Have you been there? Standing in a busy street somewhere in Asia, the monsoon battering the skies. You turn to your friend and proclaim "I really wish I could rescue one of these puppies". But deep down you think you can't, it would be an impossible mess.
When we found ourselves in this situation, things were a little different. We had 5 year visas, jobs, sort of, we had quit them after a few weeks of landing and we're essentially just travelling on work visas.
Bella came first. She was found near Pune International Airport. Buried in the mud to her neck by children, they were moments away from executing her with rocks. Abinash, a kind Indian man and lover of animals paid the children a small fee and we took Bella home.
Then came Mr Sulley shortly before Xmas. I was riding a rickshaw home, the heavens opened up and I saw this small being frail shakingin the storm, shivering as flash floods whirled around him. I stopped the driver, grabbed him and we left.
The plan was to save him and perhaps foster him to a forever home but within. Afew hours we feel in love. The local animal man (vet) told us he wouldn't survive. He could take care if the problem or we could still try if we wanted. He gave us a collection of supplements and we headed off to help Sulley die peacefully.
As you can see from the film above that didn't quite go as planned. Yes his legs gave in the next day. We spent about a month constantly massaging the kegs, giving calcium, water and food and mostly love. We moved from the city to Goa and lived in a beach hut. After about a week of being on the beach Mr Sulley just got to his feet, wobbly at first and started to slowly make his way towards his friend Bella, it was a miracle.
In 11 months we would all be safely in Scotland. It didn't feel like that at the time. It was anxious, a complicated political mess. We battled through corruption, raised some funds and finally made it. I have soooo many tales from British Airways threatening to dispose ofy dogs unless I paid a bribe, fake blood tests from the British Government, fake passports, fake this fake that it's exhausting even thinking a out it.
So, it is possible but it's not easy and perhaps it might be worse to try and give up. If you have the will and determination, then why not. I am here to tell the tale. In fact they are right next to me now haha. Buts it hard to get them to stay still in their garden.
Remember, you don't have to be abroad to rescue a dog or cat. All town and cities have rescue centers and all animals are worthy.
Peace and Love!
Cotton