DAY 1-4 | The first four days of the mission have been extremely successful: together with Animal Rescue Cambodia we set up camp at a pagoda and treated 220 dogs and cats living in the area. Unfortunately, we also came across some dogs with large tumours that needed chemotherapy. Two others were emergency cases that had to be brought of the island for further treatment: one was suffering from acute paralysis, the other had an extremely distended abdomen filled with fluid. Before we started out, our community engagement team went door to door explaining people what we were about to do. As a result, many locals brought their pets over to us. Unfortunately, many animals living on Silk Island are in a pretty bad shape.

DAY 5 | Today we are moving our mobile clinic to another pagoda - follow our stories to be a part of this mission! Join our live-video for a tour through our mobile clinic with Matt Backhouse from our SAC Southeast Asia team and the head of SAC Southeast Asia Dr. Katherine Polak. 

We are quiet happy with the results from today - we treated 56 animals, together with our friends from Animal Rescue Cambodia. Our team worked from early morning until late in the evening despite the extreme heat.As we are moving around the island to collect cats and dogs, we get first hand experiences of how much the locals care for their pets. One woman has taken in 13 dogs which she has to feed every day. Most of the inhabitants are farmers and live off what the island gives them so providing food for 13 hungry mouths every day is quite the challenge. While there haven't been any cases of dogs getting stolen for the dog meat trade, the woman still insists on all 13 dogs sleeping upstairs with her, so they don't get taken at night.

UPDATE | Goh is one of many dogs living on Silk Island. Unfortunately she was treated with a human medication which led to hair loss and other rather severe health problems. As you can see, she is not in a good condition - and to make things worse, the poor girl is also blind and constantly running against obstacles. We took care of Goh, bathed and cleaned her and treated her wounds and infections. 
She is now back living with her owner who was very happy to see her with her actual fur color. While she still needs a lot of help, things have clearly changed for the better.
 

UPDATE | Two weeks ago we introduced you to Sor, who is one of many dogs living on Silk Island. This after photo seems to be a different dog - even his fur color changed after a thorough bath! Sor suffered from horrendous matting, mange, and tick infestion. He also had a terrible smell from living outside, having a thick matted coat in the humid Cambodian climate, and never having been bathed in his entire life. He still has a long way to go in regards to treatment for his skin infections, but the change in only a few short days is remarkable! It took over two hours with four people working to shave and clip his incredibly matted fur and dreadlocks while he was under anaesthesia. Now he's a handsome boy again. The transformation of sweet Sor has been amazing. He enjoys lots of cuddles, and has much more energy already.
 

AFTER 8 DAYS | Mission accomplished! Over the course of 8 days, a team from FOUR PAWS and local partner Animal Rescue Cambodia visited Silk Island to provide care to the hundreds of animals that call the island home. This is the first time that medical care has ever reached this particular island, so all animals were sterilized, unvaccinated, and many sick.
Over the course of the project, a total of 765 vaccinations were administered, 344 spay/neuter procedures were performed. 16 animals with severe or chronic illness received lifesaving care including chemotherapy, tumor removal, or were transported to the city of Phnom Penh for advanced, emergency treatment. Our Community Engagement department supported the SAC mission on the island with 6 community outreach and children education sessions at 2 pagodas. 

UPDATE | Ginou, who suffered from an extremely enlarged abdomen that was filled with fluid. He had difficulty breathing because there was so much fluid in his abdomen, compressing her chest and lungs. The owner was worried sick about his beloved pet and, out of desperation, gave him human deworming tablets, in the hope that it would decrease the size of the abdomen.We had to take him off the island immediately as we didn't have the necessary equipment to treat him at our mobile clinic. Unfortunately our suspicion is that Ginou might have a tumor and will need surgery. Ginou is a really sweet boy and we are all in love with him - please keep your fingers crossed it’s not as serious as we think!By taking care of the animals on Silk Island we try to combat the dog meat industry through which stray dogs are taken from the street. Please sign our petition!