Miss Clarke's Adventures

Since arriving in Sri Lanka it has been our privilege to meet some truly inspirational people. Sam is an amazing lady who cares so deeply about helping people and animals in Sri Lanka that she spends much of her time here. A couple of years ago, Sam started the Dogstar Foundation which provides free vetinary care for dogs and cats. They try to vaccinate and sterilise as many animals as possible to limit the number of homeless animals on the streets. There is a real problem with rabies in Sri Lanka, which is fatal to people if they catch it and do not receive treatment immediately. Through her work to vaccinate the animals Sam and her team are educating the local community about rabies, and the importance of sterilisation. Soon Sam hopes to start visiting local schools and running sessions with the children.  We were honoured to be invited along to a dog clinic held at a temple nearby which Sam and Pete (a vet from England who volunteered here for a month) were running. It was incredible to meet the villagers and see first hand what a difference the Dogstar Foundation are making so many animals lives. People here cannot afford treatment for sick animals and although they are kind people, most are not educated enough to understand what an animal needs to be healthy.

Today we went with Sam to another temple where there are several dogs that are cared for by the monks. Sam visits most days to check on the well-being of the animals and to take food. Whilst this has been working really well, the local people have now realised that dogs are will be looked after here and tend to dump unwanted puppies at the temple. Sam had six female pups left here last week. She has already managed to home one of them but it will take her time to find homes for them all. In the meantime they will be looked after at the temple and desperately need names! If you can think of a good name for any of the puppies (who are absolutely gorgeous and very friendly) please leave a comment with your suggestion. Sam has got lots of prizes for the winning names.

If you want to read more about what the Dogstar foundation are doing here in Sri Lanka follow the link to Sam’s website on the right.  Mrs McCartney has decided to adopt a cat and her three kittens that live near MEF. She has given Sam money for all of the cats to be vaccinated and sterilised. They are all enjoying our daily visits with handfuls of Whiskers cat biscuits!

Puppy 1                                       Puppy 2                                     Puppy 3

Puppy 4                                            Puppy 5