Dear The Real Singapore,
I made a video about a dog SOSD rescued 2 years ago - a very special dog Barabas.
He was a senior 12yr old dog when he was rescued in Nov 2012. After he developed a maggot wound, the owner failed to get it treated, allowing it to fester until it engulfed half has face. Then, the owner conveniently brought him and another companion dog (a healthy girl) to SPCA to be put to sleep.
SPCA posted this case on Facebook, and Barabas was rescued by a kind member of the public, then taken over by SOSD. He was sent to vet for treatment, where X Rays also showed signs of abuse - he was previously kicked in the chest, and his breast plate was deformed. He was malnourished, dehydrated, and very ill, but despite all that, this old dog displayed amazing resilience, always loving his food, and having an amazing willpower to live.
After one month at the vet, Barabas' wound improved tremendously, and I agreed to foster him when his vet had to close for Christmas. The plan was to foster him for a few days - However, by some miracle, Barabas, who was described to be aggressive, responded very well with me, and we developed a unique bond quickly. I decided to continue fostering and nursing him until he found a permanent home.
That Christmas, an unforgettable 2 year journey began, which would change both mine and Barabas' lives forever. Barabas grew to become well known in Singapore - Many were moved by his unbreakable spirit, and his will to live, no matter how bad the situation was.
He taught us important lessons which money cannot buy: the preciousness of life, unconditional love, the importance of responsible pet ownership, and of course, the fact that with the right attitude, there is no mountain we cannot conquer.
This video tells his story, from the day this adorable, "grumpy old man" came into my life, until he finally came back to the place he calls home, to spend his final days.
Animal welfare in Singapore is improving, but we have a long way to go. Despite legislation being reviewed, much needs to be done. In this case, Barabas' owner was never prosecuted. His vet, despite volunteering to assist in investigations, was never contacted as well.
His story is one which is very close to my heart - I hope that through Barabas, more will learn the importance of responsible pet ownership, and of course, about the preciousness of life.
Tuck Wah