While many are glued to their screens to witness another exciting showcase of European football, there is another match in particular, that is set to draw eyeballs. However, it involves players of the four-legged and furry nature.
Yes, it’s the Wagging Woofers and Power Pooches who come head-to-head in KLPooch Resort & Rescue (KLPR)’s newest Sponsor-A-Pooch campaign.
The campaign, which runs from July 2 till July 11, aims to find sponsors for 23 dogs (22 players and one referee) living at the rescue shelter.
Sponsorships are an alternative for animal lovers who are unable to adopt shelter dogs, but are still interested in contributing to an animal’s wellbeing.
Through their sponsorships, which cost RM88 monthly, KLPR aims to provide their furry residents with the best care possible.
As delightful as it sounds, there will unfortunately be no actual exhibition match between the two canine teams.
Instead, each dog will be provided with a social media profile that resembles a sports card, revealing juicy details about the dog and their “positions” on the team.
This trending football theme is KLPR’s attempt at drawing attention to the plight of shelter dogs, with hopes that Malaysians will care about animals just as much as they do about football.
Five stars lead the pack of 23 doggos; perpetual grump Motley, playful Budika, sweet Candy, feisty Mama Brown and brave Bambi.
This is not the first time KLPR has conducted a Sponsor-A-Pooch campaign, and it’s unlikely to be its last.
Its previous BTS-themed campaign was highly successful, with a total of 18 dogs receiving sponsors, far above the goal of eight.
KLPR founder, Shannon Lam, explained that since 2011, KLPR has been prioritising the welfare of dogs who have been abused, injured or abandoned.
“The majority of our dogs are street dogs that were rescued from vehicle accidents, abuse, life threatening illness or severe neglect,” she said when contacted by FMT.
The organisation’s shelter is located in Kalumpang, an hour’s drive from Kuala Lumpur, where residents have plenty of open space to explore and play. In addition, KLPR also provides boarding services for dogs.
Most of the 250 dogs living at KLPR are up for adoption and Lam hopes that each and every dog will eventually find a forever home.
Like other animal shelters, KLPR is always faced with a growing population of strays and a lack of resources to shelter them all.
“This situation won’t change until people recognise that we are all responsible for strays. They belong to no one, therefore, they belong to everyone,” she said.
“The stray issue is a community issue. Taking a dog off the street and into your home is one of the most rewarding ways in which you can make a difference.”
Needless to say, the Covid-19 pandemic has affected KLPR’s operations drastically, with boarding services grinding to a halt and volunteers unable to travel freely.
Aside from adoptions and sponsorships, said Lam, members of the public can help KLPR by contributing to its wish list which includes cleaning supplies, medical and hygiene products, food as well as office supplies.
“If you can, adopt. If you can’t adopt, volunteer. If you can’t volunteer, donate. If you can’t donate, spread awareness,” exclaimed Lam.
Ultimately, everyone can do their part for a worthy cause like KLPR’s. After all, it never hurts to be invested in a dog’s life as much as an international sport.
If you wish to sponsor a four-legged friend through the Sponsor-A-Pooch campaign, get in touch with KLPooch by calling 012-396 0977 or follow them on Instagram, Facebook or their website.