Sadly, the future of this safe haven hangs in the balance: as of May, the shelter had outstanding debts amounting to approximately RM67,000 and now faces the possibility of closure.
Speaking with FMT Lifestyle, SAW founder Chew Huay Shan shared that these debts include the cost of medical bills, rent, food, salary, utility bills, plumbing repair and other expenses.
She also estimated that they had incurred another RM20,000 last month, although the exact amount is not confirmed yet.
The shelter, she explained, primarily depends on donations from the public to keep going; when it’s not enough, Chew, alongside SAW’s committee members and other volunteers, have to dig into their own pockets.
“We even borrow from our family and friends,” the 32-year-old, adding that they have received about RM9,000 in donations since putting out a call for help on their social media on May 25.
Another challenge they face is that the shelter doesn’t have a fixed water supply, requiring them to channel water from a nearby mountain using pipes. On rainy days, however, these pipes often get clogged with sand.
The cost to install a water supply system is approximately RM15,000, which they are unable to afford.
A shelter of hope
The shelter is located on an 0.4ha piece of land, surrounded by greenery with plenty of fresh air. Here, the animals live in partitioned, spacious areas and have dedicated time for free roaming. There is even a swimming pool for them to take a dip in when the weather gets too hot.
One of the happy doggos here is Bobby, a handsome boy with shiny black fur. Despite being three-legged, he confidently walked up to this writer with excited barks, a wagging tail, and an invitation to pat him.
But Bobby wasn’t always this cheerful: months ago, one of his legs had been injured by an animal trap and needed to be amputated. A rescuer brought him to the shelter the day after his surgery.
“His wound was still bleeding, and it was very scary. He didn’t move or make noise. Even when the other dogs approached him, he didn’t respond. He looked like he had given up on life and had no hope,” Chew recalled.
But as the team lovingly and patiently cared for him, he learnt to trust them and began to recover. Today, Bobby is a far cry from the heartbroken canine he once was.
In addition to the pooches onsite, Chew shared that approximately 50 other dogs and cats stay with her and the committee members at their homes as they require extra care.
They also feed approximately 130 strays daily across the Klang Valley, and carry out trap-neuter-release initiatives.
Chew founded SAW in 2014 with a group of animal lovers, and set up the shelter at its current location the following year. She said she simply cannot imagine the fate of the animals if they are unable to raise funds and have to close.
“Because the moment we rescue them, we hope to give them a better life. After we have given them hope, we don’t want them to lose it.
“Every day, we work hard to rescue and care for injured and abandoned animals, but our resources are limited. We hope more people can help, whether by donating money, supplies, or their time as a volunteer.
“Any support will make a huge difference in these animals’ lives,” she concluded.
If you wish to donate, visit Strive for Animals Welfare Association’s Instagram and Facebook profiles for further information.
You can also visit its website or send a WhatsApp message to 010-293 8551.