Saturday, 1 July 2023
Claudia and I are going through our routine this morning. Together, we feed the rice food that Claudia brought to various dogs in the house and the double-gate area. Afterwards, I distribute the medications, and together we feed the remaining dogs with dry food. Once Claudia has left, I prepare the rice food for the puppies' evening feeding.
Then, I go with Gop to Khun Dun. Khun Dun can get Bravecto at a good price in Chonburi. Jutta had agreed to finance thirteen packs. Back at the shelter, I feed the puppies and then clean all areas.
Sunday, 2 July 2023
This morning, Pat is going through her routine while I'm with Tessa at Dr. Oi clinic after distributing the morning medication. Tessa is undergoing laser treatment and being bandaged again. She's already putting some weight on her injured hind leg. However, I'm leaving her in the treatment room for now.
Roshi seems to be benefiting from the change in environment. Her fur condition has slightly improved. Tara has settled in the double gate area and gets along well with the other dogs there. Jake and Satya, who have known each other for years, mostly lie together in the back unit of the TVT station, while Dam is still on her own in the front unit. Dam is progressing well; she has already gained a considerable amount of weight.
While Pat is still feeding, I distribute Bravecto to half of the dogs in the house area. The dosage, ranging from a quarter to half a tablet, depends on each dog's weight. The medication's effects can be seen within a few hours. Tomorrow, I will examine all the house dogs again. It's noteworthy that ticks are only found on the dogs in the house area.
In the afternoon, I leave Pat alone with the dogs and drive to Michael. Michael feeds some dogs near the village where he lives. The dogs belong to Thai people who don't take proper care of them. Michael has already had one of these dogs sterilized, and now it's time for the second one. The owner of the dog helps me bring a female dog named Lai into the cage, and half an hour later, I'm at Dr. Oi's clinic. Lai is examined, and it's determined that she has TVT (transmissible venereal tumor). So, sterilization is off the table for now. First, the genital cancer needs to be treated, which can take up to eight weeks.
Lai will stay in the clinic for two days, and then I will bring her back to her spot. After a week, she will be taken back to the clinic for the second chemotherapy treatment. This procedure will be repeated several times until sterilization can be performed. I hope that Lai and her owner will continue to be cooperative.
Monday, 3 July 2023
Claudia has already started working when I arrive at the shelter in the morning. The dogs from the big Sala area have once again gained access to the newly created area. Claudia has temporarily covered the opening, and I am sealing it off for the time being. There don't seem to be any bite incidents. I hope that Chang Wai will find time this week to take care of some repairs.
In the morning, stone tables and benches arrive. It's Claudia and Jutta's idea to place these weatherproof seating groups in different areas. Jutta financed the new purchase. Since the stone furniture is exceptionally heavy, the suppliers initially placed them in the double gate area. Now we still need to find some strong men who are not afraid of dogs to distribute the tables and benches across different areas.
After we distribute the medication, feed the dogs, refresh the water, and clean the areas, Claudia leaves, and I am with Gop at Khun Dun's. Since some dogs are experiencing fur problems again, I have decided to try a new type of food that Khun Dun can provide.
Back at the shelter, I store the food bags and clean all the areas once again. Then I distribute fish oil and Ferric to different dogs. Tessa, Maggie Song, Kylie, and Roshi continue to stay in the treatment room or the rest area. Aldo has joined them and refuses to go back to the house area.
Tuesday, 4 July 2023
Pat is already feeding when I arrive at the shelter. While I distribute the morning medications, Chang Wai shows up. I explain to him what needs to be done. He will probably be able to start the repair work over the weekend. Then, I visit Dr. Oi to inquire about Lai's condition. Lai has already received the first Vincristine injection. Tomorrow, I will be able to bring her back to her place temporarily.
In the afternoon, I return to the shelter. Pat has taken good care of the dogs. I clean all areas, dispose of feces and fallen palm fronds, and then distribute the evening medications.
Wednesday, 5 July 2023
Claudia brought a large pot of rice food, from which she distributes the majority to different dogs in the morning. Claudia starts with the routine while I pick up Lai from the clinic. Together, we place Lai in one of the house kennels. Then, I distribute the morning medications and fill the water containers.
In the afternoon, I notice that Lai is not comfortable inside the house and is howling continuously. She refuses to eat and take the medications. For this reason, I will bring her back to her place tomorrow and pick her up again for the second chemo injection at the beginning of next week.
Claudia has already fed the dogs in the back area, so in the afternoon, I only need to take care of the dogs inside the house and in the double-gate area. Then, I feed the remaining rice food and distribute the evening medications.
Thursday, 6 July 2023
This morning, Claudia takes over the work at the shelter. I return Lai to her spot and ask Michael to inform Lai's owner that she is back. On my way to Lai's spot, I notice a dog with a nasty paw injury as I drive by. After taking care of Lai, Michael and I start searching for the dog and eventually find him in a property where several dogs are kept. The residents explain to me that the dog wandered into their place and that they had him treated a month ago. I make arrangements with the helpful people to take the dog to Dr. Oi for an examination tomorrow morning.
Back at the shelter, Claudia has already done some of the main tasks. I distribute the morning medications and then go to Dr. Oi with Tessa. Thankfully, Tessa is pain-free and able to walk a bit better. The infection has subsided. Tessa receives another laser treatment and is released without a new bandage. However, she will have to continue staying in the treatment room for now.
I notice that Roshi's fur condition has further improved. The change in environment, rice-based diet, and administration of fish oil seem to be working. Since Claudia has already fed the dogs in the back areas, I only need to clean the areas, dispose of the feces, and feed the dogs in the house area. Afterward, I distribute the evening medications.
Friday, 7 July 2023
Khun U, who takes care of Dang, the male dog with the injured paw, helped me bring Dang into the cage this morning. Dang is relatively easy to handle, so there were no difficulties in transferring him to the clinic. Dr. Beam examined Dang and determined that the quality of his red blood cells does not currently allow for a procedure. Dang will need to be medicated for two weeks before a possible intervention can be considered. I'm leaving Dang overnight at the clinic and will discuss with Khun U tomorrow morning how we can proceed.
Claudia has already completed several of the main tasks. While I distribute the morning medications and clean the areas, Claudia takes care of feeding and refilling the water. In the afternoon, I return to the shelter, feed the dogs in the house area, and distribute the evening medications. I then visit the clinic to inquire about Dang's condition. I arrange with Dr. Beam to return Dang to Khun U for the next two weeks.
Saturday, 8 July 2023
Today, for the first time in a long time, I am working completely on my own. Jutta is in Germany for a few weeks, Pat has taken two weeks off, and Claudia can't help me every day. I'm trying to systematically and calmly tackle the necessary tasks.
To start off, I go through all the areas to check if all the dogs are healthy and lively. Fortunately, Lizzy is back to normal after not using her left front paw for two days. Dang is now moving quite well on her three legs. I clean the house, the area around the house, and the double gate area using the TVT station, and then distribute the morning medication. After that, I prepare the rice food and feed the dogs in the front areas first, and then the dogs in the rear areas. I only need to refill water in the house area. Afterwards, I clean all the areas, dispose of the waste and several palm fronds. Finally, I distribute the evening medication. I save the rice food for tomorrow, as the dogs are still being fed dry food.
Then I go to Dr. Oi's clinic to check on Dang. I arrange with Dr. Beam to keep Dang in the clinic for one more night. Tomorrow afternoon, I will bring her back to Khun U and instruct her on which medications to administer at what times. Aside from saving costs, it is better for Dang to stay in her familiar place for the next two weeks.
Afterwards, I visit Klaus, who is taking care of a female dog with three puppies, approximately five months old. Klaus wants to have the dogs sterilized. It's still too early for the puppies, but the mother dog should be operated on soon. However, Klaus can't catch the dog or even bring her into the cage, so he needs to try reaching out to residents who can hopefully help him with that.
Sunday, 9 July 2023
Claudia is already at the shelter early and has started working when I arrive. Together, we distribute the rice food that I prepared yesterday, along with a large portion that Claudia brought. Afterwards, I administer the morning medications while Claudia begins feeding and refreshing the water in the back areas. Then, I clean the rear areas, disposing of the waste and several palm fronds that fell overnight.
In the late afternoon, I'm at the clinic to pick up Dang. Since no one is present at Khun U's house, I bring Dang with me for now. Dang quickly gains trust in me, allowing me to release him into the resort courtyard. After exploring the area, he obediently lies down under my desk while I work on the computer. Dang is an extremely lovable dog who deserves to be helped as much as possible. I will do everything within my power to restore joy and quality to his life.
In the early evening, I take Dang to Khun U and inform her about the administration of the various medications he should receive in the next two weeks. I will regularly check to ensure the medications are being reliably administered.
Monday, 10 July 2023
I'm already at the shelter early in the morning, starting with the cleanings. An hour later, Chang Wai arrives with materials to build two Salas. Claudia takes over, and Chang Wai begins constructing the Sala frames.
Then, I go into town and get fifteen metal sheets for the Sala covers and to replace several sheets that have rusted through. On the way back, I check on Lai and Dang. I find Lai on the street in front of Michaels Village, and Dang is lying on the terrace at the house of the people who take care of her. Both dogs are doing well. I will take Lai to the clinic tomorrow for the second Vincristine injection.
Back at the shelter, Claudia has already cleaned the rear areas and started feeding the dogs. I distribute the morning medications, and together we feed the dogs in the house area. Claudia leaves, and so does Chang Wai after completing the Sala frames. I dispose of the waste and additional palm fronds and then distribute the evening medications.
Tuesday, 11 July 2023Chang Wai is back at the shelter early in the morning, continuing the work. After Claudia arrives, I drive to Khun Kung's place to pick up Lai. It's time for Lai's second Vincristine injection. Once I've returned Lai to her spot, I distribute the morning medications at the shelter and work through the daily routine with Claudia.
During this time, I notice that Norbu has injured his front leg. There was probably a scuffle among the dogs while Chang Wai was working at the large sala area. I take Norbu to the clinic where Dr. Beam treats him. Norbu gets a pressure bandage and will be medicated with Tolfedine and Enrofloxacin. To help Norbu recover well, I place him in the treatment room with Tessa, Kylie, and Maggie Song.
