The Little Boy Who Started His Own Animal Shelter
This young boy is Ken. Basically, Ken began by feeding any unloved strays who crossed his path and in 2014. At the age of just 9, he was able to set up a temporary animal shelter in the garage of his house. And today, thanks to donations, the boy’s shelter has its own site for stray cats and dogs. Here, they can get the love and care they deserve.
Ken, the Filipino boy who set up an animal shelter
The Happy Animals Club is located in Matina (Davao del Sur). It’s on the island of Mindanao, the second largest in the Philippines. Today, it provides shelter to more than 60 dogs and cats who await adoption. Also, it’s home to others that are still continuing to recover from the ordeals they have suffered.
Three years ago, Ken put up posters in the streets to seek help in feeding and caring for the large number of abandoned pets that he passed on his way to school each morning.
His parents, moved by Ken’s commitment to animals, shared pictures of the posters on the internet. That’s when help started to pour in, in the form of donations. Then, the family used the money to buy quality food for the animals. And, they supplied professional veterinary care.
That’s how the young boy ended up setting up a temporary shelter in the garage of his family house. And, it’s where the first three strays found a home. They were named Blackie, Brownie and White Puppy.
Next, learn the story of Ken, the Filipino boy who set up his own shelter for abandoned animals
What is the Happy Animals Club?
It’s obvious that Ken could not turn a blind eye to the cruel reality suffered by abandoned pets – and it was this passion that meant that donations from all over the world kept pouring in. It’s also why volunteers signed up to help him out in the shelter in large numbers.
Today, the Happy Animals Club has a space of one thousand square meters where dogs, cats and even cows are treated with the love they deserve, and receive all the care that many of them so desperately need.
Ken stresses that euthanasia is not practiced in his shelter. He also tries to rescue as many animals as possible from other kennels and shelter, where they are usually euthanized if they are not adopted or claimed within a certain time.
In search of a home for the animals rescued by Ken
This remarkable child also strives to ensure that the animals he loves so much find homes. They need homes with responsible new owners. This, he says, is no easy task. Particularly, pedigree animals are in high demand in the Philippines. Of course, they are more desirable than stray dogs and cats.
In any case, he seeks to ensure that dogs and cats find a home where they will be well cared for, and receive affection. And since animal abuse is of great concern in the Philippines, the adoption process includes several steps.
Those who are interested in giving one of the abandoned animals a new home have to visit the shelter at least once, and pay a fee to adopt the pet they have chosen. This is how prospective owners can show that they are truly interested in the creature’s wellbeing, and that they are willing to spend money on them. In addition, they must sign an agreement that establishes, among other things, that:
- The animals receive quality food. And, they receive care from licensed veterinarians.
- If the pets are not castrated at the time of adoption, the new owners have to guarantee that they will be operated on within a short time.
- Dogs should not be in cages or tied up. Basically, they must get a chance to exercise on a daily basis.
- Cats must, as far as possible, stay inside their owners’ houses for their own safety.
Ken, an example to follow
Ken says that, ever since he can remember, he has always wanted to open up an animal shelter, and still can’t stop talking about how much he loves the little creatures. At home, he currently keeps a dog and two cats. They are all rescues from the street.
If you want to know more about their commendable work, or help them out with a donation, here is a link to the Happy Animals Club website. The shelter also has accounts on Facebook and Instagram.
And the next time you come across an abandoned cat or dog, remember Ken. No one is necessarily asking you to go as far as to set up a shelter, although of course it would be great. But there is probably something small you can do, which might help the animal in a big way. In other words, don’t let indifference cloud your view.
Image source: Happy Animals Club Facebook page