I wanted to learn the magic of Best Friends’ Dogtown and the secret to transforming dogs’ lives. Instead, I was hit with a lesson that I did not expect.
Why Paperwork Matters More Than Puppy Love Read More »
What began as a dream of building a massive dog sanctuary evolved, through hard financial lessons, into a smarter vision for me: starting small with community engagement to create lasting change for homeless dogs.
The Budget Changed My Dog Sanctuary Journey Read More »
Paralyzed by the vastness of starting a sanctuary from scratch, I found my compass in Simon Sinek’s ‘Start with Why’ framework — a business philosophy that transforms overwhelming possibilities into purposeful direction.
How to Start a Dog Sanctuary: Beginning with Zero and Ending with a Purpose Read More »
Despite having no experience beyond my volunteer work, I embraced the pipe dream of starting a dog sanctuary and enrolled in Best Friends Animal Society’s Running A Lifesaving Sanctuary Certification — a reality check that would test whether I could turn my passion for shelter dogs into a sustainable sanctuary of my own.
Finding My Path: From Shelter Volunteer to Sanctuary Student Read More »
Between the confines of Korean shelters and the bustling streets of Sri Lanka, I discovered that improving dog welfare isn’t about imposing universal solutions, but about understanding that sometimes, the best path forward—for both dogs and humans—means having the courage to roam free.
Until Next Time, Sri Lanka: A Journey From Shelter to Street Read More »
Through a transformative three-month volunteering experience with WECare in Sri Lanka, I gained seven crucial insights about coping with the realities of volunteering internationally for dog welfare.
Seven Lessons I Would Remind Myself Before My Next Volunteer Abroad Experience Read More »
The claim that “98% of Sri Lankans hate dogs” may be an exaggeration, but the relationship between Sri Lankans and dogs is a complex tapestry of coexistence, avoidance, and occasional compassion that challenge Western perceptions of human-canine relationships.
Do 98% of Sri Lankans hate dogs? Read More »
A volunteer helping street dogs in rural Sri Lanka struggles with the challenges of taking sick leave, highlighting the tension between personal health and commitment in a role that requires physical presence.
A Very Short Sick Note Read More »
A journey through Colombo reveals a stark contrast in street dog populations between affluent and crowded areas, highlighting the complex interplay of socioeconomic factors, waste management, and human-animal relationships in urban environments.
Ten Thousand Steps in Colombo and One Street Dog Read More »
In the small fishing village of Gandara, Sri Lanka, a diverse group of foreign and local heroes navigate personal challenges and cultural complexities as they work tirelessly to rescue and care for street dogs, revealing the challenges faced by animal welfare organizations working in developing countries.
Beyond the Bark: The Human Heart of Sri Lanka’s Animal Welfare Read More »