A Pawโs View from Nepal
For those of you who donโt know me, my name is Melissa Perkins and I reside in Manchester NH, USA. Iโm extremely passionate about animal welfare, thus my upcoming adventure, โA Pawโs View from Nepal.โ #apawsviewfromnepal
My Adventure Awaits
I will be volunteering at the Kathmandu Animal Treatment (KAT) center through A Broader View Volunteers Street Dog Care Center program in Kathmandu, Nepal for 90 days via Abroader View Volunteers Corp., which is a 501c (3) based non-profit organization. A Broader View is a top-rated US based volunteer program providing developing countries with volunteer assistance while educating those volunteers about the communities in which they serve. A Broader View Volunteering Tax Exempt Status is ER # 26-0594308 / DLN # 17053045142018 / ID #75907.
When I first arrive, Iโll be entering a two-week inclusion program in which Iโll learn the foundations of the Nepali language, customs and culture. Following the first two weeks, I will be volunteering 40 hours per week at the shelter.
Host Family
My host family consists of a husband, the volunteer coordinator for Nepal, his wife and their 5-year-old son. The family runs an after-school program and library for kids/teens. They were hoping I could bring English books and art/craft supplies for all ages which I am collecting through a book drive. I am also looking for puzzles and games.
Why:
In the past I have volunteered as an Adoption Counselor at the Animal Rescue League of NH located in Bedford, NH USA, and I spent part of a vacation to Mexico volunteering at a no kill animal shelter in Playa del Carmen. My experience in Mexico and with our local animal shelter has brought to light the very difference in both animal treatment here at home and in other countries. In the US we treat our dogs and cats as part of the family; children, grandchildren, siblings. In third world countries dogs and cats are considered animals and very few people have them as household pets.
Nepal has nearly 25,000 stray dogs. Every year in Kathmandu more than 200 people die due to rabies and contact with street dogs. The program Iโm joining has a shelter, but the primary focus is animal birth control, rabies vaccinations and public education. I will be working alongside veterinarians that provide these services to the street dogs.
Raising Funds to Volunteer:
Although Iโm volunteering my time, the program is not free. Thanks to a generous donation from Kim Argrew, owner of Onsite Drug Testing of New England, located in Concord, NH USA, I have been able to launch my fundraising quest. My first of hopefully many donations paid for the program and accommodations with my host family including breakfast and dinner daily.
The program fee does not include flights, travel health insurance, entry visa, departure taxes, vaccinations not covered by my health insurance, local transportation, laundry and internet. These various additional expenses are very costly and here is where Iโm looking for the most help raising funds. Donations will also help to purchase supplies that KAT is in desperate need of (Flea and Tick Medication, Collars & Leashes, Dog & Cat Shampoo, Dog & Cat Toys and chew treats, Medicines, Dog Food, Tick Removers, Sweaters for winter, etc.).
Blogging & Live Updates:
I want to share my experience with all of you! I will be blogging daily, providing people across the world with real time videos, pictures and diaries from my experiences with the program, animals and the local people via page A Pawโs View From Nepal, Instagram (#apawsviewfromnepal) and Whatsapp.
Although I have an official sponsor, Iโm looking for many more. All businesses will be tagged and pictured, so feel free to provide me with your logoed apparel. (long sleeve shirts, hats, jackets)
Iโve dreamed about doing something like this my whole life and now itโs coming true! Thank you in advance for any support you can give! I appreciate it very much! OUR adventure awaits!
