Loving Each Day
Clubpets, Feb/Mar 2003

The honour roll: clockwise from top left, Janice Lim from HRSS, Sherrie Lim from ASD Serina Rahman from CWS and last but not least, Esther Ang from SPCA.

While we're busy relaxing, there are some who don't mind sacrificing their precious free time to help the less fortunate, who just happen to have fur and four legs, clubpets speaks to four of these volunteers and seeks out the stories behind why they o what they do, everyday.

JANICE LIM
HOUSE RABBIT SOCIETY OF SINGAPORE

How did you come to be involved with the HRSS?
When my first rabbit died, I felt miserable. While I was surfing the net hoping to find some comforting words from other rabbit owners who had shared the same experience, I stumbled upon the HRSS website. I discovered HRSS shares my philosophy and mission - that rabbits are valued individuals, regardless of breed, state of health or temperament.

What activities are you involved in?
I work on educating children and youths about love, care and respect for rabbits. Young children are often too eager to acquire an adorable, irresistible bunny before understanding the responsibilities of having one. I hope to teach children about the responsibilities that come with bunny ownership and that they should not be getting any pet on impulse. Also, I clear up misconceptions. Many still think you hold a rabbit by its ears and many don't know that rabbits can be trained to use a litterbox.

Do you have any advice for potential rabbit owners?
They can give you so much but before you make up your mind to get a bunny, please consider your decision carefully They can live up to 8- 10 years. Are you willing to make that commitment of a lifetime? Also, do consider adopting a bunny instead of buying one.

What about to potential volunteers?
HRSS welcomes volunteers, of course! We are an expanding organization and we need all the help we can get. Volunteering can be challenging but it is also rewarding and fulfilling especially when you believe in your cause.

Lastly, what do you love most about doing volunteer work with the HRSS?
Knowing the fact that whatever I do is saving the life of an animal I care very much about. Most Singaporeans do not respect animals enough. I hope to see more people being educated, learning to be responsible.

SHERRIE LIM
ACTION FOR SINGAPORE DOGS

How did you come to be involved with ASD?
I started to become a foster parent for ASID in December 200 1. 1 had already adopted a dog from the SPCA, a Maltese which we renamed Hampton. He was a hyperactive one year-old so we decided a playmate for Hampton would be great. After the pup, Bourbon, was adopted by my parents, other dogs soon followed. To date, we have fostered seven dogs. And all have found good homes and are happy dogs!

What activities are you involved in?
I am a foster parent, so I foster dogs when they have a stray pup or abandoned dog. When ASID has activities like World Animal Day or an adoption drive, I help out with the dogs or if I have a foster dog then I'll bring him or her down. I do a little "aftercare", such as when my foster dogs are adopted and their new adopted parents have questions about the dog, they will call me and ask "Is this common?" or "Does he/she always do that?"

Do you have any advice for potential dog owners?
To potential dog owners: IT'S NOT EASY! Most people think there's no problem, feed them, play with them, and bathe them. I say think about rushing home to feed the dog and clean up before you can do your late night outings. It's definitely a change in lifestyle.

What about potential volunteers?
To potential volunteers: Perseverance. To do volunteer work the main thing is that you need to really love dogs, because it will take up a lot of your time, energy and money You would not last if you are in it for the "cute pups".

Lastly, what do you love most about doing volunteer work with the ASD?
I get to play with a lot of dogs! Most rewarding would be seeing them find a good home and meeting them months later and finding that they have adopted their new family, and I'm even more touched when they remember me.

ESTHER ANG
SPCA

How did you come to be involved with the SPCA?
It was sometime back in 2000. 1 love animals and have always wanted to do volunteer work and help animals, so I signed up to be a volunteer at the SPCA.

What activities are you involved in?
I am a Pet Care Counsellor. I'm at the SPCA two Sundays a month, and I speak to families who come in and want to adopt a pet. It's my responsibility to remind them that it's a long-term commitment, how much care it needs, and how the pet has to be part of the family, not something to be tied up outside the house.

Do you have any advice for potential pet owners?
For potential adopters, it's very important that everyone in the family has to want the pet, as it often falls on the mothers to take care of it when the children get tired of it. Don't adopt when you are just star-Ling out in a new home, or if you're an expatriate who might have to uproot and leave the country.

What about volunteers?
As for volunteers, you must have the time to put aside and have a sense of responsibility, as we're often short of Counsellors. It won't do if you don't show up on the day you are supposed to be on duty!

Lastly, what do you love most about doing volunteer work with the SPCA?
When I find the right homes for the animals, it's so rewarding. When you know that they will be adopted as part of the family, and join in the activities, it makes all the time I spend worthwhile.

SERINA RAHMAN
CAT WELFARE SOCIETY

How did you come to be involved with the CWS?
I bought a few of their Christmas cards a couple of years ago, and I was curious about the society so I logged onto their website. I got in touch with them, asking if there was any way I could help although I'm terrified of cats! I know it sounds strange, and I think they're lovely creatures, but I prefer to admire them from afar.

What activities are you involved in?
I help to rally the volunteers for events that CWS holds, such as adoption drives, exhibitions and fund-raising booths. There's a lot of logistics involved and I help to pick the most suitable volunteers. For example, teenagers are usually too shy to approach strangers, so we get them to help out behind the scenes instead.

Do you have any advice for potential pet owners?
Adopt a stray, and don't chuck them out!

What about volunteers?
As for volunteers, be prepared to spend lots of time and energy, you need to be really committed. Time is always available if you make some sacrifices.

Lastly, what do you love most about doing volunteer work with the CWS?
That I am still able to contribute in my own little way without having to go near the cat!

Inspired?
If you are interested in offering your services as a volunteer, please visit these welbsites for more information:

House Rabbit Society <http://www.hrss.net/>
Action for Singapore Dogs <http://www.asdsingapore.com/>
Cat Welfare Society <http://www.catwelfare.org/>
SPCA <http://www.spca.org.sg/>