While Chang Wai welds together the frames for the resting areas to be added to the large sala, I go through all the areas once again to clean them up. After Chang Wai leaves in the late afternoon, I then distribute the evening medications.
Wednesday, 12 July 2023
Chang Wai is back at the shelter early in the morning, continuing his work. I start with the clean-up and then distribute the morning medications. Claudia arrives, feeds the dogs, and refreshes the water supply while I gather more supplies. In the afternoon, I return to the shelter, clean all the areas, and then distribute the evening medications.
Thursday, 13 July 2023
In the morning, I buy wood with Chang Wai for the completion of the Sala and the resting areas. Chang Wai stores the materials and then leaves. He has other things to do today. I clean the house, the double gate area, and the front areas. After that, I distribute the medications. Claudia arrives and takes over.
Rene and Heidi have collected money for a food donation. We drive together to Khun Dun's place and pick up 260 kg of dry food there. 20 kg goes to Gop, and I store the rest in the treatment room. Claudia has already cleaned the remaining areas, refilled water, and fed all the dogs. That way, I can finish a bit earlier today.
Friday, 14 July 2023
Chang Wai arrives this morning with his helper. Claudia arrives shortly after, and Pat is back as well. While I distribute the morning medications, Chang Wai and his helper carry materials into the newly created area. A scuffle breaks out among the dogs, and Mona gets bitten. Mona is bleeding from multiple bite wounds, and Claudia accidentally injures her finger during the incident as well. I carry Mona into the treatment room and provide her with immediate care.
Once all the dogs are back in their respective areas, Chang Wai and his helper continue their work. Claudia cleans the areas, and Pat begins the feeding. Meanwhile, I'm at the clinic with Mona and Tessa. Tessa undergoes laser treatment again, and Mona's wounds are attended to. I can pick her up in the afternoon. Tessa's treatment is temporarily completed, and she now needs to relearn how to walk on all fours. Pat and Claudia stay at the shelter, while I drive home for lunch.
I return in the afternoon, and Pat has already left. I take over from Claudia. The two women have fed all the dogs, cleaned the areas, and refilled water. After Claudia leaves, I retrieve Mona from the clinic. Some of her wounds had to be stapled, and she is fully bandaged, but she's already recovering well. I move her to one of the indoor kennels, quickly clean the front areas, and distribute the evening medications.
In the early evening, with Nick's help, I bring Long to the clinic. Long is one of the dogs Nick cares for near the Pong parking lot. Long has injured his scrotum and needs to be neutered. The injury turns out to be minor during the examination. If the bloodwork is normal, Long can be neutered tomorrow.
Saturday, 15 July 2023
Chang Wai has completed four sala structures and is currently working on the benches to be added to the large sala. Two of the new salas will be set up in the newly created area, one in the large sala area, and the fourth one will go in the double gate area.
I distribute the morning medication, clean the areas, and then feed the dogs. In the meantime, Chang Wai and I fetch more plywood panels. Since this morning, we have had no water. The pump has run dry, and we discover that the tank is empty. The pump in the neighboring house, which draws water from the well, is also not working anymore. After a thorough inspection, Chang Wai manages to get that pump running again, allowing us to refill the water tank at the house.
In the afternoon, Chang Wai finishes the work. I go through all the areas again, cleaning up the feces and some fallen palm fronds. Afterwards, I distribute the evening medication.
Dr. Oi informs me that Long has been neutered. Chris, who is covering the costs, agrees that Long can stay in the clinic for another two to three days. Mona is still in one of the house kennels. She will have to wait there for a few more days until I can take her to the clinic for further examination. Dam is getting closer to me day by day. Today, I was able to stroke her extensively. Tara's hind leg injury has healed. However, her fur condition needs to improve before I can take her back to the temple.
Sunday, 16 July 2023
I'm at the shelter early in the morning, starting with the cleaning. After a short time, Chang Wai, his helper, and Claudia arrive. Claudia brings two large pots of rice food. After distributing the morning medications, Claudia takes over. Chang Wai starts working on completing a step for the house area. Concrete slabs that used to provide access to the house had to be removed as they had become brittle.
I take two sacks of dry food on board and head to the temple. There, I buy rice for the next two weeks and prepare a sack of dry food for Ba Bät. I give the second sack to the beach people. Some of the beach dogs accompany me on my walk along the shore. However, I can't find Kofi or Toto. So, I approach the man who takes care of them. He assures me that both of them are doing well. I promise to give him 40 kg of dry food for his dogs, as well as Kofi and Toto, in a week.
On the way back to the shelter, I pick up fifteen more metal sheets. Back at the shelter, Chang Wai and his helper have laid a water line from the house to the rear areas. Claudia has fed all the dogs and replaced the water where necessary.
After she leaves, I go through all the areas cleaning and then distribute the evening medications. I then go to the clinic to check on Long. He is recovering and will be able to return to his spot in a few days.
Monday, 17 July 2023
I'm back at the shelter early in the morning and start cleaning. Chang Wai and his helper arrive and continue with the repairs. I distribute the morning medications and then clean other areas. Pat arrives and begins feeding.
By late afternoon, Chang Wai and his helper have repaired the large sala and installed Eet-Blocks along the damaged metal sheets. I go through all areas once again for cleaning and dispose of the feces and some palm fronds. Afterwards, I distribute the evening medications. Early in the evening, I order more Eet-Blocks and check on Long on the way. Dr. Oi recommends keeping him for about three more days.
Tuesday, 18 July 2023
I'm back at the shelter early in the morning and start cleaning. Chang Wai and his helper arrive and continue with the repairs. Claudia comes and begins feeding. I distribute the morning medications and continue cleaning. Pat arrives and takes Maggie Song with her. Louise has agreed to temporarily take in Maggie. I also bring Tessa back to her siblings. Playing with them and the other dogs is the best way for her to rebuild the muscles in her injured hind leg. The treatment room and the resting area now only have Kylie, Roshi, and Mona.
While Chang Wai and his helper replace damaged metal sheets and repair doors, I sit with the dogs in the areas where work is being done. The dogs in the front areas are now familiar with the workers, but I occasionally have to calm down the dogs in the back areas during the repair work. By late afternoon, the new resting platforms are also completed. I go through all the areas once again for cleaning and then distribute the evening medications.
Wednesday, 19 July 2023
It was agreed for this morning that the new staff, Khun O, would start working at the shelter. However, it rained until early morning, so we had to postpone her commencement of work to tomorrow. Pat informed me that she'll be at the shelter as soon as the rain subsides.
Once the rain stopped, I went to pick up Lai from Khun Kung. Lai received her third Vincristine injection at the Dr. Oi Clinic. Long isn't particularly happy being confined to his cage, but due to the unpredictable weather, he'll have to endure two more days until the surgical wound is fully healed.
With Lai on board, I head to the shelter. Pat had already started working. I attempt to release Dam in the double-gate area. It was going well until she got into a scuffle with Billy, who sustained a few superficial wounds. Dam remained unharmed. Her amputation clearly hasn't affected her fighting spirit, so I must be cautious about introducing her to other dogs.
While Pat feeds the dogs, I distribute the morning medications and then return Lai to her place. In the afternoon, I am back to the shelter and proceed to clean all the areas. In the large Sala area, I noticed that Cookie, who had been developing positively since Dina's passing, is now being singled out as the target. After being attacked by the puppies, she hides under the Sala, and I have to pull her out. I relocate her to Toya and Zola, hoping that the three of them will get along. They have enough space and a large Sala at their disposal.
After completing the clean-up, I administer the evening medications. Mona and Roshi prefer staying inside the house and are accepted there by the dogs. However, I still lock them in the resting area overnight.
Thursday, 20 July 2023
I am at the shelter early in the morning, welcoming Khun O and her companion, Khun Pok. After introducing them to the dogs in the double gate area, we begin cleaning the indoor space and then proceed to clean all the other areas from dog waste. Claudia arrives and takes over.
I drive with Mona to the clinic, where her bandage is changed. I am informed that Long will need to stay in the clinic for two more days. Back at the shelter, Claudia informs me that Khun O and Khun Pok have already left. I distribute the morning medications, and Claudia starts the feeding.
In the early afternoon, I visit Lai's owner and provide her with Samarine for the next few days. Lai has successfully gone through her third chemo injection. I also check on Dang. The front gate is locked, but she comes to the gate when I call her. Her injured hind leg has been treated.
Later, I am in town and get 240 kg of dry food from Khun Apisit. Back at the shelter, I store the bags, clean all the areas, dispose of the waste and several palm fronds, and finally distribute the evening medications.
Friday, 21 July 2023
It has been raining heavily all night and, though it's tapering off, it continues into the early afternoon. My first morning glance is directed at Tessa and Cookie. I wasn't sure if Tessa could jump into one of the Salas, and I am curious if Cookie would have been able to share the big Sala with Zola and Toya. However, I'm relieved to see Tessa sitting in one of the Salas and I find Cookie also dry. Nevertheless, I decide to move Cookie to the quiet room for now.
Part of the treatment room and the quite room are flooded. It takes me an hour to dry both rooms. Pat arrives and starts feeding while I distribute the morning medications. Khun Pok and Khun O don't show up, so I clean the areas in the drizzling rain. All the dogs in the back areas have weathered the heavy rain well. They all have enough shelter thanks to the numerous Salas available to them.
In the early afternoon, I leave Pat in charge and return to the shelter later in the afternoon. Due to the rain, several palm fronds have fallen again, which I dispose of first. Then I clean the areas once more and distribute the evening medications.
For the past two days, I've been letting Dam spend some time under my supervision in the double gate area so that she gets used to the dogs there, and the dogs get used to her. It's going quite well now, and Dam is happy to have some exercise. Dealing with her is becoming easier. Today, she even let me pick her up, and she runs around agilely, seemingly forgetting she once had four legs.
Saturday, 22 July 2023
Early in the morning at the shelter, I start by cleaning the house, the TVT station, and all the areas. It rained again last night, but not as heavily and continuously as the day before. The house and TVT station stayed mostly dry. Once I finish the cleaning, I distribute the morning medications.
Around noon, I finally manage to attend a long-overdue dentist appointment. When I return home, it starts raining again. Despite the rain not letting up, I'm back at the shelter in the late afternoon to feed the dogs. They retreat to the Salas, and after administering the evening medications, I can also escape from the unpleasant rainy weather.
