Dog owners can share experiences and get advice from others on the various dog communities and support groups online. Photo: Unsplash/Anthony Tran
Having a pet is a long-term commitment that not everyone is ready for. So, before deciding whether to get a pet or not, give fostering a go. Fostering is a good way to test the waters, says Amy Wong of My Forever Doggo, a media platform that aims to encourage kindness and acceptance of dogs in Malaysia.
Although taking care of pets benefits both the carer and the animal – “you’re (both) getting a good companion who will always be there for you” – Wong says that pet ownership comes with a fair share of responsibility.
“If you’re not ready for the long-term commitment that comes with owning a pet – such as money, time, and patience – then don’t buy or adopt one. Instead, test the waters by fostering first,” she says.
By fostering, you will be helping rescue organisations or individual rescuers care for a dog or cat temporarily until it finds a home, she says.
“This will also give you an insight on what it’s like to have a pet, the responsibilities involved, plus you’ll have loads of fun doing good work, and also learn a lot,” she says.
Encouraging kindness
My Forever Doggo operates as a social enterprise. While it originally started off as a dog adoption platform for shelters to “piggyback on” in 2018, it has evolved to more than just that, says Wong.
“We realised that there are many organisations out there that are doing an amazing job with adoptions and we wanted to support them while also impacting the ‘doggo world’ differently,” she says.
“We delved into content creation, sharing positivity through stories of kindness and amazing humans in the ‘doggo world’ to encourage more compassion towards dogs in Malaysia, while helping independent rescuers and shelters find homes for their rescues,” she adds.
Wong says their main focus right now is to encourage more Malaysians to treat dogs, especially the homeless ones – which they refer to as “Malaysian Mix doggos” – kindly.
At the moment, they have been doing so through sharing news posts about everyday Malaysians being kind to dogs, visiting and filming everyday Malaysians who have impacted the “doggo world” to share their personal journey and stories, as well as through their longest running campaign, “Love All Beings (Lab)”, she reveals.
“Lab is an editorial shoot which features local celebrities donned in gorgeous outfits from clothing brands with a rescued dog to share a common message: ‘If you don’t like them, you don’t have to hurt them. Just leave them be’,” she explains.
“This campaign has been a hit so far so we hope to continue spreading the message through this as well as other impactful means,” she adds.
Never abandon your dog
Amy Wong with a rescue. Photo: My Forever DoggoAccording to Wong, dog abandonment has been on the rise, especially since the movement control order was lifted and borders reopened, and many people returned to their usual working lives.
“There are many reasons why people abandon their dog(s) but I think it mainly stems from irresponsible dog ownership where people don’t fully realise the responsibilities that come with having a dog as well as the commitment it takes,” she says.
Wong says that dog owners can easily find dog community and support groups on social media, as well as dog trainers, rescuers, veterinarians, and others, on the Internet, to help them (find another home) so there isn’t any excuse not to be a responsible pet owner.
“The world is very connected with the presence of social media and you can easily find dog community and support groups on Facebook and Instagram, with just a simple search whether you’re thinking of getting a dog, looking for advice or struggling with one,” she adds.
“There are also many supportive and helpful dog parents and people in dog-related fields who are always more than willing to share their experiences and advice to help you prepare for a dog, or learn to train, co-exist and be kind to one,” she says.
Wong says that early exposure to pets is one way to spread awareness about responsible pet ownership. Guidance from those who are experienced with dogs or even just through casual conversations among friends also helps, she says.
“Dog owners can always share experiences and advice with their friends who are thinking of getting a dog and provide support whenever needed,” she adds.
Societal roles
The world is very connected with the presence of social media and you can easily find dog community and support groups on Facebook and Instagram, with just a simple search whether you’re thinking of getting a dog, looking for advice or struggling with one, says Wong (pictured with a rescue). Photo: My Forever DoggoBesides abandonment and irresponsible dog ownership, there are other sources of homeless dogs such as the lack of proper Trap-Neuter-Release-Manage (TNRM) efforts put in place, highlights Wong.
Wong says that it would be great if TNRM efforts could receive government support and funding to help with their cause of reducing the number of homeless dogs in Malaysia.
“There are many rescue organisations and independent rescuers who have been using money out of their own pockets or raising funds to support their TNRM efforts in controlling the population of homeless dogs. But because their resources are limited, they can only do it on a small scale,” she says.
“It would be great if these organisations and rescuers can get governmental support and funding to help scale strategic TNRM efforts throughout Malaysia, just like how IAPWA (International Aid for the Protection & Welfare of Animals) Penang have managed to get governmental support for their TNRM efforts and the results are successful,” she adds.
“This has not only helped control the homeless animal population, it has also created trust between citizens and the government, encouraged kindness and empathy, and saved the lives of countless dogs,” says Wong.
“Responsible dog ownership is extremely important so make sure you do your research and get guidance before even getting a dog,” emphasises Wong.
“Dogs can be loyal, fun and loving creatures when they’re treated right. And if you’re unsure, foster a dog first. Ultimately, if you don’t like dogs, then just leave them alone and don’t harm them,” she concludes.
For more info or to adopt/foster a pet, visit: My Forever Doggo.
