We're two Thai rescue dogs from Thailand, now living it up in the UK. and our mum makes handmade collars and other doggies stuff! Noddy & Sweet Pea are my inspiration for creating my collection of collars. This is their story...…. "Noddy and Sweet Pea's Story" & "Jesse's Story"
I first became aware of their predicament during the floods of Thailand in 2011. Watching the tragic flooding unfold on t
he TV and internet, brought me from human tragedy and suffering to that of animal suffering too. Using the internet I saw stories of people trying to help the animals during the floods and how it seemed an almost impossible task to rescue them all. It was very upsetting to see these helpless animals struggle for survival as the flood destroyed everything in its path. Noddy & Sweet Pea were amongst the lucky ones to have been rescued, but there were and still are tens of thousands that are not so fortunate. They were stranded on the crest of a bridge as this was the only available safe place during the floods for them to survive. They were put there by a woman and her helpers who work in the Temple grounds of Wat Puttamonthon (Bangkok). Within the Temple grounds is an area known as "Dog Island" where many stray dogs are given food and shelter. Both Noddy & Sweet Pea were infected with blood parasites, suffering from malnutrition while Sweet Pea also required intensive care treatment in an oxygen tent for 2 weeks. Nobody knew if she would survive such was her condition. Happily they both made a miraculous recovery thanks to the team at Soi Dog Foundation who went above and beyond to rescue as many animals as possible. The work that they do is nothing short of miraculous for the neglected dogs and cats of Thailand. Please take a moment to see the work they do and if you can possibly make a donation. The plight of the dogs didn't stop there, as we then became aware of the illegal dog meat trade which still continues despite official and charitable organisations attempts to have this barbaric trade put to an end. Although Noddy & Sweet Pea were not rescued from the dog meat trade there are many thousands of dogs that are captured from the streets or are stolen pets which are transported in inhumane conditions to meet a gruesome end. Those that are rescued from this illegal trade need caring for and where possible need to be adopted like Noddy & Sweet Pea. To live happy fulfilling and deserved lives of respect. I couldn't imagine life without them now. They have taught me to be more forgiving, compassionate and tolerant of all things and above all to live in the "now" and not dwell on the past. Where they came from was terrible, but where they are now is wonderful. Life can be truly wonderful and rewarding when you just stop thinking about your own needs and wants and instead help those who are otherwise unable to help themselves. Thanks to Pa Lern (Dog Island Caretaker), Bitter Brownie, John & Gill Dalley (Soi Dog Foundation), Cindy & Derek Amey (K9 Aids), Thai Royal Navy and many many more volunteers. Kookie & Jason xx
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"Jesse's Story"
Jesse (then called Mui after Samui) spent the first 5 months of his life, scrounging for food and trying to survive in a small Thai community, on the island of Koh Samui Thailand. Although for tourists, this is a beautiful destination, Jesse had to learn to live alone, avoid irritating the locals, find food when food was scarce and try to find water in the extreme heat. One evening while Jesse was struggling to find food and eating something rotten from a plastic bag, 2 British ladies scooped him up and took him home to their thai wooden house. He was extremely frail, full of ticks and fleas, hungry and sick. He was a bag of bones and very shy. He had cuts and grazes and his fur was thin in many areas. After some TLC, a visit to the vets, many tablets and lots of yummy food, Jesse began to improve and play with the other dogs around his new home. Unfortunately, this didn’t last long. Jesse contracted a nasty cough and after 2 days of coughing, stopped playing and ate very little. His guardians become extremely worried and carried him on their moped to the vet again. They were told he has distemper and pneumonia and although he was prescribed tablets, to not expect him to live more than 7 days. After the devastating news, the two ladies decided not to give up on Jesse and stayed by his side for almost 2 months, feeding him special food and bathing him twice a day with a special shampoo to help his fur grow back. To their amazement, after 7 days, he started barking again and playing with the other dogs and was eating his bowl of food faster than the others! The decision was made to bring Jesse to the UK, along with two other puppies that the ladies had nursed from birth, to see if the ladies could find them all a loving home with a family who understand their story, would love them and look after them. And here is Jesse, with a brilliant white coat, healthy eyes and gums and a great big smile. He is one lucky boy!"
Thanks to Camilla & her mother. Ana Cossart Hall and Carly Jane Evans.
