Depending on your luck, you might just find a sea of wagging tails and hungry mouths crowding around a magnificent spread of rice, 10 different types of vegetables, eggs and chicken.
It’s a sight not unlike those we human beings see at popular banana leaf eateries, but it’s one that will definitely warm the heart and put a smile on the face.
The person behind this idea is a kind Samaritan who goes by the name Syamala Devi, who started this tradition on Feb 6, 2018, on her husband Sritheren’s 31st birthday.
“I planned to celebrate his birthday in a different way, so we decided to spend it with furkids by feeding them,” said Syamala, a 29-year-old staff nurse.
“The first feeding taught us a lot of life lessons; we got to know how much stray dogs suffer just to get some decent food.”
According to Syamala, they thought a lot about how most strays were “starving and sick” with no proper place to sleep.
“That’s how we started feeding them healthy food on banana leaves, because we too want to go green and minimise as much littering as possible.”
Before you start arguing about how banana leaf rice meals are not suitable for doggie stomachs, Syamala explained that the recipe uses dog-friendly ingredients and small amounts of ginger that prove to be beneficial for canine digestive systems.
In addition, the meals also incorporate turmeric, which helps to prevent cancer and stomach ulcers.
As the days went on, the couple began to feed more strays. This led them to create a Facebook page called ‘Wagging Souls’, where they sought public support.
“In the beginning, it was very difficult to get help but we never gave up. Then, a few more rangers decided to volunteer with us, and this really helped us out a lot,” said Syamala.
“We really owe it to our first donor Mrs Chitramani and our rangers. Without them, we would not be able to continue what we are doing.”
“On a good day, which is during my days off, we plan a big cookout to feed hundreds of dogs,” explained Syamala.
She elaborated that the duo would start cutting vegetables as early as 6.30am and finish cooking at 3pm, as the rangers will come and collect the food for distribution at 4pm.
“If some of our rangers are on leave, the best we can do is feed 100 to 250 dogs. If none of us are free, we’ll do my best to feed about close to a hundred nearby our housing area.”
And, aside from giving the strays a warm and wholesome meal, the couple also provides support to dogs in need of medical attention.
As of today, Wagging Souls and its members are regularly feeding over 450 dogs around Seremban. They even extended their “catering” services to around 600 monkeys.
Syamala still remembers their first rescue, which took place close to three years ago.
“We rescued a pup from a railway station and took her home. We named her Black Pearl, and she is still with us today,” smiled Syamala.
Wagging Souls’ efforts come as a welcome respite amidst news of animal cruelty and other instances of violence against hapless souls.
It just goes to show that kindness and humanity will still triumph over the vile actions of the few.
“We human beings should protect the animals. They too deserve to live on this planet; Earth was not made for just humans,” said Syamala.
“Instead of hurting them, we should fight for their rights. That is the true meaning of humanity.”
Those who would like to reach out to Wagging Souls to extend some support may do so on Facebook. Alternatively, calls and texts may be directed to Syamala at 011 3332 5691 or Sritheren at 016 289 8824.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR PET: FMT Lifestyle readers are invited to send in pictures (landscape format) and a short video (if any) of their furry, scaly or feathery friends to lifestyle@freemalaysiatoday.