Thankfully, the senior canine was sent to DSR Sanctuary, a rescue organisation founded by 27-year-old Darshini Naidu Murugesu. A subsequent visit to a vet revealed she had tick fever, a heart murmur, kidney stones, and chronic kidney disease.

Darshini was told that Aunty’s chances of survival were low, but she decided to keep her anyway. Over time, Aunty’s health began to improve and, today, she is enjoying her golden years with her human.

Like Aunty, Lucky was found abandoned in the back alley of a shop lot that same year. When Darshini learnt about this dog’s plight, she brought her to a vet, where an X-ray revealed the canine had a spinal deformity.

She, too, has found a forever home with Darshini.

Last year, it was Wolfy’s turn. The puppy, though adorable, was weak and had mange, a skin disease caused by mites. During his recovery, she noticed his appetite was poor – and then, a few weeks later, he stopped eating altogether.

Wolfy was subsequently diagnosed with a twisted intestine and required emergency surgery. Although he has since made a full recovery, Darshini has been advised that this could potentially happen again.

Aunty, Lucky, and Wolfy are among the 30 residents of Johor Bahru-based DSR Sanctuary. Of these, 20 are in a rescue home located on a rental property, while the others are placed with fosterers or boarding services.

Darshini explained that those at the home are primarily senior dogs, as well as those who are paralysed or require palliative care as they suffer from conditions such as chronic kidney disease and cancer.

One of them has transmissible venereal tumour, a type of cancer commonly transmitted during mating.

A mission to provide refuge

Darshini’s journey began in 2014 when she started feeding the strays in her neighbourhood and office area. She eventually began carrying out trap-neuter-release procedures to help control the stray population.

When she comes across sick and injured dogs, she attempts to rehome them after their recovery. “But people are not really interested in adopting dogs like these,” she told FMT, adding that it is difficult to find fosterers for such animals, and it isn’t safe to release them back into the streets.

Darshini, who works in the construction industry, spends time feeding and caring for these dogs after she finishes work. She has also taken in dogs from other rescuers who do not have a place to keep them.

“That’s how I got the idea for a self-sustaining sanctuary because, like me, there are many other rescuers who are struggling to accommodate their rescues,” she said.

“DSR Sanctuary” is in reference to Darshini Search Rescue, the previous name of her social media profile where she would post about these dogs, hoping to find adopters.

She changed the name in November as she now intends to take her efforts to the next level – and this is where she requires help from the public.

Darshini has started renting a 0.7-ha piece of land in Gelang Patah, where she hopes to build a sanctuary proper for the dogs: a spacious place wherein they can live and recover from the plight of being homeless.

But there is much work to be done before the place is ready, and safe, for the canines. This includes clearing the land, building fencing, installing roofs on temporary cabins for the dogs, building kennels, repairing leaks, as well as electrical work.

And this, of course, is not cheap. Darshini is aiming to raise at least RM40,000 to cover the costs of major construction works. To date, she has raised approximately RM19,000.

“I am still paying for the dogs’ boarding services and the rent for the rescue home,” she shared. “Once we move the dogs to the land, I can save on these costs.”

Her monthly operating expenditure ranges from RM4,000 to RM5,000, including food, utilities, and other expenses such as diapers and medicine.

If any of the dogs fall sick or a new rescue comes in – such as Lisa, a sweet black puppy who was just discovered on Monday with a maggot-infested wound – the costs increase.

According to Darshini, the monthly costs are covered through public donations and, whenever there is a shortfall, she forks out her own money.

To achieve her goal of a self-sustaining sanctuary, she is applying for social-enterprise status. “And instead of depending totally on public funding, I hope to generate additional income by selling treats and merchandise such as badges and magnets,” she revealed.

To that end, last month, Darshini began selling goodies such as dehydrated chicken liver and gizzards. She is thankful that these sold out quickly, and plans to continue supplementing her fundraising efforts through this small business endeavour.

At the end of the day, what she does requires a tremendous amount of commitment, long hours, and hard work. But through it all, one thing keeps her going: “The furkids. I simply want to provide them with a better home and care.”

If you wish to make a donation, kindly bank in your contributions directly to DSR Sanctuary Empire, OCBC account 7101 335 250.

Click here for more information including e-wallet and PayPal options, social media accounts, item orders and more. You may also send a WhatsApp message to Darshini at 016-703 8898.