Nine-year-old Ken hopes to save as many strays from euthanasia as possible
A nine-year-old boy has started a no-kill animal shelter to help stray cats and dogs in the Philippines.
Photos of him feeding strays earlier this year were circulated on the internet and people from all over the world began donating money to help him buy better food and veterinary care.
Ken says: "Ever since I can remember I wanted to open an animal shelter to help the stray dogs and cats on the streets...
"My dad told me it would take a lot of money and 20 years for me to get an animal shelter. He said only grown ups can raise enough money to start an animal shelter."
Ken, however, raised enough money to start the Happy Animals Club and get veterinary care for the three dogs he had been feeding - Blackie, Brownie and White Puppy. "They gained a LOT of weight," he says. "Their open wounds healed, and their fur grew back. They also learned not to be scared of humans."
After raising 66,000 pesos ($1,500), Ken was able to lease a 10,000 square feet lot for a year. He has also bought bamboo huts for the animals. "Everyone expected me to put the dogs in cages but the dogs won't be happy if they are locked up in cages."
The aim of the charity is to save dogs from the city pound, where only about 20-30 per cent are claimed by their owners and the remainder are euthanised.
To find out more about Ken's shelter, visit: http://www.happyanimalsclub.org
Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.
