BoBo, The Lucky Stray by Lee Kim Hong

The drain canals in Lim Chu Kang Chinese cemetery smells of death. When the dogs know that their days are numbered, they will wait quietly for death to come inside the drain. BoBo was one of the unfortunate dogs. She knew exactly how tortuous the wait was.

During one of my feeding rounds, we heard her "engine-liked" breathing and that led us to where she was hiding. It was deep into the drains. We were unable to reach her, a bamboo stick was used to shove her out. Out came not only BoBo but heaps of rubbish. It answered our question of the missing dog as we had not seen her for days during our routine feeding.

To our astonishment, the lower portion of her left leg was rotten, her feet was gone and there was a deep rounded cut mark around her ankle. Red raw flesh can be seen and there was kerosene smell as well. We could tell from her eyes that she wanted us to stop her misery.

Vets examining Bobo's hind leg

Without further ado, we sent her to the vet. As usual, the vet's first question to us were "What are you going to do if she manages to survive the ordeal?", "How about putting her to sleep?" etc. We were at a loss but we were sure that every living being has a purpose in life on this earth.

We asked the vet to save her and we will worry about what to do next later. Her left leg was amputated and she recovered pretty well within two weeks. Being left with so little to defend herself, we knew that it was impossible for her to go back to the cemetery. That place looks deceptively safe. Countless dogs were either abused or poisoned and laid dead unknowingly in their own "coffin".

BoBo after surgery, had to have her hind leg amputated


BoBo coping with three legs

In a desperate attempt, we made a SOS call to Lynda and hoped that Noah’s Ark can accept this poor dog. She was very kind to say yes....and that was how BoBo landed at the animal heaven. This was not without costs. BoBo had trade-off her leg to exchange for the ticket to Noah's Ark. At least we know she's happy there, not needing to worry about food, water or shelter again.

After a good swim at Noah's Ark


BoBo enjoying the freedom at Noah's Ark

With limited resources, we cannot afford to put all the dogs at Noah’s Ark or pet kennels. Our hearts weep when we know there’s so much to be done but yet so little was done.

The feeding at the CCK Chinese cemetery continues……

**Story contributed by Lee Kim Hong

Jolie's Tale

Hi everyone, my name is Jolie and I grew up in an industrial estate in Jurong. My home used to be a factory and my benefactors were Yati, Denise and Alan.

I remember I had a very happy childhood. Yati and Denise, my lovely ladies and Alan, my handsome gentleman, never failed to play and feed me everyday. It was a very happy and perfect world to a puppy who never saw outside the confines of the factory! Although there were no beds or the comforts of a proper home, the factory was the whole worldI knew. The only family I had was Yati, Denise and Alan but that was more than enough for me.

One fateful day, (May 11, 2009-yes I still remember the date!) my life took a turn for the worst. A lorry had knocked me down and rolled over my left front leg, causing it to be immobile as the nerves there were dead. My three friends rushed me to a vet at Clementi. The vet on duty, Dr. Heng, took one look at me and immediately decided to perform an operation to amputate my front left leg. In total, two surgeries were performed on me and the pain I experienced was unbearable.

Kelly, a kind young girl, posing with Jolie a week after surgery.

When my three friends came to visit me during my recovery, I tried very hard to be brave. Yet it was seemingly impossible as the pain tore my composure and I was very upset that my friends had to see me in such a state. I wanted them to see me like I was before-a happy, playful little puppy. Still, all I could do was lie down and look at them sadly. I was very happy to see them and by that time, I had forgotten the trauma of the accident but I couldn't move too much yet.


After a few days, my wound healed and I realised I was missing a front leg. I couldn't understand why I was unable to stand up! However, the wonderful staff at the vet propped me up as I learnt how to walk again. Slowly as the days went by, I began to learn how to balance and eventually take small steps on my own. The patience, encouragement and care the staff showered on me gave me the confidence and determination to walk again. I understood I also had to accept the predicament I was in and move on in life. "This, too, shall pass" soon became my motto.

Soon, I began to take daily walks outside and even the chance to bask in the sun! I watched with gratefulness the beauty of nature and all its surroundings. The staff of the clinic allowed me to wander in the clinic and it was a thrill for me as I got to meet many dogs and cats who were there for treatment. The owners too, were extremely impressed I could walk so well on three legs. Pats and strokes were plentiful. I felt extremely loved and proud of myself :D


As I write this in my new home, I look back with a smile at how lucky I am to have my three friends - Yati, Denise and Alan. They were the ones who saved my life. My gratefulness also extends to Dr. Heng and her staff for the successful operation and the after care they graciously extended to me. Lastly, I would like to thank my new owner for accepting me into their family. I have been named after Angelina Jolie, the gorgeous American actress who's also known for having a heart of gold and having great strength. I will grow up to be just like her!

A last thought before I rest. Sometimes when you've hit rock bottom, the only way to go is up. With the help and love from others, that's exactly what I did! So if you are ever feeling down, do remember the plight I was in. Most importantly, think of how I managed to move on with my life. If I can be strong willed, so can you!

Love always,
Jolie