Benji Gets A New Family !!

Sparky in his new home.

Yesterday, our newest family member, a Bichon Frise (previously known as Benji) arrived. As many of you would remember him as the "dirty mop", you would also know that he was abandoned by his last owner at a construction/industrial area. Noah's Ark Cares rescued, cleaned and nursed Sparky back to his former bouncy self.

When he first arrived, he was named Benji. However we have since re-named him Sparky as my husband Richard wanted his name to start with an "S", in line with our 2 children – Sean and Sophie. One of the first things that Sparky did was to take a ride in Richard's Beetle as he had to send me somewhere.

Next, Sparky took a jog with Richard along the Singapore River. Routinely, Richard would do a 3km run and to his astonishment and surprise, Sparky managed to keep pace and run along with him! Although my husband is not an avid dog lover alike me, he really took to Sparky thanks to his running abilities.

An excited Sparky couldn't hold his head still for his first car ride with daddy.

I noticed that Sparky had previous toilet training as we did not have much trouble in this area. He also really enjoyed going on car rides. Even at 12 midnight when I had to go out to pick Sean up, Sparky was still full of energy and ready to go!

Initially, we fenced Sparky in the kitchen area where we also placed his bed (a big basket comfortable with cushions). Before long, Sparky knew how to break out of his temporary fencing. We then reinforced it with 3 chairs. But Sparky was not to be deterred!

He started whining and charging at the gate in order to break free. His efforts soon paid off in half an hour and this time, we decided to shut the kitchen door but it too, was of no use. There may be some bull blood in him as he still kept charging against the kitchen door.

Eventually, I gave up and let him roam freely around the house. Due to Sparky having no fur (his fur was shaved off as it was matted and extremely dirty during rescue), he reminded me very much of a lamb. It was a case of "Mary had a little lamb".

Every time I got up to get a drink or go to the toilet, Sparky would trot happily after me. He is now my shadow as he would not leave my side. Perhaps he was insecure in this new strange environment and needed some human company.

We eventually realized that Sparky hated to be left alone and eventually I allowed him to sleep in our room. Knowing now that his bed is in our room and physically close to us, Sparky slept soundly throughout the night.

Being lovable and full of energy, Sparky has bounced right into our hearts and our whole family simply adores him. I felt a tinge of sadness when I left home for work this morning, but I am eager to see him run towards me when I get home tonight.

By Mommy Teresa

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We would like to thank Teresa for her contribution in this blog and for giving Benji a good, happy home - at last!


p.s. We would also like take this oppurtunity to thank June Boey for kindly sponsoring Benji's medical bills. :D

Before and After - Honey (Mongrel)

Honey is one of our fortunate rescued victims. She is our poster girl for July in the Noah's Ark calendar 2008.

She is one of our success story of an abused animal - rescued, treated and rehomed to a loving family.

Frequently few people bother about the negative impact they have on an animal abuse done on a reckless whim. There are also many people out there with a compassionate heart who give their time, effort and money unconditionally to rescue these animals.

We hope those in the compassionate camp will outnumber the other.

One of Noah's Ark's objective is to educate the public about preventing animal abuse and compassion for animals. Also, we want to reach out to like minded individuals that are aligned in thoughts to Noah's Ark no-kill policy to rescue and rehome abused animals.

Through our sterilisation projects like Project Industrial Dogs, we need your help and support to control the stray population to stop bringing unwanted puppies into this world, provide medical treatment and monitor the the current stray dog population in humane ways and educate the public on the importance of stray sterilisation.

Here is Honey, a living proof and example as a lesson for all of us. We hope to find more of you on the same side of the fence with us.


** Kindly note the photos as follows may make you uncomfortable.

Cut by a wire tied too tightly around the neck.

Close up of the weeping wound.

The neck is almost servered.

Honey had to be anaesthesized to have her wounds cleaned and treated.

The wound closed up after 2 weeks of treatment.

Honey back for a medical review in high spirits after 2 weeks of treatment.

A much doted Honey in her new home.

Groomed and poised for her new life.