Statement from Mary Soo

Mary SooDear All,Like you, I am a passionate animal lover AND like you, I sometimes do tend to be overruled by my heart instead of my head. Yes, I undertook to sponsor the rescue and upkeep of the Changi dogs and puppies/dogs brought over from the neighbouring islands for culling by the AVA over a period of more than 5 years. On hindsight, as a few of ... See Moreyou so rightly said, I should have done my financial calculations properly and should have just turned away and left them to fate.Prior to the rescue of the Changi dogs, I was also involved in the nightly feeding of these strays, hence when the time came when the Government was clearing the land for the building of the aerospace and wanted the strays culled, my friends (two ladies) and I could not bear the thought of seeing the lives of these lovely friends being terminated so tragically as over time a strong bond had developed. A snap decision was made to save the dogs. The ladies did not have the financial muscle to pay for the rescue work and because of my love for these dogs, I decided to save them even if it meant having to forego more than half my salary and any savings for my old age (I am now 63).Shortly after the rescue, one lady fell off as she did not want to be involved with the long-term commitment. The other lady put in all her insurance payout she received and I chipped in for the balance. The rental costs S$5,350 per month excluding food and medical. Apart from this rental, I am still paying boarding charges of nearly S$1,000 a month at another shelter where I have 6 rescued dogs and one stray I undertook to sponsor at the shelter.Not surprisingly, now the other lady is feeling the strain and has also opted out, thus leaving me alone, not just to carry the financial burden but also to go down to the kennels on a regular basis after work and on weekends to ensure that the area is clean and dry (workers tend not mop dry) for my beloved babies. I also pay the worker to cook rice with meat dust plus chicken liver for the dogs everyday. It’s sixteen 5kg bags of rice each week @ $6.25 per bag (farm only, excluding my home dogs and stray feeding).I do not compromise on the comfort and health of my dogs. They go to one of the best vets (Companion Animal Surgery) – recently one of the dogs was badly bitten by another and the surgery cost was $5,000. This does not include the regular wound dressing (every 3 days) and the cost of the pet transport.IT HAS NEVER BEEN MY INTENTION TO PUT DOWN ALL MY BELOVED BABIES AT THE FARM. I knew that soon I may run into difficulties financing the project (at 63 I may not have a job very soon). That is why I have been soliciting fellow shelters for help, asking if they could help to take over the puppies (as I know they have the sophistication of a website where adoption could be arranged), and perhaps for a few of the adoptable dogs too. Before it really becomes financially tough on me, I am still committed to protecting and caring for all my dogs and will continue to solicit for help. I just rescued 2 puppies whose siblings were eaten up by a monitor lizard at Changi (I am still feeding strays in Changi and once a week at Halus) and to prevent overcrowding, I have in May just taken up additional kennel space with Ericsson. My rental per month is now $6,826 with Ericsson. If you want evidence of this, I shall be very happy to meet up with you and show you the receipts. I have nothing to hide.It is unfortunate that this has been blown out of context and proportion by unsubstantiated rumours. To those who have reserved judgment and clarified, I thank you. Others may learn from this and use their heads instead of their hearts when thinking of helping animals long term.I urge all animal lovers to unite in the cause we all believe in, providing support instead of working against each other. I welcome help from you for my dear animals and wish you all the best in your rescue work.