Sunday, 23 July 2023
In the morning, I pick up Dang and then head to the shelter where Pat is already working. I take Mona on board and drive to the clinic with her and Dang. Tomorrow, Dang's hind leg is scheduled for amputation, while Mona will have her stitches removed. Thankfully, she has recovered well from the scuffle. Since she has integrated well with the pack of dogs in the house area, I decide to leave her there. Dam is also adjusting better and better. Even without constant supervision, she now moves quite naturally among the dogs in the double gate area.
While Pat feeds the dogs, I clean the areas. In the early afternoon, Katyusha and David visit us. They live in Pattaya and found our facility through Google. I take them on a two-hour tour of the entire shelter. Upon saying goodbye, David generously donates to us and promises to come back. After Pat leaves, I go through all the areas once more for cleaning and then distribute the evening medications.
Monday, 24 July 2023
In persistent light rain, I start the morning chores at the shelter. Claudia arrives and brings two large pots of rice food. Since the rain is easing up, I decide to go ahead and have the grass mowed today. I pick up the worker in Pong, and he finishes the job in just three hours. While he mows, I clean the areas.
After returning the worker, I pick up Long from the clinic and bring him back to his spot. I entrust Claudia with the responsibility of feeding the dogs and later in the afternoon, I go to Jomtien to pick up Daniela.
Daniela regularly assists me, and she has been to the shelter before. Now, it's time for a visit to the temple dogs. Thankfully, the weather calms down, and I can show Daniela all the temple dogs. During our walk on the beach, we also encounter Toto and Kofi. We hand over a bag of dry food to the man taking care of them. Near the boats, we notice that Saddhu has injured his front paw. I try to get him into the cage, but he resists. Ba Bät and her son feed the dogs and inform me that the injury is probably minor. I'll check on that in the next few days.
After dropping Daniela back at the hotel, I return to the shelter in the early evening. Mona, who had been staying comfortably in the house area all day, goes back to the quiet room. Roshi, who seems to be accepted by the dogs in the house area and is visibly comfortable among them, I leave in one of the open cages. I quickly clean the house area and the double gate area, and then I distribute the evening medications.
Tuesday, 25 July 2023
When I arrive at the shelter in the morning, Claudia is already working. We go about our routine tasks, and afterwards, I install hoses on the water faucets in the back areas. There are plans to extend the water pipeline to additional areas, making it easier to provide fresh drinking water. Claudia takes care of feeding and refilling water containers, while I clean all the areas after feeding.
Today, Dam has mostly stayed in the double gate area. Claudia closed the door to the unit where she usually lies only during feeding time. Tara has retreated to Dam's unit, and it seems that Dam doesn't mind. However, Tara is not feeling well today. She's panting and barely moving, probably because she's overweight. Tomorrow, her treatment with Samarine will be temporarily finished, and in a few days, the fish oil treatment will also end. Then, Tara will return to Wat Amparahm, where we hope she will be more active than she is currently.
Wednesday, 26 July 2023
Today is the day for Lai's weekly Vincristine injection again. Together with Michael, we manage to get her into the cage without any problems. Lai receives her treatment, and Dr. Beam shows me how much the tumor has already shrunk. There are no visible signs externally, but the treatment needs to continue for at least two more weeks.
After returning Lai to her place, I go to see Wolfgang. He asked me to examine his two German Shepherds, Lilly and Mela. Lilly has developed a growth on her lower abdomen, and Mela is not doing well overall. Together, we drive to the clinic, where Dr. Beam examines both dogs. The growth on Lilly must be surgically removed, which will be done next Friday. Mela will stay at the clinic for observation.
Once I brought back Alex and Lilly, Pat and Claudia inform me that they have completed all the tasks at the shelter. All the dogs have been taken care of, and there were no incidents. Dam spent the whole day in the double-gate area and seems to be getting along well with the dogs there, and they are friendly towards her too. However, Tara doesn't seem to be doing well. I'll take her back to the temple tomorrow; she urgently needs some exercise.
Thursday, 27 July 2023
When I arrive at the shelter in the morning, Claudia is already at work. I pick up Tara and take her back to the temple. Hopefully, she'll feel better there soon. After letting her out, she's already trotting around again. I'll check on her and Saddhu in three days since I couldn't find Saddhu during the beach walk. Other than that, all the beach dogs are gathered, including Toto and Kofi.
After taking care of some important matters in Pattaya, I'm back at the shelter in the afternoon. Claudia has already finished all the tasks, so I just need to do a final cleaning of all the areas. Toya and Zola seem bored in their section, as they've partially opened a metal sheet leading to the neighboring area where Nuri, Ruby, and the black puppies are. However, they haven't entered the area, and I temporarily seal the opening with a pallet. Chang Wai will be back at the shelter on Saturday, and he'll replace this damaged metal sheet among other things.
The dogs are in a relatively peaceful mood, but I have to break up a fight between Dam and Billy. Despite her disability, Dam has fought her way up the hierarchy in the double gate area. Billy doesn't seem happy about it, so I offer him to return to the house area, but he declines. As darkness falls, I administer the evening medication.
Friday, 28 July 2023
Today, Pat takes over the work at the shelter in the morning. I'm with Alex to bring Lilly to the clinic. Lilly is scheduled for surgery later today. She takes a seat on the backseat, and we have no trouble getting her to Dr. Beam, who will perform the operation. Mella can be temporarily discharged and will receive medication from Alex for two weeks until she can also undergo surgery.
After dropping off Mella and Alex at home, I head to Thai Watsadu to get more metal sheets. Tomorrow, Chang Wai will be back at the shelter to replace some more metal sheets and build two more sleeping benches, along with an another sala for the double-gate area. Additionally, we plan to repair the entrance gate and install a door between the area where Zola and Toya are currently staying and the area for the black puppies. This will make the shelter more flexible and provide the dogs with more options for their stay. If needed, the door can be closed at any time. It's worth a try to bring the dogs together.
Chang Wai already has the measurements today to extend the water pipeline to the rear areas and will begin work tomorrow morning. After Pat leaves, I clean up all the areas, dispose of waste, and clear some palm fronds. Then, I distribute the evening medications. In the evening, Dr. Beam informs me that Lilly's surgery was successful. I will visit her and Dang at the clinic tomorrow.
Saturday, 29 July 2023
Chang Wai and his helper are back at the shelter early in the morning. Throughout the day, they extend the water pipeline, so now most areas have access to water taps. They are also constructing a second sala in the double-gate area, which will be completed tomorrow. In addition, they have carried out some repair work.
I spend the entire day at the shelter, only interrupted by a trip with Jake to the clinic. Jake is eating, but he's been losing more and more weight. Despite undergoing a five-week Doxy/Ferric treatment, he tested positive for Anaplasmosis and Erlichiosis. Both diseases are transmitted through tick bites. Since I didn't find any ticks on Jake at the shelter, I assume he must have gotten infected at the temple. That's also why I took him in due to his weight loss there.
Chang Wai and his assistant work until late afternoon. While they focus on the sala and gate repairs, I take care of feeding the dogs and cleaning the areas. After that, I administer the evening medications.
Sunday, 30 July 2023
I'm back at the shelter early in the morning and start cleaning. An hour later, Chang Wai and his helper arrive. They begin by crafting two resting benches for the quiet area, the new sala, and repairing the entrance gate and the gate to the house area.
While I clean the rear areas, Darla and Victor get into a scuffle as I enter the Dodger area. Unfortunately, Darla gets injured as a vein is hit, and blood starts to spray. I quickly pick up Darla and rush her to the clinic. She receives medical attention, and half an hour later, the wound is stitched up. Meanwhile, I clean the pickup truck, whose backseat and passenger seat are covered in blood. Darla will probably have to stay at the clinic for a few days. Of course, I also check on Lilly and Dang. According to Dr. Beam, both are on the path to recovery.
Back at the shelter, I discover that the power has gone out, causing work to be put on hold for two hours. Due to this delay, Chang Wai was unable to complete all the planned tasks. However, I use the time to feed the dogs and, once the power is back, renew the water supply. Then, I clean the areas again while Chang Wai installs a passageway door between the newly created area where Zola and Toya are currently staying and the puppy area. This gives me the option to introduce Zola and Toya to the puppies and provide more space for all the dogs, with the flexibility to close the door if the introduction poses any problems.
In the double-gate area, all the dogs are getting along pretty well now. Today, they weren't too happy because I had to confine them in the two TVT units while the workers were welding the frames for the beds and the door in the double-gate area. Billy now stays in the quiet area.
Monday, 31 July 2023
Chang Wai and his helper come over this morning for what seems to be the last round of work. However, Chang Wai informs me that the people he had arranged to help carry the tables and benches to different areas won't be coming because they're afraid of dogs. Nevertheless, we manage to bring one of the step benches inside the house, and we lift the other one that was outside onto the stage in the large Sala. I'll try to organize helpers over the weekend to distribute the tables and benches. Another door will be installed between two sections, and a water faucet will be set up in the area for Nina, Bum, and Beppe. This now provides a water source for all the rear sections.
In the morning, Pat arrives and tends to the dogs. After the workers leave, I drive to Baan Amphur, buy rice, leave a sack of dry food at the feeding store for Ba Bät, and give another sack to the people at the beach. The man who takes care of Toto and Kofi tells me he still has enough food. Except for Tara, I find all the dogs at the front hall and the beach. I search extensively for her, but she remains missing. I'm worried she might have passed away. Saddhu is still moving on three legs. So, his front leg injury needs to be treated. I hope Bua is available to dart Saddhu.
On my way back to the shelter, I pick up 240 kg of dry food from Khun Apisit and store the sacks in the treatment room. Pat has already tended to the dogs, so I just need to clean the areas. Jake receives his evening dose of Ferric. I leave the doors of the TVT Station open. The dogs now have enough space in the two units and can also retreat to the two Salas in the double gate area.
Tuesday, 1 August 2023
Today, I am handling my routine at the shelter alone. The dogs in the double-gate area have accepted Dam, so I can now keep the door to her unit constantly open. The two new Salas have been accepted by the dogs, ensuring that all the dogs in the double-gate area have enough rain protection.
