Message from our President

Dear Supporters, Members and Volunteers of Noah’s Ark Cares,

[Dated April 27th]

The intention when Noah’s Ark CARES sent the message out was to clarify that this rescue has been carried out by a private group and any queries or donations should go directly to them and not via Noah’s Ark CARES. This was to ensure that any requests would be dealt as speedily as possible given that we have had issues with our email accounts. We are very mindful that these rescued animals have suffered greatly and would hate to see their agony prolonged due to administrative delays.

Noah's Ark CARES has and always will have the welfare of our companion animals regardless of which society they belong to. The sanctuary is home to many of such animals - puppy mill dogs, stray dogs and cats, both cats and dogs from the street, abandoned pets to name but a few.

There is obviously no doubt that Noah's Ark CARES would always do the right thing by their companion animals.

-

[Dated April 26th]

Dear Supporters, Members and Volunteers of Noah’s Ark Cares,

Many of you have written to say that you received requests for contributions to assist in the re-homing and medical costs of the recent rescue of puppy-mill dogs.

The efforts of this private group are to be applauded. We understand the suffering of these individual dogs, and we are glad that individuals in their own capacity are called to help them.

Noah’s Ark Cares is not involved in such rescues. We feel that they will not solve the problem of puppy-milling, and in fact may possibly exacerbate them. The mission of Noah’s Ark Cares is to educate the wider public on responsible pet ownership, which includes the multiple factors to consider when adopting a dog as a new family member. We believe that such efforts will have a greater impact in reducing the number of puppy mills, and ultimately putting all out of business.

We write this in the hopes that in reiterating and clarifying the mission of Noah’s Ark Cares, so that we will not lose sight of the common focus and understanding as to how to reduce the number of “discarded” animals as well as your continued support of our cause.


Yours sincerely,

Chew Gek Hiang
President of Noah’s Ark CARES

Noah's Ark Tour - 27th March - by Julie

On a beautiful Saturday afternoon, blessed with good weather after several continuous days of rain, I am on my third visit to Noah’s Ark but still the anticipation and excitement I feel is not diminished at all. I love the natural setting here with the wide open spaces for both animals and humans to run free. It’s the sense of peace and tranquility that draws me back repeatedly. Life seems to come to a standstill as I am caught up with the enthusiasm and warmth of the animals who mostly seem to have a “No Holds Barred” policy. :) The volunteers always say the visitors bring joy to the residents at Noah’s Ark but I say otherwise. They are the ones who fill us up with so much unconditional love and affection, even though they may have only just met us.

I had gathered a group of 6 this time round to spend the afternoon at Noah’s Ark, the other 5 being first-timers there. We had a good time milling around with the attention-seeking doggies and the equally affectionate kitties. The horses “demanded” to be fed if you are too slow with the treats and Melody, the pony, makes strange noises when you ignore her, haha..

The picky macaque was definitely not impressed by the boring banana I offered but accepted my humble offering of a kiwi instead. The guinea pigs were delightful and we busied ourselves feeding the furry balls of bunnies that melted our hearts. Here and there, we sighted the occasional unusual rescued animal, such as a squirrel, an owl and a couple of beautiful birds. And before you know it, time’s up and we have to leave. Sigh, there never seem to be enough time to spend with all the animals.

It’s a very comfortable feeling at Noah’s Ark, knowing that all beings are loved and treated with respect, and the animals have a safe haven here. I do hope the awareness of Noah’s Ark’s will increase and more people will come forward to support the wonderful work being done here. I will recommend all you busy people out there to come here and spend a leisurely afternoon with our animal friends, better still, bring along human family/friends for that long-awaited catch-up session that you keep trying to find time for. Without a doubt, I will be back again to this lovely retreat away from the hustle and bustle of our hectic lives. :)

Wait...there's more! :)

Yay yay yum time! :)



See my happy smile :)

Go away, I want to sleep...



The 'White Queen'



Best friends :)

Junior

Day 1 of Junior's Dog training.

