Dhiviya was an independent rescuer who now volunteers at MDDB. — Photos: DHIVIYA NAVARASAN
Helping animals in need is a must, but if you hesitate because of concerns that the exercise can be overwhelming, leading to anxiety, depression and burnout, you’re not alone.
Rescuer and volunteer Dhiviya Navarasan, who has seen different sides of animal rescue, agrees. She also has some great tips that allow all of us to help hand.
Pawsitively passionate
Dhiviya has been helping strays for 10 years. She was an independent rescuer in her hometown Ipoh, and now volunteers in Kuala Lumpur with Malaysian Dogs Deserve Better (MDDB).
“It began with feeding a few animals and it quickly morphed into much more,” Dhiviya laughs. “I took in the sick ones, nursed them, and then adopted them out. The non-adoptable ones found a home with my family and me!”
Today, she has four pet dogs.
The eldest is Mingu, a 13-year-old Shih Tzu. “He was a gift who ignited my love for dogs,” Dhiviya shares. “I didn’t know much about dogs at all, and when I looked into it and learning about breeding mills, I was horrified. I love Mingu but I am an advocate for 'adopt – don’t shop.’”
Dhiviya Mingu, her 13-year-old Shih Tzu.
The other three are what volunteers affectionately call "foster-fails".
First, there's Pumpkin, whom she rescued six years ago after a hit-and-run accident that left her with broken paws.
“He was in a bad state and needed a lot of care,” Dhiviya shares. “I think he’s probably around eight or nine years old now.”
Suri and Puri who are litter mates, were saved from an impound where they were on the kill list.
Dhiviya took them along with their mother and two siblings. While she found homes for the mum and two of the pups, Suri and Puri were sick at the time.
They stayed with her, “purely temporarily” Navarasan giggles, “and now they’re now four years old and members of the family.”
Rescuing on your own can be daunting, she notes. “You need proper resources: space for sick dogs, significant funds, lots of vet visits. And finding forever homes is really hard. Even after adoption, you must follow through for years to ensure their safety. It’s a long and costly process.”
Dhiviya notes that she had lots of support, including from her husband, but says it is very hard work even if you have that "village" to help you.
After relocating to Kuala Lumpur for work two years ago, Dhiviya discovered MDDB and has been involved ever since.
She notes that volunteering can be less of a strain. “When you volunteer, you can select an activity that suits you. If you’re busy, you can help clean the shelter or bathe the dogs. There’s a place for everyone,” she concludes warmly.
Socialising puppies is an important part of rescue and homing dog.
For sensitive hearts
We all know that volunteering is necessary and that contributing is important. However, studies show that while rescuing and volunteering can be enriching, there are also risks.
In a large review of different groups working with animals, the American Psychological Society noted in 2019 that animal welfare workers can suffer emotional and psychological distress.
First, they often witness the results of animal abuse and neglect. Also, while shelters are safe spaces for animals, the pets there are often stressed, scared or need rehabilitation after experiencing trauma.
It’s hard work and it can be incredibly rewarding but also distressing.
Thankfully, if you are sensitive, or are worried about managing anxiety and depression, you can still do your bit.
“Shelter dogs need to see the outside world,” Navarasan points out. “There’s always a need for volunteers to play with and walk dogs. If you can come and take them for a walk or play with them, you can help them experience life. It means the world to them.”
If that is still too much, there are also strictly hands-off activities.
“We need to get the word out,” Navarasan says. “If you can help by fundraising, or just talking to people, creating awareness or handing out brochures when we have publicity drives, that would be great too.”
In addition, many shelters have sponsorship programmes where you can support a specific dog or cat by donating a fixed amount every year that pays for clean water, food and all the basics.
Usually, you get a photo welcome pack and if the shelter has a lot of volunteers, you may also get an update on the pet.
Even easier, all shelters take donations and most have a shop.
“Buy our products!” Navarasan adds. “We all sell mugs, tees, shampoo, stickers, tote bags and other goodies, and some are seasonal. You can help support us by buying your holiday gifts from us.”
However you choose to help, whether it’s lunch money or a day of your time, know that you are giving hope where it's needed most.
