As the boat got nearer to Selat Kering Island, dogs were heard yelping and whimpering. Ssshh!! Listen…….we stuck our head out of the boat while the engine died. The cries got louder……barks…..yelps……whimper……then howls…A glimpse of hope appeared before my eyes when we spotted a black dog navigating in the root system of the mangrove swamp in which they were dumped. There was another sound, it was an animal but it sure wasn’t a dog. Whatever it was, it was making the dogs whimper……..it’s a predator.
“Cha’at! (how I call TV Smith), we have to deploy now!!!” He looked at me with agreement and an understanding that required no words of response. Without wasting our time, Er-Win began to unfold the inflatable kayak and pumped it full. He came along this rescue being a qualified lifeguard and is a pharmacist by profession. He had dived with me on several trips and we have some kind of understanding on how to communicate in the water but for this operation, we had to rely on intuition and good common sense.
We got onto the sampan, loaded the kayak and off we went. The sampan went in as far as it could go and Er Win continued on the kayak.
“Pam, tell me when you can’t see me!quot; he shouted. “I can’t see you!” I replied.
“Ok! I’ll back up! I see them here!! There are about 7 or 8 but there’s more inside!! You’re coming in!!!” he hollered. He paddled back as fast as he could and he let me take over the kayak while he sat on the bow. The low branches slapped our faces as we tore through the waterway but what we feared most was the poisonous mangrove snakes that may be hanging on these offshoots. Lord, thank you for keeping Er-Win & I alive while you sent the red & black banded serpent away as it swam pass his legs….
Er-Win got into the water and walked out into the mangrove, the strong roots protruding from tree trunks into the mud restricted his otherwise agile movements. Just as he cornered three dogs which scrambled onto a large root, one by one, they whimpered out of desperation and fear of humans before leaping into the water to escape what they perceived to be a threat. Sorry, doggies, we were only trying to help you, not scare you to jump off….. :'(
I followed Er-Win’s steps with the kayak, keeping an eye out for him and the hanging branches of the bakau trees that may have a slithery reptile apprehending me, all the time manouevering the kayak to not collide with the roots. My rescue training was limited to saving humans, and I don’t know what else I can do to save fearful dogs.
We went out to check on the floating pontoon constructed by Marjorie Gabriel of Tracks Adventure Team & Karin Lee, the District Councillor of Ulu Selangor the day before. It was emptied of food!!! Which is good news!!! Pouring a fresh supply and refilling their bowls with fresh water, we hope that this would sustain them till we can get more qualified volunteers to get them out.
Another splash and Er Win went after the source of the sound in the roots……”Aaaarrggh!!! Biawak!!! (Monitor Lizard) I’m not going in!!!” So perhaps this could be the type of predator going after the weak and injured dogs earlier. I’m trying to block out the heartwrenching cries of the dogs so that I can focus on the mission. Some quarters think that this is a publicity stunt, stating to the press that we are ‘hampering their rescue efforts and talks with the village chief.’ I would like to state that if those quarters are genuinely concerned, then please do their part in rescue and stop trying to dictate how we should ‘pool our resources together’ because we don’t want to be associated with any organisation that works to the detriment of other independent rescuers.
We got 8 dogs in total and we are optimistic to get some more. Chantek, our latest effort, will be onward to a much better life. She’s been transported by Connie, who had been arranging our logistics since we started.
I wish to thank YB Edward Lee of Bukit Gasing Constituency and his team for coming along to encourage us in our mission. I believe he will do everything in his power to help us.
We are short of people, even shorter on time. If you love dogs, are a qualified lifeguard, have a Bronze Medallion, are not afraid of the sea, the sun and the prospect of encountering predators, we need you. Please send me an email at pummkin at gmail dot com.
it look like very hard to get find people who can help and rescue the dogs..
We feel sad for such lovely animals to be abandon by humans. Will try to spread the message of love for the dogs via facebook. Stay strong Pummkin and Sabrina and the rest of the volunteers, the world is behind you. Your efforts are recognized and will always be remembered as a TRUE and caring Malaysian. Makes us proud.
Bravo to your efforts. Will continue to pray that you rescue more and you all will be safe. I Hope that I will be able to join you one of these weekends. Will keep in touch.