Meeting Junior for the first time today, I felt a sense of anticipation and uncertainty. This would also be his very first dog training lesson of his life. Once I saw him, I could tell that he too was feeling a sense of anticipation and uncertainty. He took quick glances at the other dogs, at the other people in the group and walked around tentatively, trying to figure out what was going on and who we were.

Junior was found about two months back wandering the streets on his own. Though he had a collar on, no one came to claim him. Estimating his age at two years or so, I could imagine if he had stayed with someone for most of his life, how terrifying it would be to lose his family and be left to fend for himself, uncertain of what tomorrow holds.

Since this was Junior’s first lesson, I was tasked to teach him how to focus. This is a technique that hopes to achieve two things: firstly, to gain the trust of the dog and secondly, to encourage the dog to focus on the trainer and ignore his surroundings. I must admit it was a tad challenging when I started the training. For one, I am not used to holding a big dog, my dog being a pug. Next, Junior do not know me at all and I had to find out what would make Junior find me interesting enough to look at me and listen to me.

Junior, apprehensive on the first day

I tried to talk to Junior to let him know who I was and that I meant no harm. I tried to pat him but he pulled away while glancing around nervously. Being new to learning how to train a dog, I dug into my memory to try and remember what was taught in the first lesson and what would be useful with Junior. I took out my lamb treats and tried them on him. He took one look and did not find it interesting. Drat! I took out my second ammo, chicken treat that looked like “san cham bak” and he took some! Fantastic! I thought I scored one and tried to coax him to follow me and look at me with the treats.

Unfortunately, he lost interest in the chicken treats quickly and started pulling me around the garden. Lynda seeing that I was flailing offered me her dried chicken meat treats. By this time, Junior was wandering everywhere in the garden and ignored me mostly. I soon realized one of the main reasons why he was so distracted though. He pulled me to a corner of the garden and squatted down. He needed a place to poop!!!!

Half an hour into the training, I must have looked really tired as Sharon offered to take Junior and give it a try. Remembering what Adrian (the trainer) said in the first lesson that we need to keep to one dog for the night, I kindly declined and persevered. Hey, come on, the dog has pooped; surely he can now give me a bit of focus, right? I did however, take some of Sharon’s chicken liver and Junior gobbled them up but not having enough to share, and I started looking around for treats again. The maid at the house took pity on me and even went to dig up some cooked chicken meat for me to try. Junior smelt it and jumped happily but when he licked the chicken, decided it wasn’t for him! I was perplexed!

Adrian suggested that maybe my pitch of voice was not high enough so I started squeaking like a mouse. Man, if I started talking like that in the office tomorrow, I would be a laughing stock! But I had to try. I did not believe that Junior cannot be trained. He just needed to learn to trust me a bit more. Already, he was allowing me to go nearer to his head but not yet ready to let me pet him.

Desperate, I went around asking if anyone could spare me some treats and Ruth came to my rescue with her pork sausages treat. They smelt delicious! If they did not work, I may need to go search the supermarket to see what kind of meat I can find and make a meat platter the next time. Trying a few pieces on him, he was enticed but yet he was still distracted, walking around the whole compound. Finally, he settled on a spot and pooped a second time! No wonder! Letting off a bounce after he finished his business, Junior trotted around merrily. Surely, he cannot have any more poop! Time to try!

Using the sausages and coaxing him, I walked Junior round and round the compound till he looked at me and started following me around. Finally! A breakthrough! I was ecstatic! During the next break, I sat down on the floor and talked to Junior. Even though he wanted to walk around, he stood with me and when I touched him this time, he did not pull away! I wanted to give him a great big hug but knew I should not push the limit. Instead, I scratched him at the side of his ear and continued talking to him (yes, in that high pitch voice that made Sharon laugh at me).

My proudest moment of the night was when we were tasked to take a walk around the group and make sure the dog focused on us and not be distracted by the other volunteers and their dogs. Junior performed like a star! Even though there was one spot he got a tad distracted but he focused back on me when I called him and we finished the circle! I felt such a sense of pride and achievement.

