By Gavin Gamby-Boulger
Wetnose Welfare Director Gavin Gamby-Boulger has just returned from visiting the Animal Kingdom Foundation based in Capas 113 km from Manila the capital of the Philippines. He had been invited to go by Charles Wartenburgh, CEO of the Animal Kingdom Foundation, a UK based charity.
This remarkable man had almost single handidly set up this organization that moved the Philippine authorities to abolish the legalised slaughter of dogs for human consumption. Unfortunately the operation still continues albeit at a reduced rate, but underground. Charles has created an animal sanctuary that looks after the dogs that are collected when an operation is mounted to recover these poor unfortunate animals prior to their intended demise. Wetnose had been invited to offer advice and their expertise in the running of this Sanctuary that been set up and opened in July 2006.
Gavin recalls his trip that he has called………… The King and I
With all this in my mind, I gazed out of the airplane window as I arrived at Manila International Airport after a 12 hour flight, ready to meet not only Charles, but greet again, Brian, my Irish vet friend, who does so much good work in the Far East and who had agreed to meet me in the Philippines to offer his valuable advice and practical help. So on the Sunday morning, after a good dinner the previous evening we were now ready to set out to see the Centre.
The journey took some two and a half hours, through a varied landscape showing a diverse range of Filipino culture and finally, after taking several turnings off the main road in Capas, found ourselves going down a bumpy track, watched by the curious, yet blank faces of the local squatters. These unfortunate people have no homes as such, and create their own shanty dwellings that are created out of every conceivable piece of material, and put together to make shelters to exist in. I have never witnessed such poverty.
As we rounded the last bend, Charles gave the horn a loud blast, and the big steel gates of the Centre opened. We were acknowledged by Robert, the armed guard, and as we swept down the drive, several dogs leapt about in the wake of our swirling dust to greet the 4x4 that they obviously knew and loved.
The immediate impression was that of a large colonial style building shimmering, pink and white against the clear blue sky that was almost breath taking. As we rounded yet another corner, we came to a halt around the back in the main area. Astonishingly, in the short space of time since we had entered the gates, word it seemed, had spread of our arrival, and the staff, resplendent in their pink or pale blue intern typed uniforms, were there almost, it appeared, in line to greet us, with beaming smiles of welcome.
As I got out, I did not know whether to bow or shake hands, such was the effect of this generous welcome!
After the introductions, and had consumed the proffered iced tea, we were shown to our accommodation, Brian and I were to share a large airy twin bedded room that led onto a lovely modern lounge and kitchen breakfast room. What a lovely start!
The Centre is set in 5 acres of an established mango plantation, surrounded by 2 metre stone walls , topped with razor wire for additional security, Within that there are several large paddocks for the dogs to run around in and enjoy, whilst having the glorious shelter that these lovely mango trees afford. There are additional thatched type constructions for shelter. Water of course is plentiful to slake the thirst! The staff of nine are privileged to have modern quarters complete with all mod cons, and a state of the art kitchen for Julie, the cook to supply all the local food to keep them going during their arduous day. The office, reception areas are adjacent to the modern operating theatre with pharmacy area and recovery room connected.
Over the ensuing week whilst at the Centre, Brian gave some very practical advice and help to both Dr Roland and Dr Ellen, the two vets that were running the Neutering policy. Both are excellent vets, but needed additional techniques to speed up the routine procedures due to the never ending flow of dogs that require neutering, both dogs and bitches. As an immediate result of our visit, Wetnose was able to fund two brand new surgical instrument kits that allowed the turn round of neutering dogs to increase dramatically. We shall be looking to supply an autoclave in the near future as well to enable more rapid sterilization of instrumentation.
We learnt too, how only the week before our arrival, the BBC had been out filming at the Centre to highlight this dreadful scenario of dogs being so cruelly rounded up in a such a barbaric way, by greedy individuals just to satisfy their own pockets to supply, a local delicacy. We were sorry to have missed them, but look forward greatly to see the documentary that we understand will be screened in March 2007.
This will show the saving of some 92 unfortunates, that we now saw in the two quarantined arrival paddocks, now segregated into dogs and bitches……..no more puppies for these guys!
There is set but flexible programmes for these quarantined dogs, that once ensconced in their new habitat sees them being given nourishing food, treated for fleas, mange and worms. Vaccinations are immediate and finally all dogs are neutered. This all takes place during the initial 3-4 week period, and all carefully monitored whilst in the quarantined area paddocks, From there, and subject to a final health check, they are moved into the ‘residents’ paddocks that re spread over the 5 acre mango plantation.
Wetnose will be supplying and funding all residents with new collars, blue for boys and red for girls ready for their stay, but also ready for the adoption programme that started in January of this year. All dogs’ records are filed on computer, along with digital colour photos for visual recognition.
Wetnose also saw many dogs with the tell tale arc shaped scar across the snout, where a rusty, jagged edged tin can had been forced on, prior to being tied in impossible positions, ready for their final terrifying and suffocating journey to hell ……………thank God, that there are people at the Animal Kingdom Foundation who are there to dedicate their lives to the saving of these ever trusting dogs.
I witnessed too, the staff as they went about their daily routine touching, stroking, caressing and whispering sweet nothings to the dogs. The care, love and compassion shown unselfishly by all at AKF moved me to tears so many times, and yet had me laughing in the next moment, as the dogs began to behave with that all too familiar way as a normal family pet would!
There were those dogs who were allowed to run around the grounds acting as any dog would do in it’s own garden, chasing the staff, trying trip you up as you walked around, and then capturing your heart……..as King did in the picture. It was …………………….the King and I!
I was so impressed with this wonderful haven and have been very privileged to visit and to share some time with all at AKF. Wetnose is committing itself to long term aid; if you are interested too, please contact me on details below and thank you for reading this.
Wetnose is raising funds for Charles, so please spread the word to as many friends as you can, if you have a blog even better. You can donate on-line with Paypal or send cheques to our address below. Thank goodness for people like Charles and his team!