Love and the Hard Road

by Founder Narelle Pamuk

Life was good living on Hong Kong Island over the years…then the change came. I moved to Sai Kung in 2007.

Two ladies approached me asking if I would help their small dog welfare group in Sai Kung, as they were relocating out of Hong Kong. Running my own real estate property company on Hong Kong Island, it was only on weekends I could contribute my time. It didn’t take long for me to realise how much help neglected and injured roaming dogs in Sai Kung needed welfare support. As an owner of 4 dogs at home, it was difficult to take more dogs into my family residence.

A volunteer found the boarding facility at No. 151 Tai Lam Wu Road, Sai Kung (our current shelter). I boarded eight rescued dogs at this facility and was charged $1,000 per dog, with no food, bedding or daily exercise provided. The way dogs were kept in this facility felt like a jail.

Every day I would drive home from Hong Kong Island, prepare food at my house and take it to feed the dogs. The other dogs in their rooms would cry when I came, so I started to feed every dog in this shelter, approximately 20 dogs.

Soon, I decided that for the welfare of the dogs this management had to go, and I offered to take over. There was resistance as exit money was demanded. It is too lengthy to detail all the happenings, but in 2012 I finally took full control and old management was removed.

The facility didn’t meet with my standard of cleanliness . It took 4 large trucks to remove the accumulated rubbish, waste and debris. I upgraded the facility with painting, planting trees and extensive cleaning I personally financed from my property business.  I sold my business to inject funds in 2012 and dedicated myself full-time to running of the facility. Dogs now saw sunlight, went for walks, were bathed, had bedding and a good healthy meal every day. Miserable dogs became happy and appreciative dogs.

It became financially unsustainable when my funds depleted. In 2014 Sai Kung Stray Friends Foundation Limited (SKSFF) was founded as a Hong Kong registered Charity under Section 88 of the Inland Revenue Ordinance.

Never in my vision did I foresee that humble helping of 8 dogs would become this large welfare, rescue, rehabilitation and home of approximately 200 stray friends. It has absorbed my whole life to 7 days a week, and become a Welfare Resource Hotline responding to endless calls to help people and dogs.

Dogs do not choose to be born; their overpopulation and suffering stem from human neglect , and the lack of importance given by the authorities give to the needs of animal welfare. While many nations globally are strengthening legislation with strict penalties, high fines, and imprisonment for animal cruelty and irresponsible ownership, enforcement alone is not enough. For many owners, the cost of spaying and neutering remains a major barrier. I have been a crusader for many, many years: the government should establish FREE desexing service within their AFCD centres. Currently only rabies vaccinations and disposal are available. Desexing will prevent animal disposal.

It’s welcomed and pleasing to see some advancement. Dogs are now being allowed in public eating establishments, and LCSD provides over 50 more Inclusive Parks for Pets around Hong Kong. However, the government must allocate dedicated sites for shelter facilities to house stray, rescued, sick, injured, and abandoned dogs, supported by regulated standards to ensure proper care. With my years of experience in animal welfare, I would be happy to serve as a resource to relevant departments to help bring this vision to life.

Our Rescue Work

Our charity carries out physical rescue operations in all locations and varied terrain, with hazards of mosquitos, wild boars and monkeys, carrying heavy cages,  equipment, etc. It requires commitment!

Sai Kung Stray Friends Foundation is funded by donations from government vubvention, the Sir Robert Ho Charitable Fund, private philanthropy trusts in Hong Kong and abroad, corporate companies and individual followers.

Sai Kung Stray Friends Foundation is respected for our compassionate work and very much relied upon. We are a responsive action group of dedicated volunteers who care for animals. Sadly, Hong Kong is not addressing the urgency to make improvements where solutions are possible.

The Home of Stray Friends

Dogs have been at the site for decades, long before I took over the boarding facility in 2011. The location is perfect for our work: away from residential areas, with vehicle access, town water, and acceptance from the nearest villagers and the village chief. These factors are very important! Over the years I have pursued other possible sites, but without success. Finding a location that can accept  200 dogs is challenging!

I always say they teach us…not us teach them.

When you know the love of a dog, your heart is touched by loyalty, faithfulness, acceptance of yourself, love and appreciation.

Animals have feelings just as humans do. They can have health issues: injuries, broken bones, immune issues, spleen, blindness, and need medical treatment.

Our shelter provides care, administering of medications, dressing management changes and daily monitoring of dogs needing care.  We transport dogs almost daily to a nearby clinic.

Every dog who walks through our gate is a lucky dog.

Not every dog can get a forever home, but for those who don’t, we are their forever family.

Prayers that the years of dedicated hard work and compassion won’t be destroyed… may new hope and deep understanding of the situation bring a positive way forward.

All life is precious.

It’s all love…