if they have space, please do. And if you can sponsor a life - a whole life - it will be generosity without measure. Life is precious, and in this world so many lives, especially of the lost and unloved, go unnoticed. Let's look into the eyes of these dogs, and rejoice that we can bring them home from death.

Not all the dogs are big. Rory is so scared she shakes at the sound of a human voice. She has a foster home waiting for her.

Mine.


tarasbabies@earthlink.com

donate: http://www.tarasbabies.org/ : Left margin, click on donations, will link to a donate button to help the animals.

DOGS for YOU!!

So, I have been away and the blog has lain vacant. But of course things have been active and busy here!

We currently have a huge system glitch, and our gorgeous dogs, ready and waiting for loving homes, have nowhere to show off and win hearts. So I am simply going to post an album of pictures here - not everyone, but at least some, so I can refer people here, until our website is up and running. And not the best photos either, they don't do anyone justice - you can't see their smiles and their play and the longing in their eyes. Believe me, it's all there!

If you see someone you would like to foster or adopt email us at tarasbabies@earthlink.net for more info!!

Every one of our babies is a rescue from death, and all have sad stories I am happy share. I hope they ALL find homes soon.

wyatt


Persais


Lil'Bit

Kiki

Hildee

Hershel

Bai

(he knows to shake hands!! His face is half black, half white)





Two sets of gorgeous sisters:

PoPo and Nunu

Pipi and Ruru

(you don't have to take them all!!!)

cooling off

The season is working towards monsoon - we are at that place of heat with little relief. Temperatures nudging at 100, allowing small pockets of cooler time in the morning and evening to really engage with the dogs (or each other!!). For a chunk of the mid-day, everyone's preference is to be fairly low key.

It is a testament to the dedication of our volunteer staff, as there is no respite inside, either. The setting is truly magnificent wilderness - one entrance through the gate will open your heart!

But the accommodation is basic/rustic...a bunkhouse built on the frame of a trailer home by the previous owner and his sons as a home schooling project. Almost entirely made of wood, it has a definite Western flair and serves its purpose well. But insulation???!!! The rooms inside are small, so inside, during the day, is reminiscent of an oven. Fortunately, the nights still cool off, and the lack of insulation means that heat is also rapidly lost. Still, you know it is the love of the animals and commitment to compassion that, in the melting heat, is what supports everyone here. It certainly isn't luxury!!

The dogs, too, can wilt during the day. There is a baby pool for wading, which some enjoy. Or some of them love to dance and leap in the spray of the hose.

Princess has a bath!

Perhaps a quiet chew to pass the hours?

Cuddles relaxes!

But as dusk softens the light, and the breathing gentles, the dogs lay quietly, or sometimes play.

Kiki and Bai - a study in black and white

old friends, new faces

Tooky talks with Bobo, our shyest Taiwanese baby.

Last week Tooky, one of our 'original' volunteers, was back for a week. Although much has changed in the 18 months since she was here - not the least of which is the drastic reduction in numbers from the post-Katrina influx! - there was a wonderful familiarity in having her here. Her warm smile and laugh, her willingness to do whatever (even in the scorching heat!), her calm presence and deep love of animals.

Despite the fact it was now hot where it had been cold, that we are based in another building on the property, that our schedule has drastically changed - there was a thread of history that connected those early days with the Tara's Babies of now. Some of the doggy faces are still the same, and Tooky could see the changes in their behaviour. But it was even more subtle than that, for me at least, it was about a sense of continuity. Those early frenetic days are long gone, but remain as the roots of who we are today, and form the seeds of the future. Tooky is an invaluable part of that, for not only did she spend two weeks here right at the start, she has been a support ever since - not to mention she adopted the adorably plump and cuddly Katie, one of our rescue cats.

Tooky came here after completing a course at Best Friends in Utah, to be certified to assist in emergency situations. I am grateful to Best Friends for organising this - as in the future, without certification, people won't be able to dive in hands-on, as happened post-Katrina. Definitely something Tara's Babies volunteers need to do. And anyone else whose heart will call them to action should tragedy explode in our faces again.
We are also gearing ourselves better for any local emergency. We live in the middle of forest, in a state that has suffered from drought for over a decade. One of the tasks we did when Tooky was here was to ensure we had one crate per dog, should we need to evacuate. There has been so much coming and going of animals since we started, our system (?) had been haphazard. Now, however, we have the crates in one spot - the next step is to identify each crate with a dogs name, so that there will be nothing to think about should an emergency arise. We will create a small covered area, easy to access, where we can store them yet keep them out of the sun.

Bobo and his playmate Baby. Nunu is peeking through the back!

Bobo is very shy, but when you are able to coax him in close, perhaps with a little tug on the leash, you find he has the softest, plushest coat - more like a cat than a dog. He is such a timid little boy, yet you know underneath is a heart just yearning to love.

Baby, on the other hand, is just an imp!! Perhaps also a little shy, she however quickly turns to play - those long spindly legs doing her well as the runs around. So amazing to think she survived distemper, and was unable to walk at all for some time. She has the cutest pixie face, looks at you with shiny black eyes, and wants to play!! Sometimes she needs some help with feeding - which is a pleasurable task. She especially likes the canned food!! (Don't they all!)

That's me beneath the red floopy sunhat!

Walking with a wagging tail!

There is so much happening, we seem to be always chasing our wagging tails! I certainly have to brush up my reporting skills, and keep you informed!