We sat at a corner waiting for the rest to finish their turn and he lay down on the floor beside me. By now, he was allowing me to smooth my hand down his head and back. Even the other volunteers remarked how calm and well behaved he was tonight. He looked like a million bucks and I felt like that too because he taught me that by showing the dog you care, being patient and persevering can reap results! I learnt more in tonight’s lesson then on the first lesson learning the same thing.

From tonight’s experience, I believe that Junior can be a wonderful companion. He never once growled at the other dogs and even though he was apprehensive with me, he never showed any hostility and within the short two hours, he learnt to trust me and allowed me to train him and be trained by him. I will not take full credit for tonight’s achievement though. It was through the dedication and hard work of the other volunteers and the love shown by Ms Chew’s household that allowed Junior a second chance and let him have a more settled feeling so that he can learn how to love again.

I hope that Junior will continue to learn and let us learn with him and that he will go to a wonderful home soon as he is a wonderful dog and deserves all the love he can get.

Day 2 of Junior's dog training.

Today was Sharon’s turn to take Junior for his training. When he came out, he looked as happy as a lamb. I found out from Sharon that over the weekend, she took him out for a run and the other volunteers told me that Junior is now staying together with Shin, the Husky! I was so happy! Seems like the step to let him try out a session of training helped open his mind and heart to more new experiences.

When I called his name, he looked at me happily and allowed me to pat him and play with him. I could put my arm around him and he would stand there with a smile on his doggy face and just look around curiously. Gone was the apprehensive nature and fear I remember from the first time I met him.

A changed dog!

My greatest amazement was that even though Junior barely took any lessons, he managed to pick up each part of the training from focusing, sitting, lying down to heel and sit, stay in such a short time! I cannot help but feel a deep sense of pride for him.

I hope more training sessions will open his heart more to learn how to trust people again. One day, he will make a family complete. I am sure of it.


*Story contributed by Mary Chye
*Photos contributed by Sharon

Sign up for private tours to Noah's Ark!

THANK YOU. WE ARE CURRENTLY FULL. PLEASE STAY TUNED FOR OUR PUBLIC TOUR AND THE NEXT PRIVATE TOUR DATE.

Dear Friends of Noah's Ark,

Noah's Ark is pleased to announce that due to popular request, we are starting a series of private tour days for visitors. There will be a private tour day monthly, for months without public tours (public tours are held in March, June and September). Start marking your calendar for a series of private tours to Noah's Ark! The next visit will be on

8th May, 2010, Saturday

Write to us if you are interested to visit the sanctuary on this day with your own transport (either via mini bus or own vehicle). Once we reach our maximum capacity, we regret that you will have to join us on the next private tour date. There will be a small donation of S$10 per pax for each person, which will go into running of the wonderful sanctuary you are about to visit!

For a start, mark your calendar for the next visit - 8th May 2010 (Saturday). Hurry and book your visit with us! :D

What are we waiting for? Hurry and book with us to avoid disappointment! :) See you there!

I can't wait to greet you!

I will be on the lookout for you!

Thank you Addiction!

Noah’s Ark has been the recipient of kind benefaction of kind animal lovers and friends from all walks of life. We like to extend our most sincere appreciation to Addiction Holistic Pet Food for donating the following natural, wholesome, delicious food to our canine residents at Noah’s Ark:-

1) 44 Cartons Unagi & Seaweed (Dog) 185g x 24 Cans
2) 44 Cartons Salmon & Potato (Cat) 185g x 24 Cans
3) 40 Bags Wild Kangaroo & Apple (Dog) 15Lbs Bag

Volunteers giving the dogs a treat, courtesy of Addiction Foods


A free for all in the cattery. YUM!


Cats tucking in to the delicious Addiction food


Jasmine basking in the attention. Oh, Jasmine is one of the few dogs that live in the cattery with the cats


Iza playing with Jasmine


Thank you for making my day!

