Pet shelters generally are overcrowded. While adoption doesn't work for everyone, sponsorship is a more viable option. Photo: 123rf.com
There are many shelters in Malaysia, but KL Pooch Resort and Rescue (KLPR) is a bit different. Established in 2011 on a 3-acre (1.2ha) plot in Kalumpang, Hulu Selangor, Selangor, it is a registered charity that generates 80% of its own income.
Shannon Lam, founder and CEO of KLPR, also runs a boarding facility and dog resort for pampered pet pooches and a small venture making high quality, luxury raw food for dogs.
She uses these two businesses to generate funds which generously provides most of the revenue stream that keeps the sanctuary going.
"We have 300 dogs," Lam shares. "Although we look for adopters, many of our dogs are eight years old or more. Their age makes them less adoptable than pups."
Unlike traditional shelters that deal with public rescues and surrenders, KLPR dog residents have joined over time, taken in by Lam and her friends.
With the number of dogs looking for a home greatly exceeding the number of homes available, the sanctuary is now full and can't take in more.
"There are lots of NGOs who are placing pets," Lam notes. "They advertise, and reach out to potential adopters privately, online, and through adoption fairs.
"For us, traditional methods are tricky. We're quite far out into the country and many of our dogs are eight or older.
"To attend fairs, we have to pack the dogs up, travel out for hours, and then bring everyone back again. We'd need our volunteers to work a very long day, plus it's tiring for the dogs."
Shannon Lam at KL Pooch Resort and Rescue, in Kalumpang, Hulu Selangor. Filepic: Calvin Goh
To complicate matters, fairs are about spontaneity. They help people who have little experience of pets to explore the idea of adoption. They also spur people who grew up with pets and who are now independent to consider adding a furry to the family.
While fairs inspire, that comes with potential issues.
"People fall in love, but it's a first-date love," Lam observes. "It's wonderful but you don't want to marry on the basis of a first date, and we run our adoptions on this principle, too."
KLPR is happy for friends to meet their dogs but their adoption process is more like matchmaking than speed dating.
"A good adoption is based on matching," Lam points out. "When you want a dog, we work with you. When we think we have a fit, the pet goes home with you.
"Many times, it goes well right from the start. But sometimes it's an OK fit but not perfect. That's when we talk and arrange for a different adoption. It's not like, 'This isn't working, we cut you off.' Adoptions are complex!"
Aside from the challenge of arranging the perfect match, many people who would love a pet are not in a place where they can reasonably adopt one. This has inspired KLPR to launch Poochie Pals, a personal pet sponsorship programme where Pals can sponsor individual Poochies.
For RM88 a month, you can sponsor a pet. You get a photo, a background file, and a biannual newsletter. Also, you get updates on your pet.
"The updates are not regular because shelter pets don't live wildly exiting lives," Lam points out.
"Our most recent Poochie is Peggy, who had her leg chopped off by a cleaver. We took her in, had the vet fix her up, and now she's a lively tripod. Her sponsor got updates on how Peggy went through surgery and is now running around happily."
Poochie Pals has provided 80 dogs with a sponsor so far. The other 220 are waiting for their Poochie Pal match.
"Some sponsor one dog, some two and we had one lady who sponsored 10 dogs for a whole year," Lam shares. "There's no minimum commitment. Give when you like and stop at any time."
The sum, RM88, was chosen for it's lucky value. It goes to regular medical care such as vaccinations and deworming, and food. Lam estimates that for the average dog at the sanctuary, it covers roughly 50% of the true costs, assuming that there's no illness or health issue.
"It's a middle ground," Lam smiles. "If you can't have a dog at home yet, this is a way to help out. You can just keep to the photo and the updates but, if you want, come and visit your Poochie!"
Adopt (or sponsor) me
Photo: KL Pooch Resort and Rescue/Shannon Lam
Hazel is 18 months old, vaccinated, healthy and spayed. This sweet lady has a happy nature. She is super friendly, very cuddly, sweet, extremely affectionate, and she loves belly rubs. Aside from being a cuddle bug, Hazel is fond of swimming.
Interested adopters or sponsors, please contact Shannon and her team via text or call at 016-233 3647. KL Pooch Resort and Rescue (KLPR) is in Kalumpang, Selangor. Visits are by appointment only.
