Shattered Sanctuary
For 18 years, our local temple was a true haven, a place of compassion and protection for every living being. Sadly, that peace has been shattered. A series of heartbreaking events has challenged everything we knew about the safety of the temple dogs, turning a place of worship into a site of struggle.
It all started when 8 dogs were poisoned and 4 survived, just before the new Abbot was officially appointed but was already living at the temple in a caretaker capacity. The atmosphere of safety was gone.
Danger Zone
While serving as a temporary caretaker, the new Abbot brought 10 dogs from his previous temple. These newcomers were aggressive, constantly attacking the resident rescues and leaving the original dogs too terrified to approach their food bowls. Some even hid away in the undergrowth for safety.
When the new Abbot officially took office, he invited a group of monks from his former temple who did not share the traditional Buddhist compassion for animals. Under their watch, the well-being of the resident dogs was no longer a priority.
Heartbreak and Exile
The most devastating blow was the removal of a kind, elderly monk who had dedicated his life to these animals. At over 70 years old and battling diabetes, this "Daddy Monk" was unfairly accused of being lazy and forced out of the temple. He left, frail, sick, and heartbroken, leaving his 30 beloved dogs behind.
Just after Christmas, four of his dogs were cruelly poisoned; two of them had actually survived the previous poisoning attempt, only to be targeted again. When we confronted one of the new monks responsible for feeding these dogs, he claimed the deaths were due to snake bites. A claim our vet confirmed was medically impossible.
The Ostracised Abbot
The former Abbot, who had also been unfairly dismissed, now lives in seclusion up a steep, rocky hill with his eight remaining dogs. Before the old monk was removed from the temple, he visited the former Abbot every day to give support.
Ostracised by the new order, the former Abbot is forbidden from joining the new monks for prayers or communal meals. Because monks are not permitted to handle money, he has no way to provide for himself or his dogs. We, along with local residents who still hold him in high regard, do what we can to provide food and basic necessities.
A New Chapter at Our Healing Centre
In all, 40 dogs were left behind at the temple. Some wandered to the local market searching for their Daddy Monk, four were collected by a former monk and taken to his new temple while the stronger survivors have settled into their new lives.
We have given 11 of the most vulnerable survivors a permanent refuge at our Healing Centre where they have finally begun to settle in and feel safe again.
How You Can Help
The "strongest" survivors remain at the temple for now, but they are never far from our thoughts. We continue to visit to check on their well-being and provide medical treatment, vaccinations, Bravecto and parasite prevention, sterilisation and emergency care. We also give Supplemental food to ensure no one goes hungry.
We cannot do this alone. Our resources are now stretched to the limit with over 100 dogs to care for. Your support ensures that these survivors finally receive the life of peace and safety they deserve. Help us reach our goal by donating what you can today.