Heather continues to help us move forward in leaps and bounds. With her guidance, we have shifted our schedule, so that all the 'dog care' activities - feeding, cleaning yards, water, grooming, generally making sure everything is in order, dogs are well - happen first thing in the morning. The late afternoon/evening sessions (following a break in the searing midday heat, when neither dogs nor people want to do anything!), are for walking and training. It makes such simple sense, to delineate the activities in this way. It helps streamline the process, and mentally dogs and people alike 'get' what is going on.

At the workstation. Heather (in cap) talks with volunteers Claire, Chodron and me.

In the same way, the re-arrangement of the dogs on the field is complete. For the most part, the dogs in training for adoption (called 'the walkers'!) are grouped together, and the ferals and 'lifers' are together. Especially for the walkers, their behaviours are more easily reinforced when they are surrounded by buddies also needing to listen to commands.

Volunteer Kamil convinces our fearful feral Hailey, that he really is an O.K guy!!

The 10 Taiwanese babies are in their own larger enclosures, on the upper field. We always quarantine new arrivals at a distance from the main group, any way, to ensure no sickness is introduced. We have three large luxurious runs, one with the three older, quieter dogs - Bai, Kiki and Lucky. The next has the playful youngsters Baby and Bobo, who get along famously. Then there is the fearless five - a super-playful bunch of Tiger, a gorgeous brindle, and two of the cutest black sister-sets you could imagine - Pong Pong and NuNu and PiPi and RuRu. Except in the heat of the day, they run and cavort together happily.

We are ready to play now!! Won't you come inside?!!

We have begun walking them. The more sedate ones are excellent. Some of the youngsters are OK. But for a coupe whose energy exceeds ours, a jog would be a better option! This is Pipi and RuRu, whom I featured a few posts ago. It does not surprise me Ms Wu called them the flying leapers, who loved to get over the fence and run and play! No escape attempts have been made here, but they are joyfully charged to head into the world and explore!

I went on-line and explored a bit about conditions for dogs in Taiwan - it will make you weep. I look at these lovely, happy dogs and cannot imagine the alternative fate.

Here is an excerpt of Ms Wu's most recent letter to me:

In Taiwan, few people care about dogs’ lives. Most campus stray dogs will end up being sent to detention center, waiting to be killed, or being left wander everywhere, giving birth to even more babies, which will be in the same shadow of fate. Schools should be places teaching people how to respect life, but obviously they don’t take chance to set good examples for society; therefore we can easily imagine how the street homeless animals will be treated.After I retired, I intend to transform my local association into a national organization to educate people and promote the concept of animal protection. Since I can’t adopt dogs anymore, that’s the only thing I can do. Hopefully in the rest of my life, I can witness Taiwan people change their attitude towards animals.

I found that in 1994 an investigation by the World SPCA cited Taiwan as the worst country in the world for dogs; evidence that in GOVERNMENT CONTROLLED animal facilities dogs were clubbed, buried alive, boiled alive to be killed. Things may have changed some, but there is a long way to go. This site of another rescue shows some heartbreaking stories www.savedogs.org/english/

Finding homes for these beautiful dogs and the 20 more still on death row at Ms Wu's school, and maybe even more after that, is a goal we hope to accomplish.

RuRu, still a little shy.

the motor is running!

Today was an exciting day up on the field, as we call the main flat area where the dogs are housed; it was a bit of a shake-up for dogs and people alike. Hurrah!

Recently we asked Heather Roberston, an accomplished dog trainer who lives only 45 minutes from here, if she would be willing to come once a week to work with us. She has been coming off and on as a volunteer almost since the word go, and we had directly experienced the benefits of her intuition and skills, even on some unruly dogs. Her speciality (and love!) is pitbulls - right up our alley - but she generally just has the common sense and willingness, plus years of training experience, to work with any dog.

She was happy and excited to be part of our team - and has so many great ideas, and energy - that it feels like the engine has been oiled and primed for some action. Today it really began! Nearly every single dog on the field - i.e. around 24, I think - was moved from one run to another. A lot of to-ing and fro-ing and barking and hoop-la all around. Several of the ferals who had never been on a leash before walked! (well, sort of ran hither and thither) to their new accommodation. But they had real human contact in a way that has not happened before. Nails were trimmed, body weights assessed, coats groomed of excess hair: everyone touched and stroked, perhaps after a little tussle of fear, and being subdued by 2 people. After a while, they could relax into it and see that no-one was going to hurt them, that the stroking means love.

Heather has confidence and calmness, and is prepared to test the dogs - never beyond their limits - to that place where they (and we!) have to move out of our comfort zones and take the next step. It is just what we need. It has been great doing what we have so far with them, but everyone is ready to stretch that little bit further.

Ebony, seen above hiding out in her igloo, was one recipient of attention - nails clipped, massive clouds of hair coming off in the hand. Next week, Heather says - a bath and shave!!

It wasn't only the ferals that got a look-in; the 'walkers', as we call the gang, also got moved around, and the ones who are now targeted for adoption training have been grouped together in a row.

It's funny how one person can create a ripple of change like this. I see we are all hungry for it, as Tara's Babies continues to develop and transform. Heather's input gives everyone skills and confidence to know that the best way forward for the dogs is right at the end of the leash already in our hands. We look forward to more days of learning, growth and having fun!