In the house area, it seems that Roshi and Mona have found their spots. I leave the door to the quiet room open, providing enough retreat options for all the house dogs, especially now that the step bench also available.
After taking care of Jake with Doxycycline, I clean the house, TVT station, and all the outdoor areas. Then, I replace the water in all areas. This task has become much easier as there are now faucets available in almost all areas, and the front areas are easily accessible with the hose.
In the afternoon, I feed the dogs and then go through the areas again to clean. After that, I distribute Ferric and fish oil.
Wednesday, 2 August 2023
This morning, Pat is taking over the routine at the shelter again. I meet the dog catcher, Saek, and we drive to the temple together. After some searching, I find Saddhu lying under one of the boats, and Saek is able to catch him with a net. We get Saddhu into the cage and take him to the clinic.
Lai is scheduled for another chemotherapy injection today, but we can't convince her to ride with me to the clinic. Tomorrow morning, Khun Kung will help me put Lai in the cage.
In the afternoon, I'm back at the shelter. Pat is still busy with feeding. I distribute the medications and then clean through all the areas. Afterward, I head to the clinic, specifically to check on Saddhu. Saddhu's front leg has been X-rayed, and thankfully, a bone injury has been ruled out. After a week of medical treatment at the shelter, he'll be able to return to the beach.
Of course, I also check on Dang, Lilly, and Darla. Lilly and Darla will likely be released temporarily, probably on Friday. Dang's stump is slightly inflamed, so he'll have to endure a few more days. Back at the shelter, I settle Saddhu into one of the spacious indoor kennels and hope he will adjust. After all, he's used to the free life on the beach.
Thursday, 3 August 2023
Early this morning, I picked up Lai and then headed to the shelter to start my routine. Once the clinic opened, Lai received the fifth Vincristine injection. Dr. Beam explained to me that the treatment will be temporarily concluded with the sixth injection next week. I returned Lai and finished up my morning tasks at the shelter.
Afterwards, I had some urgent matters to take care of in Pattaya. I was back at the clinic in the early afternoon to collect Darla. I placed her in one of the indoor kennels to limit her movement. The stitches will be removed in four days. I then fed the dogs and cleaned the areas once again. Mona has retreated to the sala in the house area, Roshi is inside the house, and Dam is freely roaming in the double-gate area. It seems like the three of them have found their spots. Saddhu isn't happy in his kennel, but he'll have to endure for a few more days.
Friday, 4 August 2023
Pat and Claudia are taking over the routine tasks at the shelter today. I bring Tibor and Tarik on board to take them to the Chaiyapruek Clinic for neutering. However, I'm informed there that the daily quota of 25 sterilizations has already been reached, so I have to bring the dogs back to the shelter without the procedure being done.
I distribute medications and then return to the shelter in the late afternoon. Pat had informed me a little earlier that Saddhu had tried to escape. To prevent that, she had barricaded the door. However, Saddhu had already removed the pallet, so I take him back to the temple to prevent further trouble. Saddhu's front leg injury isn't a cause for concern, and he's already walking almost normally again when I let him out of the cage at the beach.
I notice that dry food is available for the beach dogs. However, their caregiver tells me that they reject the food as they are accustomed to rice food. I give him 500 Baht so he can buy two bags of rice. Of course, I check on Tara again, but I can't locate her. At the temple market, I run into Ba Bät. She informs me that she found Tara dead and has taken care of her burial.
Saturday, 5 August 2023
Early in the morning, I'm at the Chaiyapruek Clinic with Tibor and Tasha, and I'm fortunate that they're still accepting the two dogs. They were numbers 19 and 20 in line. After that, I meet up with Alex. Dr. Beam had informed me that Lilly could be temporarily discharged. Alex tells me that Mella passed away a few hours ago. We take her to the NPW Clinic for cremation and then head to the Pakana Clinic. Lilly is scheduled for a follow-up appointment in a week.
I also check on Dang, who is still patiently waiting in his cage. The antibiotic switch is showing positive results. However, Dang will need to remain at the clinic for about another week. I bring Alex and Lilly back and then pick up Tibor and Tasha from the Chaiyapruek Clinic. In the treatment room, I put collars on them and administer Doxycycline.
Afterwards, I proceed to clean the front areas and refill water where needed. Then, I feed the dogs. Finally, I go through all the areas once again, cleaning up palm leaves and disposing of waste.
Sunday, 6 August 2023
I'm back at the shelter bright and early to pick up Tarik and Tina. Claudia arrives, and I drive the dogs to the Chaiyapruek Clinic. Today, it's not too busy there, so I can pick up Tarik and Tina still sedated after about an hour. In between, I swing by Alex's place, but he's not home. However, I can watch Lilly through the gate; she seems lively.
I purchase 120 kg of dry food from Khun Apisit and temporarily bring the dogs to my apartment so they can wake up in a safe environment. As they gradually recover, I clean the cage. Since Tina has been vomiting multiple times, I sit down at the computer and catch up on some overdue writing tasks. Once the dogs have improved somewhat, I take them back to the shelter.
Upon arriving there, the grass cutter and one of his acquaintances show up. They distribute the stone tables and benches across various areas. Now, there's more room for the dogs in the double gate area. I store the food bags in the treatment room, administer the medications, and feed Tibor and Tina. Claudia has already fed all the other dogs. Tibor, Tina, Tasha, and Tarik will need to stay in the recovery room and treatment room for a few days.
Monday, 7 August 2023
Today, I've been busy at the shelter from early morning till late evening. Only in between, I took Darla to the clinic. The stitches were removed, but one of the wounds hasn't completely healed yet, so Darla had to be re-bandaged, and she'll need to be rechecked in four days. The treatment with Clindamycin will continue, and Prednisilone will be prescribed again. I put a collar on Darla, and she goes back to the bathing area. Occasionally, her daughter Roshi visits her, since she now stays in the house area permanently.
Today's routine includes a thorough cleaning of the house and TVT area. Additionally, I clean up all the areas from feces, dispose of it, and remove some palm fronds. Then, I start by feeding the dogs in the treatment room, followed by the ones in the house area and the TVT section. Next, I feed the dogs in the back areas, refill all the water containers, and do another cleaning round in all the areas. Finally, Jake, Darla, Tibor, Tarik, Tasha, and Tina receive their medications.
On my way back home, I stop by the people who took care of Dam. I explain to them that Dam had a successful surgery and has fully recovered now. They don't mind that Dam will remain at the shelter.
Tuesday, 8 August 2023
Today, Claudia and I are going through our routine together. Khiaow has gotten a wound on her neck. I can't quite explain how it happened because the location of the wound doesn't seem like a bite. Anyway, I take her to the clinic where the wound is treated, and then Khiaow goes back to the double-gated area.
Claudia brought two big pots of rice food again, which she distributes to the dogs in the house area, the double-gate area and some of the dogs in the back areas. The dogs absolutely love the rice food, and in an ideal world, they would all get it every day. However, it's not feasible both logistically and financially.
While Claudia feeds the dogs, I administer Doxycycline to the recently sterilized dogs, clean up the areas, and refill fresh water. Together, we move Tibor, Tarik, Tasha, and Tina back to their outdoor area with Nuri and Shaina. Since Tessa is a bit overwhelmed by the situation, I temporarily move her to the treatment room. In the late afternoon, I return to the shelter and distribute the evening medications to Darla, Khiaow, and Jake.
Wednesday, 9 August 2023
Today, I'm alone at the shelter again. I start by distributing the morning medications, then proceed to clean the house, the TVT station, and the house area. While I work on cleaning the back areas, I open the newly installed door between the section where Toya and Zola are housed and the area for the black puppies. This gives all the dogs more room to run around. However, I keep the door to the section with the three Salas closed for now. Since Toya and Zola get along well with the black puppies, I leave the door open all day.
After finishing cleaning the back areas, I head home briefly and return to the shelter in the late afternoon. On the way there, I notice some new dogs and stop. Later, I find out that they are dogs from Leks Shelter.
When I try to continue my journey, the battery dies, and I can't start the car anymore. I call Gop, who arranges a mechanic to come and charge the battery. After three hours, the mechanic returns but can't start the car. Luckily, I have parked the pick-up on the top a hill, so we push it and manage to start it.
By now, it's already 9 PM, which means the feeding session has to be skipped. I make it home and try to start the car again, but it doesn't work. So, I ask my mechanic to come to my resort tomorrow morning. Claudia kindly agrees to take over the work at the shelter temporarily until I'm mobile again.
Thursday, 10 August 2023
Since I'm stuck at home this morning, Claudia's taking charge at the shelter. Her husband Martin is joining her this time around.
Around 10:30, Khun Yao arrives at the resort trying to start the pickup truck. However, he also can't get it to start. It seems the issue isn't the battery but rather the starter. We attempt to push-start the pickup, but unfortunately, we don't have enough strength for that. So, Khun Yao has to fetch a tow rope from the workshop. Eventually, I get the pickup truck into the workshop. Since Khun Yao is swamped with work and can't give an estimate for when he can fix the problem, I arrange for a ride back home for the time being.
Claudia informs me that she's taken care of the dogs and everything seems fine so far. In the afternoon, I ride the scooter to the shelter, clean up the areas, and administer the evening medications. I reunite Tessa with her siblings. In the early evening, Khun Yao lets me know that I can't pick up the pickup truck until at least tomorrow early afternoon.
Friday, 11 August 2023
Pat is working today from morning until the afternoon. When I want to ride to the shelter on the scooter, I realize that one of the tires is flat. After some searching, I find a workshop that fixes the scooter for me. I ride to the shelter and distribute the medication while Pat is feeding.
Khun Yao calls me to let me know that the pick-up truck has been repaired. I take a Bolt Taxi to the workshop and then return to the shelter in the afternoon. Pat has just finished work and informs me that she discovered a wound on Demi. However, since I only have a sturdy cage available and the wound treatment for Khiaow and Darla is already one day overdue, I initially drive to the clinic with Khiaow, and then with Demi and Darla on the back seat.
Demi is a special case. Although she has always lived with her mother Amy and her siblings Jade, Roxy, and Pearl in an area together, she is often bullied by her siblings. She has a good relationship with me, but she doesn't let herself be lifted. Since I also have to carry her through an adjacent area, I have to put a muzzle on her, which I manage to do after a test of patience. Demi isn't aggressive, just frightened, and she might bite me unintentionally. And a bite from a frightened dog can have serious consequences.
