From Asther Lau
The two puppies were returned to me after having spent two weeks adjusting to their new environment – a large house with plenty of space to run, and the promise of moving one day to an even bigger piece of farmland.
The adopter wanted to give them a home. Her plan had been to let them grow with her family, eventually bringing them along when they settled into their retirement home.
It sounded ideal – until it wasn’t. Recently, her husband decided the puppies were not the “right” kind of dogs. Why? Because they are not “barkers”.
He wanted a guard dog – one that barks at anything and everything. His idea of a good dog is one that reacts aggressively, constantly. Their existing dog – a three-year-old, underweight animal who barks out of fear and anxiety – is considered a model example.
I wish this were just one unfortunate story. But the truth is, it mirrors a much bigger problem in society.
Too many people see dogs as tools – guard dogs, breeding machines, property markers. Rarely are they seen as sentient beings with emotions, instincts and needs.
What makes this case even more heartbreaking is a comment the husband made: that he wanted to let the female “give birth once”, so that they could have their own puppies to train as guard dogs.
This is exactly the kind of mentality that feeds Malaysia’s stray population crisis. While animal rescuers, feeders, and NGOs work tirelessly to spay, neuter and rehome, there are still far too many who believe in breeding for convenience or preference – all while thousands of puppies are born on the streets to suffer, starve, or die prematurely.
The wife in this story is kind. She appreciates the gentleness of the puppies. But she is not the one making decisions. She keeps quiet and accepts her husband’s reasoning – even when it perpetuates the cycle that fuels our country’s stray problem.
Rehoming strays is not just about finding them food and shelter – it is about reshaping mindsets. It is about breaking misconceptions: that only a barking, anxious dog can protect; that breeding is necessary; that dogs are meant to serve, not coexist.
Every adoption should be an opportunity to create better owners. Every returned puppy is a reminder of how much more work we still need to do.
These two puppies won’t be going to a warm bed or a forever family. They are returning to the jungle – the only life they knew before being rescued.
It breaks me, because adoption should have been their chance at something better. But at least there, in the jungle, they will be with their family, surrounded by what’s familiar.
Rimba (pictured, left) and Seri are sweet-natured four-month-old pups. Seri has an alpha trait in her, and she can shine with proper guidance. Rimba is just so full of love and gentleness. He’s the perfect family dog to cuddle and love.
If you have a space in your heart and home for them, let me know. I am willing to continue this journey to find them good forever families.
Asther Lau is the founder of Damansara Perdana Strays Rescue. She can be contacted at 012-299 6942 (WhatsApp only) or by email at [email protected].
The views expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of FMT.