ABANDONED DOGS GET LOVE THEY NEVER HAD
Madam Chow, 66, has been providing shelter to them since her 30s in Ipoh
IF you are a dog lover and active in the community here, then you’d probably have heard about Chow Khoon Siew, 66. Fondly known as Madam Chow, the Buddhist nun has found her life’s calling in providing a home for abandoned and ill-treated dogs.
In her shelter located off Jalan Gopeng in Gunung Rapat here, dogs are everywhere, yelping and jumping with joy whenever she attends to them.
She looks after more than 100 dogs.
“Many of the dogs were puppies when I took them in. Many of them have never had homes or anyone to love them before.”
Chow said she relocated to the present site in 2013 from a temple-cum-shelter in Sungai Siput, following complaints from neighbours about the dogs’ barking.
A private land owner invited her to set up the shelter there when she had to relocate.
She said the task was never easy as there was always something that needed repair or her attention.
Having looked after strays since she was in her 30s, Chow said she did get help from many, but it was never enough.
“My sister, 68, and a volunteer help me take care of the shelter.”
Over the years, she has given a new home to some of the dogs through adoption programmes organised by the Ipoh Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
“I hope that one day, all the dogs will be adopted by loving owners. These days, people have more awareness and respect for animals, so there is hope.”