We are grateful for your contributions and our animals at NA can’t wait to get their paws on the food donated… check out the pictures below!

Thank you Addiction for your generosity and for visiting us at our Sanctuary!

Oh boy oh boy… its paw licking good… When is my next meal?

Thanks to Sharon and the Bunny Team for giving the bunnies lots to hop about!

In mid June last year 2009, Noah's Ark rabbits (if you have not noticed, the animal sanctuary has a lovable population of rabbits) had something to 'hop' about - they finally moved to a much bigger compound, the likes of a big playground to a child. The new bunny hutch came about after a group of volunteers poured their heart and soul into raising funds for the construction of the place. Very importantly, their passion in the well-being of the bunnies brought fruition to this project.



If I could recall correctly, December 2008 was my first encounter with the rabbit community at Noah’s Ark. During my first few visits to the animal sanctuary, I did not notice the little ones. It was Lynda who showed me where they were housed on 1 particular visit.

When I peered into their individual enclosures, I feel deep in my heart I could do something for them. The rabbits deserve a bigger space where they stretch out and hop around. With that purpose in mind, I surfaced my thoughts to Lynda and Raymund, who in turn agreed on the rabbit hutch project. I roped in a few other volunteers who helped to raise funds for this project. As I house rabbits in a home, it was fascinating to wonder how we can place the 20+ rabbits in a hutch at Noah’s Ark.



The traditional ways of housing them was not going to be all that practical as we had to balance the ease of cleaning the place as well creating a clean and dry environment for the fury ones. Raymund and I brainstormed how the hutch would look like and created a vision in our minds. That vision was all we needed to drive this project.

Due to the unfavorable weather conditions during the first few months of the 2009, it took a while before the project commenced. During that time, the volunteers continued to visit the rabbits each weekend and ensuring that their well-being were taken care of.



The rabbits were a little underweight when we first saw them, but after much care and attention, they have grown to be happy hopping bunnies. The population has also grown but it is well controlled as our sterilization programme has been put in place. The bunny hutch was finally completed mid of June this year (2009) – imagine who are the happiest - our furry friends of course!

Now that the hutch is built, maintenance work is just as important. Plans are underway to have more ‘interior décor’ inside the hutch, like logs, stones, plants to make the place even cozier for the bunnies. The volunteers will also continue to check on the well-being of the bunnies and to help them adapt to new environment.


The recently completed rabbit hutch

Common unknown facts about rabbits:
1) They can be trained – to poo/pee in their litter boxes, respond to you when you call their names etc.
2) They need more than carrots – rabbits need lots of high fibre pellets (timothy), hay and water in their diet. On the contrary, carrots are high in sugar and should be fed only occasionally.
3) They can be territorial, just like any other animals. Bonding the rabbits is important before putting them together in a common living area. Bonding can be a long process, and requires a fair amount of your patience and time.

Alan & Charissa, 2 members of the bunny team, checking on the rabbits

Here's a short interview with 1 of the bunnies …

"In December 2008, we remembered Lynda brought a volunteer to see us. It was raining and although the visit was very brief, we could hear the volunteer say "I'll be back for all of you" … Most of us are local breeds, and few of us are cross between Netherlands dwarf and local breed – but the volunteers loved us no less.

The next few weekends that followed, we met the same volunteer and a few of her other friends. They brought us chye sim, hay and some other yummy treats. They also took time to groom us and made us prettier/more handsome, we liked that! Sometime early June, we saw some construction work being done just next to where we are staying. Very soon, we saw this big concrete structure being put up. We continued to see the volunteers during the weekends. Before we know it, we were transported to this new place. It's a bunny's dream-come-true! There's so much space to run around which we really need to exercise ourselves. We are thankful to the volunteers for their attention on us, and also to Raymund for seeing through the completion of the hutch."

Check out the photos below!









No matter whether it’s a pedigree or local breed (be it dogs, cats, bunnies etc), all animals deserve the same amount of love and care from its owners and care-givers.

*Photos and article contributed by Sharon Tang & her bunny team!