Pause for Paws

Some problems have no sight of a permanent solution.

Sri Lanka’s street dog population is out of control. Dogs spill the streets and beaches. They live a difficult lives. Claiming small spaces as homes, living on top of other dogs, and scrambling for food.

Resources to support are scarce. Organisations and dog shelters are over capacity. Vets and animal hospitals don’t have the funds to immediately treat sick or injured street dogs.

It’s hard approaching dogs to sterilise. Anxieties for them not knowing where they’re going. The risk of bites and diseases for whoever’s sterilising them.

Where to begin?

Meet Kim. She’s lived in Sri Lanka for two years supporting one dog at a time.

Kim prepares daily meals for up to 25 dogs with locals. She’s now looking at ways to expand her support.

Kim creates anchor points for people to gather. She offers charity events to help cover the costs for the dogs. Weekly at the Yoga Shed in Hiriketiya she shares a charity vinyasa class. Recently she co-hosted a Retreat for Paws event at Ohana Beach Club & Restaurant raising Rs. 47,000 LKR (~ $200 AUD).

The events show how behind closed doors are people waiting to open them. Kim climbs a mountain of work with infectious love and care. Hopefully more attention can lighten her load. Perhaps make some dogs’ lives a little easier.

Connect with Kim through @wholistictraveler

Follow the dogs’ journeys on @atlas.lives.on

The donation supports veterinary care, prevention and population control of Sri Lanka’s street dogs.

• Sterilisation surgery - Rs. 9500

• DHPPL vaccination - Rs. 4400

• Rabies vaccination - Rs. 1600

• Ticks and flea prevention - Rs. 4400