Finally, I manage to carry her outside the shelter into the cage and can drive to the clinic again with her and Darla. Both dogs are treated, and Darla goes back to the bathing area for now, while I put Demi in one of the indoor kennels.
In the evening, I receive a message that Luna got injured at the beach. So, I need to see what happened. But before that, I'll pick up Lai from Khun Kung for what hopefully will be her last chemotherapy treatment.
Saturday, 12 August 2023
In the morning, I pick up Lai from Khun Kung for her latest preliminary chemotherapy treatment. I drive Lai to the shelter where Claudia and Martin have already started their work. Dr. Beam treats Lai, and after distributing the morning medications at the shelter, I take Lai back to her spot.
Afterwards, I head to Baan Amphur to check on Luna. I find her by the beach near the boats. Other than a minor wound, I can't detect any injuries on her. Despite that, I still bring her along and introduce her to Dr. Beam. Luna tests positive for Anaplasmosis and Erlichiosis, is anemic, and shows an elevated Creatinine level. A Leptospirosis infection cannot be ruled out. Luna will be put on a drip for the next three days. After that, she will be tested again.
Back at the shelter, Claudia and Martin have already fed the dogs and completed some additional tasks. I give all areas a final cleaning and then distribute the evening medications.
Tessa, who seems to be struggling to reintegrate with her siblings, I take back to the rest area. I move Demi to the bathing area, where she has more space. Through the gate, she still has contact with the dogs in the living area. Cookie is starting to come out of her kennel occasionally and lies down on the step platform. The house dogs don't seem to have an issue with her. Maybe we can integrate her and Demi into the house area in the near future. After all, it worked out quite well with Mona and Roshi.
Sunday, 13 August 2023
In the morning, I'm at the shelter, cleaning the house, the house area, and the double-gate area. Afterwards, I distribute the morning medications to Jake, Demi, Khiaow, Tibor, and Tarik. The sterilization wounds on Tasha and Tina have healed well already. Male dogs always seem to have a bit more trouble.
Demi isn't happy in the bathing room, so I place her in the quiet area. The dogs there don't mind her presence, and she quickly gets comfortable. I get the sense that she's relieved not to be exposed to her siblings anymore. I also leave Tessa indoors for the time being.
Later, I head to the clinic to check on Luna and Dang. Both dogs are doing well given the circumstances. Luna is on a drip and is almost uncontrollable when she sees me. Dang continues to handle his current isolation with great patience.
To escape the intense midday heat, I take a short trip home. In the afternoon, I'm back at the shelter. I start by feeding the dogs in house and house area, then move on to the dogs in the double-gate area, and finally, feed all the dogs in the rear sections. After that, I clean up the areas until darkness falls.
Monday, 14 August 2023
This morning, Pat calles me to let me know that she found Toya dead. She noticed bite wounds on Toya. I immediately drive to the shelter and take Toya to the treatment room. Toya had received bite wounds, but they aren't life-threatening. Nuri and Zola are also injured, but their wounds are more superficial. Now I understand how the fight must have played out. Toya and Zola had attacked Nuri before, but since I was nearby, nothing happened. The same confrontation must have happened again.
Since Nuri has suffered multiple head injuries, I'm taking her to the clinic. While she's being treated, I'm taking Toya to the NPW Clinic for cremation. After getting 120 kg of dry food, I pick Nuri up from the clinic and place her in one of the house kennels. Then, I distribute the medication and clean the areas while Pat feeds the animals. Tessa seems to be getting used to the house area. For now, Demi remains in the treatment room.
Tuesday, 15 August 2023
Claudia is already working when I arrive at the shelter. She's brought rice food again. While she feeds and refreshes the water, I store 120 kg of dry food in the treatment room, distribute the medications, and then clean the areas. Claudia has already cleaned the house.
Tessa is now moving back and forth between the quiet room and the house area. The house dogs seem to have accepted her. Demi will stay in the treatment room until the next check-up. Nuri has settled quite smoothly in one of the house kennels. For now, Zola remains on her own in her area.
Wednesday, 16 August 2023
This morning, I get another 120 kg of dry food, and then head to Baan Amphur. There, I buy 30 kg of rice for Ba Bät and also leave a 20 kg bag of dry food for her to pick up at the rice shop. Additionally, I purchase another 30 kg bag of rice and a bag of dry food to give to the nice chap who takes care of the dogs close to the boats. Two more bags of dry food go to the people working on the boats who ask me for dog food donations.
At the front hall, I see Deva, Talo, Dotty, and Jingo. It seems that Rika, Taro, Akira, and Yoko have also settled in the front hall now. Probably the beach has gotten too hot for them. Dotty and Talo are infested with ticks. I remove quite a few from Dotty's fur, but a Bravecto treatment is due in the next three days. Talo is limping on three legs; he injured his left front leg.
Since I can't assess the severity of the injury, I decide to take him with me and introduce him to Dr. Beam. The ankle is X-rayed without any findings. It's just a paw injury that will likely be forgotten in a few days. Luna can be released temporarily. The second test showed a normal creatinine level, so a leptospirosis infection can probably be ruled out. However, Luna still needs to continue treatment with Doxycycline and Ferric for several more weeks.
I take both dogs to the shelter. Luna goes to the TVT station, which she shares with Jake and Satya, who are also both from the temple. Dam, Khiaow, Chip, and Tinka find enough shelter in the two Salas in the double-gated area. Talo goes into one of the indoor kennels. After his feeding, he receives Bravecto.
When I arrive at the shelter with the two dogs, Pat is still busy with feeding. I distribute the medications and then clean the rear areas. After Pat finished feeding, I go through all the areas again to ensure cleanliness.
Demi continues to stay in the treatment room, where she's doing quite well. Tessa remains in the house, and Nuri has settled into one of the indoor kennels. She'll be able to return to her area in a few days. The accommodations for Talo and Luna also seem to be going smoothly. Darla's leg wound reopened in one spot. I spray the wound. If the wound doesn't close in two days, I'll probably have to take Darla back to the clinic. It's likely the wound will need to be stitched or stapled again.
Thursday, 17 August 2023
Claudia is already feeding the dogs when I arrive at the shelter. Luna seems to be comfortable among the dogs in the double-gate area. Talo isn't as happy in his indoor kennel, but he's behaving impeccably. I administer the medications; Billy and Edith receive their monthly dose of Heartgard.
With Khiaow and Darla, I then head to the clinic. Since Dr. Beam is performing surgery, I leave the dogs there and drive back to the shelter to start cleaning. After Claudia has fed the dogs and refreshed the water in some areas, I return to the clinic. Khiaow's wound has healed very well and no longer needs to be bandaged. Darla's wound has been bandaged, and Dang still needs to stay at the clinic for a few more days.
Khiaow goes back to her designated area, and I lock Darla for the night in a unit at the TVT Station. Afterwards, I go through all the areas once again for a final cleaning round, disposing of waste and some fallen palm fronds. In the late afternoon, I leave the dogs, some of whom are already sleeping, for the night.
Friday, 18 August 2023
Today, Pat is taking over the morning work for me. She is feeding the dogs and cleaning up the house area. After handling some urgent matters in Pattaya, I coincidentally run into Mac and his girlfriend at a 7/11. Mac also looks after stray dogs, but he's been very ill for a while. Now he's visibly doing much better. Since I'm on my way to the shelter, I invite him and his girlfriend to come along. Both of them are familiar with street dogs, so I can easily show them around the entire shelter.
After they've left, I clean all the areas and then distribute the medications. Next, I take Demi on board and introduce her to Dr. Beam. Demi's wound is almost healed, but it still needs another round of bandaging. To help her get used to the dogs in the house, I confine her to the bathroom. The mesh door allows her to interact with the dogs inside the house. I take Darla out of the TVT Station and bring her back to her area. Her leg wound is not serious and she moves normally again.
Saturday, 19 August 2023
I arrived at the shelter a little later this morning because I'm not feeling well. The years of daily physical and mental strain are taking their toll. Claudia wrote to me saying that she's already at work with Martin.
As I enter the double-gate area, I see Dam lying motionless in the TVT Station. Since she's alone in that area, a fight can be ruled out. I suspect she succumbed to heatstroke, given how brutally hot it is today. Claudia is devastated, having fed Dam just a short while ago. We place Dam on one of the stone tables and mourn her together.
While Claudia and Martin continue their work at the shelter, I'm in the clinic with Talo and Mona. Talo is discharged as cured, but Mona remains in the clinic. She had sustained a wound on her abdomen that we hadn't noticed before. With Talo and Dam on board, I drive to the NPW Clinic and arrange for Dam to be cremated. I let Talo out near the temple courtyard. He's glad to be free again and joins me on our trip to the beach, where we also meet Toto and Kofi. Both dogs seem to be doing very well. Taro's fur condition has also improved. It appears that the beach dogs are being better taken care of since I provided the beach folks with dry food and rice.
Back at the shelter, I check on everything in all the areas and then visit the clinic again. Mona has been taken care of, but I decide to leave her in the clinic for another day. According to Dr. Beam, Dang could be discharged by the middle of next week. I talk to Dr. Em, who is currently covering for Dr. Oi, and inform her about Dam's death and my suspicion that she died from heatstroke. Dr. Em isn't surprised and tells me that they admitted a dog with heatstroke today. He's on a drip, and his condition is critical.
Sunday, 20 August 2023
I am at the clinic around noon to pick up Mona. Her fairly deep abdominal wound has been treated, but the wound closure will take at least a week. Mona will need to go to the clinic for wound dressing every other day.
I put her in one of the indoor kennels and then proceed to clean the house and the front areas. After that, I feed the dogs inside the house and in the double-gated area, following the distribution of medications. Following this, I clean the rear areas and feed the dogs there. Just before it gets dark, I take care of disposing of the waste and some palm fronds.
For now, Demi will remain in the treatment room, but she had access to the dogs in the resting area during the day. She's still a bit jumpy, but she'll likely gradually get used to the house dogs over time.
