When Shane Capri was out on a supply run in late April, he came across a puppy in Setia Alam.

“It wasn’t a residential area as there was nothing around except for empty shophouses, with no food in sight,” the 34-year-old tells FMT.

“I saw Caspian in a vacant lot filled with potholes and large parked trucks, and I was so scared something was going to happen to him. On top of which, there were a couple of guys with a broom shooing him away.”

Shane tried to lure Caspian to his car using kibble he keeps on hand to feed strays. Fortunately the pup came running to him, but he intuitively knew the little one was not alone.

True enough, after exploring the area, he spotted Caspian’s sister. “She was wary but so hungry and thirsty. Not long after, she hopped into my car, which is how I knew she was asking for me to get them out of there.”

With the two unexpected passengers in tow, Shane drove around and finally spotted a third puppy snoozing under a truck. He woke him up, gave him some water, and carried him back to the car.

“There was no struggle or aggression from them,” Shane says. “They had skin issues and were running a temperature.

“I drove slowly but they still got sick. That’s when my heart broke, because they had been eating sand, rocks, and whatever rubbish in the area to survive, including a balloon and a food wrapper.”

Shane brought them to his house in Puchong, where he fed and bathed them before taking them to the vet.

Nine months later, Caspian, Luna and Kohi are happy, healthy, and almost full-grown. Their skin issues have healed, and they have been dewormed and fully vaccinated.

Challenges

Sadly, Shane is unable to keep them permanently as he had always intended to only foster the dogs. He already has three indoor cats – also rescues – at home who do not get along with the trio.

“It’s been better over time but it’s generally been challenging. The cats have not been eating well, and one of the dogs likes to chase them, which causes stress to them and myself,” he says, adding that he sometimes has to sleep with the cats to keep them calm.

Shane reveals he had actually sent Caspian to another fosterer three months ago, but this didn’t work out.

“My friend wanted to help me out, especially financially, but sadly she was not able to devote enough time to him because of work,” he says, explaining that he spends between RM550 and RM700 monthly on dog food.

So Caspian was recently reunited with his siblings – but Shane discovered, to his dismay, that they don’t get along as well as they used to.

“I don’t know whether it’s because he’s been away or maybe his smell is now different, but they get into fights. It’s quite hard because it’s a case of two ganging up against one.”

And to further compound matters, Shane lives in a rental property and is due to move out by the end of this month as he will shortly be emigrating.

“I had always intended to migrate and the time has come. My parents’ home is not an option for them as they have their own dogs.”

Finding them a home

Shane, who teaches at a high school, has been trying to find forever homes for the three via word of mouth and social media, but so far to no avail.

He hopes that by sharing the siblings’ origin story and current circumstances, they might each be able to finally have a permanent place to rest their heads.

But he also wishes to make clear that despite the challenges that have come with fostering the siblings, Shane wouldn’t have it any other way.

“I do feel like despite the odds, I’m very blessed that the dogs are healthy now,” he says.

“Adopting is a great way of giving rescued animals a chance at living. There are a large number of animals without homes and with so much love to give.”

He reveals he has fostered around 10 animals since the movement control order first came into effect last year.

“Rescue animals have seen a part of life that has been so tough for them, they become such amazing and loyal companions. They will love you with all their heart.”

Caspian

Caspian is quiet, enjoys kisses more than hugs, and loves gazing into humans’ eyes.

“He has a really gentle and hurt soul about him,” Shane says. “He has very soft, feminine vibes, and his eyes look like honey at sunset.”

Caspian should ideally be adopted apart from his siblings, but he gets along with other dogs.

Luna

Luna is alert and protective, a good guard dog, and the alpha of the three despite being the smallest and only female. She is also gentle and loving with people.

“She reminded me of Luna Lovegood from ‘Harry Potter’,” Shane says of her name. “Luna has these dreamy eyes you can get lost in. She shows and tells you how much she loves you with them.”

Kohi

Kohi is inquisitive and alert, and loves exploring and head pats. “He possesses a quiet, strong and loyal nature within him – one that can perk you up like a good cup of coffee,” Shane laughs.

“That’s why we named him Kohi. Also because he likes to poop a lot, like coffee can help you do.”

If you can open your heart and home to these lovely dogs, send Shane a WhatsApp message at 012-6660018.