Monday, 21 August 2023
Arriving at he shelter Pat is already working. I distribute the morning medications and then begin the cleaning tasks. Afterward, I refill all the drinking water containers with fresh water. In the afternoon, I'm back at the shelter. All the dogs are well fed and content. Luna continues to thrive. Life at the shelter seems to be agreeing with her. I go through all the areas again, tidying up, and then administer the evening medications. Tonight, I leave the door between the treatment room and the resting area open. This allows Demi to continue getting used to the house dogs.
Tuesday, 22 August 2023
Claudia has already cleaned the house and house area when I arrive at the shelter in the morning. I distribute the morning medications and then take Mona and Demi on board. At the clinic, both dogs' wounds are treated again.
Back at the shelter, I clean the rear areas while Claudia feeds the animals. I'm back in the clinic once more, this time with Kylie and Jomo. Kylie's right eye is inflamed, and there's redness around Jomo's right eye. I receive antibiotic eye drops for both dogs and should treat them with Bravecto.
Once again back at the shelter, Claudia has finished feeding and refills fresh drinking water. I take Kylie and Jomo to the treatment room and administer their medications. Jomo then returns to the large Sala area. After Claudia leaves, I go through the house and house area once more to clean, and then I distribute the evening medications.
Wednesday, 23 August 2023
This morning, Pat feeds the dogs, and I administer the medications. Afterwards, I head into town to buy 200 kg of dry food and sausages for the medication process. At the temple, I remove Talo's front leg bandage. While a minor wound is still visible, Talo is back on all fours. Both Talo and Dotty are now tick-free after their Bravecto treatment. In the front hall, I also encounter Taco, Taro, Rika, Akira, and Yoko.
In the afternoon, I return to the shelter and store the dry food. Pat has taken good care of the dogs. Demi is already exploring the house area, as I leave the quiet room door open. The house dogs seem to be accepting her. I distribute the evening medications and then proceed to clean all the outdoor areas. For the night, Mona returns to the quiet room, which she shares with Tessa, Aldo, and Lena. Kylie. Rocco, and Demi are resting in the treatment room.
Thursday, 24 August 2023
Claudia is working over lunchtime again today. I'm distributing the morning medications and then heading to the clinic to pick up Dang. Since she has to return to the clinic for a bandage change in two days, I'm considering keeping her with me until then. However, Dang is showing a strong urge to move around, which is understandable after being confined in a cage for weeks, so I take her to her caregivers. I ask them to keep Dang in the house until she's fully recovered to prevent the stump dressing from getting wet or dirty.
In the afternoon, I'll be back at the shelter, going through all the areas for another cleaning round and administering the evening medications. Claudia has taken good care of the dogs. Demi seems to be getting more accustomed to the dogs in the house area and is now moving quite confidently among them.
Friday, 25 August 2023
Pat is already feeding the dogs when I arrive at the shelter. I distribute the morning medications and then drive Mona to the clinic, where her bandages are being changed. Dr. Beam assures me that her wounds are healing well. Afterward, Mona returns to the bathing room for the time being. While Pat feeds the dogs in the rear sections, I clean up, dispose of fallen palm fronds and feces. Together, we remove Darla's and Demi's the bandages. Their wounds have healed nicely.
In the afternoon, I'm back at the shelter, going through all the areas again for cleaning and administering the evening medications. Mona remains in the bathing room since she is wearing a cone, but the quite room is open for the house dogs.
Saturday, 26 August 2023
This morning, my first tasks involve cleaning the house, the double gate area, the TVT station, and the house area. Following that, I administer the morning medications. Later, I proceed to clean the rear areas and feed the dogs. Dang was originally scheduled for an examination and bandage change today, but her caregivers aren't home, so we're postponing the clinic visit until tomorrow morning. Back at the shelter, I go through all areas again for another cleaning round, refill water, and then distribute the evening medications.
Michael, who feeds the Pong parking lot dogs late every night, gives me a call and informs me that Meefoo is experiencing bleeding from either the mouth or nose. I immediately head to the parking lot and try to stem the rather heavy nosebleed. Since my efforts are only partially successful, I bring Meefoo to my apartment. Before I can completely halt the bleeding, my room's floor is covered in numerous bloodstains. After about an hour, Meefoo settles down, and the bleeding ceases.
I've never encountered such intense nosebleeding in a dog before, and Michael was quite worried. However, I'm fairly confident that Meefoo will be back to normal by tomorrow morning. Her behavior otherwise is typical, and Michael informed me that she had eaten.
Sunday, 27 August 2023
The past night wasn't very restful for me, as Meefoo's bleeding resumed and we only managed to get some sleep in the early morning hours. However, the alarm rings at half past six since Chang Wai has signed up for eight o'clock at the Shelter. Since the bleeding seems to have finally stopped, I take Meefoo back to the Pong parking lot.
Chang Wai shows up at the Shelter after I've cleaned the front areas. I explain to him what needs to be done. Chang Wai thinks that extending the water line won't pose any problems. He plans to start the work next Friday.
I distribute the morning medications and clean the remaining areas. At nine o'clock, Pat arrives and takes over the feeding. I head back to Pong and pick up Dang. Dang is being taken care of by Dr. Beam. Dr. Beam informs me that the wound is healing satisfactorily. I bring Dang back to his caregivers and then catch a few hours of sleep. Afterward, I'll start cleaning my apartment and the interior of the pickup truck. Both the floor and the seats have numerous bloodstains.
In the afternoon, on my way to the Shelter, I check on Meefoo. She's behaving normally, and the bleeding seems to have finally stopped. Inside the Shelter, I clean the areas again and administer the evening medications afterward. Pat has taken good care of the dogs. Mona is doing well, Tessa and Demi appear to be further integrating into the house area.
Monday, 28 August 2023
As Pat begins the morning by handling the feeding, I take care of distributing the medications and then proceed with the cleaning tasks. I make an attempt to place Mona with Zola. Both dogs are acquainted, having spent a considerable time together in a shared area. It appears that both dogs are agreeable to my suggestion.
In the late afternoon, I return to the shelter and conduct cleaning rounds through the various sections. Zola and Mona have gotten along well. I administer the evening medications and then wrap up a bit earlier. During the early evening, I check up on Meefoo. She seems to have completely recovered from her ailment of yesterday.
Tuesday, 29 August 2023
After cleaning the front areas, I distribute the medications. I administer eye drops to Jake, Kylie, and Jomo, while Luna continues to receive Doxycycline and Ferric. Yesterday marked Jake's last dose of Doxy, at least for now.
Next, I take him and Mona to the clinic. Mona has gotten along well with Zola. Jake's blood is being retested. Despite a two-month course of Doxy, his blood values are still concerning. Dr. Beam suggests discontinuing Doxy and continuing Jake's treatment with probiotics, Neurobion, and Ferric.
Mona's wound has healed sufficiently to be stitched up. Mona will remain at the clinic until tomorrow. Once back at the shelter, I clean the remaining areas and proceed to feed the animals. After that, I administer the evening medications.
Wednesday, 30 August 2023
While I'm at the clinic in the morning to pick up Mona, Pat calls me to let me know that she found Darla injured in a hole. I rush over to the shelter and manage to pull Darla out of the deep pit. Darla has a gaping wound on her abdomen, but she's not in a panic and doesn't seem to have lost much blood. Dr. Beam hooks her up to an IV and tends to the wound.
Mona's wound has been stitched up. I'm able to take Mona with me and place her in the front unit of the TVT Station for now. After that, I try to figure out what happened to Darla. I discover a small opening in the metal sheet fence that separates the area where Mona lives from the area where Merlin and Oscar stay. Apparently, Darla got into their area and was attacked. When she returned to her area, she must have cut her abdomen on the sharp metal edges. I seal up the opening.
Pat has already started feeding, so I begin the clean-up process after distributing the medications. In the afternoon, I head to the clinic to check on Darla's condition. Dr. Beam is busy, but I see that Darla is well taken care of and apparently comfortable, lying in a spacious cage. Back at the shelter, I go through all the areas again to clean, and then I distribute the evening medications.
Thursday, 31 August 2023
I let Mona out of the TVT station so that she can move freely in the double-gate area. After that, I distribute the morning medications and then begin the cleaning process. The experiment of keeping the doors open between the house area, the quiet area, and the treatment room seems to be successful. Once I've completed the cleaning in the entire area, I first feed the dogs in the back areas and then proceed to the feeding in the house and the double-gate area.
I then head to the clinic to check on Darla. Darla is doing well under the circumstances, and I could take her to the shelter with me. However, since I still need to buy dry food, I won't be able to bring her back with me until tomorrow. I get 240 kg of dry food at Apisits's shop and store the bags in the treatment room. After that, I go through all the areas once again and clean up.
Friday, 1 September 2023
In the early morning, I pick up Dang to take him to the clinic for a bandage change. However, I notice that the bandage is no longer in place. Dr. Beam is concerned that, as happened once before at the clinic, Dang may have ingested the bandage. I leave Dang at the clinic for now so that a thorough examination can provide clarity.
I can take Darla with me again, and I place her in the rear unit of the TVT Station. While Pat feeds, I administer the morning medications and then clean the front areas.
Afterwards, I head to the temple dogs in Baan Amphur. I distribute 30 kg of rice to Ba Bät, and another 30 kg I give to the people who feed the beach dogs. Besides the beach dogs, I also see Kofi and Toto. However, despite an extensive search, I am unable to locate Deva.
In the afternoon, I return to the clinic. Dr. Beam shows me the X-rays of Dang's digestive tract, and the bandage material is clearly visible. We hope that Dang can naturally pass the material, but he will remain in the clinic for observation. Back at the shelter, I clean all the areas and then distribute the evening medications.
Saturday, 2 September 2023
In the early morning, Chang Wai arrives with his assistant and begins by repairing the damaged fences and doors. Afterward, they proceed to lay water pipelines in the Kenj and the Zola area, the large Sala area, and the Dodger area. While they work, I clean up the areas.
During the lunch break, I briefly go home and, on the way back to the shelter, I experience a nightmare situation. In a moment of distraction, I rear-end a Mercedes that's braking in front of me. Fortunately, there's only minor damage, but it's bad enough. Both vehicles are still drivable, so, at the suggestion of the other party involved, we head to a nearby restaurant. An hour later, the insurance representative for the other driver arrives and assesses the damage. Afterward, he meets with me, and we complete the necessary paperwork.
I return to the shelter on my scooter, where Chang Wai has nearly finished the work. I feed the dogs, replenish their water, and administer their evening medications. It seems that Mona and Darla are getting along with the dogs in the double-gate area, so I leave the doors to the TVT Station open.
Sunday, 3 September 2023
I'm up early in the morning at the shelter, starting with the cleaning of the house. Shortly thereafter, Claudia arrives with Jutta. While they take over, I distribute the morning medications and then take the pick-up truck to Khun Yao's workshop. He assesses the damage and begins the repair work.
I catch a Bolt Taxi back to my place and then return to the shelter on my scooter. Claudia and Jutta have already cleaned the areas, fed the dogs, and refreshed the water. I go through all the areas once more, disposing of waste and palm fronds, and distribute the evening medications.
My hope that Merlin's bite wounds would close up with the administration of Clindamycin and Prednisolone has not been fulfilled. I hope I can bring him to the clinic tomorrow morning with Pat's assistance. Mona and Darla, both still wearing collars, have been accepted by the double-gate dogs. I hope the pick-up truck can be repaired as soon as possible because I urgently need it for clinic trips.
Monday, 4 September 2023
I arrive at the shelter early in the morning with my scooter and begin the cleaning process. Pat arrives and takes over. I still need to distribute the morning medications and then head to the workshop. I ask Khun Yao if he could offer me an affordable pick-up truck for the upcoming days, but he only has one available, which I can't afford right now. We agree that Khun Yao will make the pick-up drivable first, and we'll address the bodywork damage later. If no unexpected issues arise, I can pick up the vehicle the day after tomorrow.
Pat cleans the house and feeds the dogs until early afternoon. I clean the areas and then distribute the evening medications. Merlin's treatment will have to wait until I have the pick-up available again. I continue with his medication regimen.
Tuesday, 5 September 2023
Claudia and Jutta are already working at the shelter when I arrive there on my scooter. I distribute the medications, and together, we go through the routine tasks. After feeding the dogs, I clean the areas and refill the water in some of them. In the afternoon, I'm back to the workshop. Several parts of the pick-up need to be replaced, but they can only be obtained tomorrow.
Wednesday, 6 September 2023
This morning, I am again back to the shelter with the scooter. Pat has already started the work. While I distribute the medications, Pat cleans the house and then begins with the feeding. I clean the outer areas, dispose of the waste, and clear away palm fronds.
As long as I don't have access to the pick-up truck, Dang will stay in the clinic. Darla is back in her designated area, where she feels more comfortable than in the double-gated section. For now, I'll leave Mona there as well. Since the dogs are well taken care of, I'll skip the afternoon trip to the shelter today.
Thursday, 7 September 2023
I am at the shelter early in the morning and begin with the cleaning. Claudia and Jutta arrive, and together we go through our routine. Claudia and Jutta feed the dogs. In the afternoon, I visit the shelter again, distribute medications, and once more go through all the areas for cleaning.
Friday, 8 September 2023
I'm back early in the morning with the scooter at the shelter and start the cleaning. Claudia and Martin arrive. They bring three bags of food that we had bought yesterday afternoon. One bag goes to Gop. Martin replaces the partially damaged faucet in the large sala area and attaches a hose. Claudia, who has been helping me actively lately, is going to Germany for six weeks.
Pat arrives, and with her comes Dorothea. I distribute the medications, and Pat starts feeding. Mona, whose wound has healed, goes to Zola in the Pat area. Since I ran out of Doxycycline, I had asked Josie to give me some tablets.
In the afternoon, I pick them up from Khun Apisit and then head to Khun Yao's workshop. He informs me that I can get back the pick-up truck early tomorrow morning. In the early evening, I receive several used cages that Rainer kindly provides and has delivered to the shelter.
Saturday, 9 September 2023
Early in the morning, I head to the shelter on my scooter, clean the house and front areas, and distribute the morning medications. Then, I take a Bolt Taxi to Khun Yao's workshop to pick up the repaired pickup truck. After that, I pick up Jutta in Najomtien, and together we drive to Khun Apisit's place to buy 240 kg of dry food.
While I'm storing the bags of food, Jutta begins cleaning. I take Darla and Luna with me and head to the clinic. The stitches on Darla's extensive wound have held up, and she can be temporarily discharged without a bandage. Yesterday, I noticed significant swelling on Luna's left shoulder, so the swelling is drained, and a substantial amount of blood is drawn. Luna is fitted with a pressure bandage. She'll need to come back for further examination in a week and will be treated with Prednisolone for five days. Her Doxycycline treatment continues.
Dang is now ready to come along as well. Luna and Darla return to their areas, and I temporarily place Dang in the bathroom. I want to keep him under observation for a few days. Jutta has cleaned all the areas and fed the dogs in the rear sections. I feed the dogs in the house area and then distribute the evening medications. Merlin continues to receive Clindamycin and Prednisolone.
Sunday, 10 September 2023
Jutta is coming over to my place today, and we're going to the shelter together. I'll distribute the morning medications and then clean both the house area and the double gate area. While Jutta takes care of cleaning and feeding in the back areas, I'll focus on cleaning the house. After that, I'll feed the dogs in the house area and the double gate area.
In the afternoon, I'll be back at the shelter, cleaning again and giving out the evening medications. Dang has settled in the bathroom. He's eager to go outside after being cooped up for so long, but he'll have to wait in the spacious room until his next examination.
Monday, 11 September 2023
This morning, Pat calls me and informs me that she found Tinka sitting down and having apparent difficulty getting up. I noticed yesterday that Tinka was struggling to overcome a small enclosure. I drive to the shelter where Pat has placed Tinka in a TVT unit. Apart from her difficulty in standing, Tinka's behavior seems normal, and she doesn't have any visible wounds. I take her to the clinic, where Dr. Beam performs an X-ray to rule out a spinal injury. The result comes back negative. Dr. Ben doesn't rule out the possibility of poisoning, but all the other dogs in the double-gate area show no symptoms. It's possible that Tinka was bitten by a scorpion. Tinka is put on an IV drip and receives medication. She is supposed to stay in the clinic for observation for three days.
Back at the shelter, Pat is still involved in the feeding, and I start the cleaning chores after distributing the medications. Dang continues to stay in the bathroom. The door to the treatment room is left open again so that the dogs in the house area can be in there as well as in the resting area.
Tuesday, 12 September 2023
Jutta is coming over to my place, and we're heading to the shelter. While Jutta takes care of the back areas, refreshes the water, and starts feeding there, I distribute the medications, clean the house, the house area, and the double gate area. Afterward, I feed the dogs there. Jutta takes a Bolt Taxi home, and I go through all the areas again for a final clean after the feedings.
In the afternoon, I'm at the clinic to check on Tinka. She's still on the drip, but she's already improving. Dr. Beam informs me that I can probably pick her up again as early as tomorrow.
Wednesday, 13 September 2023
Pat has already started work when I arrive at the shelter in the morning. While Pat prepares the feedings, I distribute the medications. Afterward, I am with Darla in the clinic. Dr. Beam confirms that the scarring of her wounds has healed, and Darla can be discharged as cured. Tinka is still on the drip, patiently lying in her cage. Dr. Beam informs me that her condition will allow me to pick her up again tomorrow. Dr. Beam points out a puncture wound on Tinka's flank that I had previously missed. We are now fairly certain that Tinka has been stung by a scorpion.
Back at the shelter, I begin cleaning while Pat feeds the dogs in the rear areas. In addition to the daily disposal of feces, today also involves disposing of several palm fronds. I also refresh the drinking water for the dogs in the rear areas. Pat has already provided the dogs in the front areas with fresh water.
Dang continues to stay on her own in the bathroom. She seems quite content with her current accommodations and is progressing well. The amputation wound is gradually closing.
Thursday, 14 September 2023
I'm on my own with the dogs at the shelter today, and I'm starting with cleaning the house and front areas. After that, I'll distribute the morning medications. Kenji's wounds are healing slowly, but I've noticed a pale palate in him, so I'm starting a Doxy/Ferric treatment. Merlin's wounds are healing as well, but I'll continue giving him Clindamycin and Prednisone for the next three days.
In the early afternoon, I leave the dogs alone after cleaning all areas. Two hours later, I feed the dogs and distribute the evening medications. Then, I go through all areas once more for cleaning.
In the early evening, I'm at the clinic to check on Tinka. She still can't stand or walk. However, Dr. Beam suggests it's better to take her with me. Just as we're about to leave, it starts pouring rain heavily. Despite the terrible visibility, we manage to arrive safely at the resort. I'll keep Tinka with me for now, hoping she'll recover in a safe environment soon.
Friday, 15 September 2023
Tinka spent the entire night very calmly. In the morning, I feed her and administer the medications, Gabapentin and Vitamin B Complex, which Dr. Beam had prescribed. After that, I head to the shelter, kickstart the cleaning routine, and distribute the morning medications. Pat arrives and successfully manages to get the mother dog and the brown puppy from next door into the cage. I take Jenny, the third puppy, with me inside the car and drive the three dogs to Dr. Sudarat Clinic. They are going to be spayed there and will stay in the clinic for three days.
Next, I make my way to Wat Amparahm to provide 30 kg of rice and 20 kg of dry food for Ba Bät. Additionally, I hand over 30 kg of rice and 20 kg of dry food to the folks who look after the beach dogs. During my beach stroll with the dogs, I come across Toto and Kofi, both of whom are doing well. The dogs at the front hall are also in good shape. I spot Deva nearby, whom I couldn't find during my previous visit. Unfortunately, she is covered in ticks. I drive to Dr. Sudarat Clinic, pick up the cage, and purchase a pack of Bravecto. Back at Wat, I administer the medication to Deva. She will be tick-free in just a few hours.
After buying 120 kg of dry food from Khun Apisit, I return to the apartment to check on Tinka. She hasn't moved from her spot. I gently lift her, and she manages to stand for a few seconds before sitting down again. I assist her to stand once more and encourage her to take a few steps, which she successfully does. Now, I have hope that with some training over the next few days, she can overcome the weakness in her hind legs.
In the late afternoon, I'm back at the shelter, storing the six sacks of dry food. Just as I finish cleaning the front areas and administering the evening medications, it starts pouring rain, forcing me to leave the dogs alone. They are well taken care of and can all find a dry spot. I give Tinka her medications after feeding her. She's a very patient patient.
Saturday, 16 September 2023
Tinka had another peaceful night. In the early morning, I take her outside and assist her in taking a few steps. Afterwards, I feed her and administer her medication. Her condition remains unchanged compared to yesterday.
Jutta arrives, and together we head to the shelter to carry out our routine tasks. I distribute the medications and clean the main house and double-gate area, while Jutta tends to the back sections, replenishing water and feeding the dogs there. I feed the dogs in the main house area and the double-gate area, also refreshing their water supply. Dang continues to rest contentedly in the bathroom.
After ensuring all the dogs are well taken care of, I accompany Jutta to her new house. A lease agreement is finalized, and other formalities are sorted out. However, Jutta still resides in her condo in Jomtien and will gradually complete her move.
Tinka spent the day comfortably in my apartment. I take her outside and encourage her to take a few more steps. Tinka is an adorable dog, and I enjoy having her around. In the evening, I feed her and administer her medication.
Sunday, 17 September 2023
Tinka had another calm night. I take her outside for her business, but her condition hasn't changed.
In the morning, Jutta and I go through our routine again. First, I administer the medications, then I clean the house, its surroundings, and the double gate area. After that, I provide fresh water for the dogs there. Jutta takes care of the back areas, feeds the dogs, and ensures they have fresh water.
In the afternoon, Michael asks me to check on a dog at Wat Pong. He noticed the dog has a back injury that it keeps licking. After some searching, I find the dog on the spacious temple grounds. However, I can't get close enough to determine the severity of the wound. I'll try to get in touch with the monk responsible for the temple's dogs. Later, I meet Serge, who has requested me to check on some dogs near the temple. In a wooded area, Serge takes care of several dogs and has come across a mother dog with puppies. He has set up a shelter made of palm leaves for the mother, but we only see one puppy with her. Serge wants to get these dogs sterilized, but they are semi-wild and very shy. Even blowdarting them will be a challenge.
I return to the shelter and feed the dogs in the house area and the double gate area. Then, I go through all the areas to clean and administer the medications. Kenji's wound is still not fully healed, but he's walking on all fours again.
Monday, 18 September 2023
In the early morning, I take care of Tinka and bring her outside. She remains quite patient and slept through the night. I feed her and administer her medication. Then, I head to the shelter. Today marks Pats' temporary last day of work before she heads back to Australia for about a month.
After distributing medication to Luna, Kenji, and Jake, I drive to the Sudarat Clinic to pick up the three neighbor dogs. Back at the shelter, I notice that Jenny's wound dressing is soaked, and the wound appears swollen. The other two dogs don't seem to have these issues.
I take Jenny back on board, along with Luna, who has been wearing a pressure bandage for a week, and head to the clinic. Luna's swelling has subsided, and she can be discharged. However, Jenny requires a follow-up surgery. Upon Dr. Beam's advice, she should stay in the clinic for the next three days. Luna returns to the double gate area.
Pat has taken good care of the dogs, so all I have to do now is clean up. Tinka has spent the entire day with the apartment without any issues. I take her outside and encourage her to take a few steps. However, her hind legs quickly give out, and she collapses. At least she eats normally and doesn't seem unhappy.
Tuesday, 19 September 2023
In the morning, I take care of Tinka and then head to Wat Pong to check on the dog with the back wound. In the monks' living area, I approach one of the monks and lead him to the dog. The monk informs me that the dog is receiving treatment. However, I will check on the dog again in the coming days. Michael will also keep an eye on him.
After that, I'm at the shelter. Jutta arrives an hour later, and we go through our routine again. Jutta tends to the back areas, while I distribute medication and clean the house, its surroundings, and the double gate area. Then, I feed the two neighbor dogs and administer Doxycycline to them. Their wounds seem to be healing normally. While Jutta feeds the dogs in the back areas, I take care of the dogs in the front areas.
I'm back home briefly, take care of Tinka, and then return to the shelter in the late afternoon. All the dogs are well taken care of; I only administer the evening medication to Jake and Luna. Once back home, I feed Tinka and give her the evening medication. Her condition remains unchanged.
Wednesday, 20 September 2023
I let Tinka out in the morning and then administer her medication. Jutta comes over to my place, and together we drive to the shelter to start our daily routine. I distribute the medication, clean the house, its surroundings, and the double gate area, while Jutta tends to the dogs in the back areas. Afterward, I also feed the dogs in the front areas and provide them with fresh water.
Jutta heads back home, and I go into town to pick up dry dog food. Shortly after I've stowed away the bags, it starts pouring rain. This gives me the opportunity to spend some time sitting with the dogs for an hour, something that rarely fits into my schedule. Dang is getting more comfortable and, under my watchful eye, I can let him roam in the house area for a while. As long as I'm nearby, the house dogs leave him alone. Once the rain subsides, I go through all the areas, cleaning up and disposing of some palm fronds that had fallen due to the downpour.
Tinka behaved perfectly again in my apartment. I feed her and give her the evening medication. Her condition remains unchanged. Tomorrow, I'll take her back to the clinic. It's also time for Lai's follow-up examination. Additionally, I hope to bring Jenny along. The two other neighbor dogs appear to have recovered well from the procedure. Surprisingly, the mother allowed me to inspect her scar. However, I'll continue to administer Doxycycline to both dogs as a precaution.
Thursday, 21 September 2023
In the early morning, I pick up Lai from her owner, then I take Tinka on board and drive to the clinic with Jutta accompanying us. Lai undergoes an examination and a blood test, and both results come back positive. Tinka's Gabapentin dosage is going to be increased. Jenny is ready to be discharged, so I take Jutta to the shelter and then return Lai to her owner. Tinka comes back with me, and Jenny will also stay with me until her surgical wound is completely healed.
I leave the dogs alone and head to the shelter. Jutta has already completed most of the tasks. I distribute the medications and clean the front areas. Jutta has errands to run in town, so I drive home and check on Tinka and Jenny. Jenny has managed to get rid of her collar, so I put a shirt on her to prevent her from licking the wound.
In the late afternoon, heavy rain begins and continues into the late evening. Since the shelter dogs are well taken care of, I skip another trip to them. In the evening, Tinka and Jenny receive their medications. Jenny has a very good rapport with me, so her accommodation hasn't posed any problems so far.
Friday, 22 September 2023
Early in the morning, I'm at Wat Pong, where I meet Michael. Michael is currently feeding the dog with the gaping wound on its back. I talk to the woman who takes care of the dogs in the temple. She can't catch the dog either. So, I arrange with Michael for Saek, the dog catcher, to dart the dog tomorrow morning.
Back at the apartment, I administer medication to Tinka and Jenny. Jutta arrives, and we take Jenny to Dr. Beam. He treats her surgical wound again and puts a shirt on her, so she's completely covered. We head to the shelter and start our routine. Jenny goes into one of the indoor kennels for a while. After cleaning all the areas, replenishing the water, and feeding the dogs, I drive Jutta to her new house. She's expecting the delivery of some furniture there.
I return home and take care of Tinka and Jenny. Tinka's condition remains unchanged. After a few steps, she regularly collapses. Her hind legs are so weak that she can't stand on her own. Jenny, on the other hand, is doing fine.
In the late afternoon, I'm back at the shelter. I first check on Jack and Cookie. They seem to have settled in and are very friendly towards me. Then, I clean the front areas. During this, I let Dang back outside. Afterwards, I clean the back areas and dispose of the waste. As darkness falls, I distribute some Ferric to Jake and Luna. Back at the apartment, I let Tinka and Jenny out and then give them their evening medications.
Saturday, 23 September 2023
I meet Saek early in the morning at the temple grounds. Shortly after, Michael arrives as well. We locate the dog named Tualek, and Saek tries to dart him but misses twice. Thankfully, the woman who takes care of the dogs at the temple manages to contact someone who arrives shortly after. She and her partner easily get Tualek into the cage.
I make a quick trip home, administer the morning medication to Tinka and Jenny, and take Tinka outside. Fortunately, she takes a few more steps this morning compared to yesterday. Jutta arrives, and I drive her to the shelter, let Jenny out, and then head to the clinic with Tualek. He's quite patient there. Dr. Beam will need to treat him for at least three days.
Back at the shelter, Jutta has already started feeding the dogs in the rear areas. I tend to the front areas and then feed the dogs in the house section. In the early afternoon, I assist Jutta with her move to her new place. Afterward, I return to the shelter. Since it started raining, I bring Jenny inside. The people next door seem unconcerned that her shirt is getting wet, potentially affecting the wound healing.
After distributing the evening medication to Luna and Jake, I bring Jenny back to my apartment. In the evening, I feed Tinka and Jenny and administer their medication.
Sunday, 24 September 2023
I feed Tinka and Jenny and then take them outside. When I lift Tinka up, she takes a few steps and then sits down again. She can't get up on her own yet. Tinka stays in the apartment, and Jenny comes with me to pick up Jutta at her new place. Jenny goes to see her mother and sister, and Jutta and I start our routine.
We've just finished our tasks when it starts raining heavily in the early afternoon. I quickly run to fetch Jenny and we sit with the dogs, waiting out the downpour. After an hour, the sun comes out again, and I take Jutta home with Jenny accompanying me. At home I take Tinka outside and encourage her to take a few more steps. It gets a little better every day, so I hope she'll make a full recovery after some time.
Monday, 25 September 2023
In the morning, I take care of Tinka and Jenny, and then I pick up Jutta. Tinka keeps staying in the apartment, while I take Jenny to our neighbors at the shelter. However, she doesn't seek any contact with her mother or sister and spends the entire morning lying under the pick-up truck.
Jutta and I go through our routine and finish our work a bit earlier today. Jenny comes back with me. I let Tinka outside and do some more walking exercises with her. Tomorrow, I will introduce both dogs to Dr. Beam again.
Tuesday, 26 September 2023
In the morning, I take care of Tinka and Jenny in my apartment, and then I pick up Lai from Khun Kung's place. Khun Kung informed me that she found bloodstains at Lai's resting spot. Since Dr. Beam is currently in surgery, I instruct an assistant and head to the shelter. There, I start by administering the morning medications, followed by cleaning and replenishing fresh drinking water.