Lucky & Flo's legacy

Lucky and Flo show dogs are wonderful animals
Anthony Thanasayan
Aug 28, 07 3:15pm Adjust font size:

We refer to the malaysiakini report Doggone great: Medals for Lucky and Flo.


PetPositive applauds the government for bestowing special medals to disc-sniffing dog duo Lucky and Flo in Putrajaya. Needless to say, the unusual top-level honours presented to the pair of Labrador Retrievers was not only well-earned but also unprecedented in the history of our nation.

There are a number of important lessons that we as human beings can all draw from our authorities’ exemplary action in recognising the contributions of these special canine visitors to our country.

They are:


Dogs are such wonderful creatures. Given the right kind of support, training and love, human beings can peacefully and successfully coexist with animals. One need not be fearful about canines or find them a nuisance.


All of God’s creations, no matter how lowly some people may consider them to be, need to be loved and appreciated. Dogs, in particular, need to be respected and even protected from harm’s way. Dogs often become victims of human cruelty because they are naturally trusting in nature and in most cases would rather suffer hurt than retaliate with their fangs.


All dogs have value and worth whether they are a pedigree or a non-pedigree.


All religion teaches us to be kind to animals. Dogs, in particular, are used in many of the world’s great religions from Islam to Hinduism to teach us the finer points of life and faith.


Dogs take on many roles when participating with their human families. They make great companions as pets, work as excellent police, search and rescue dogs, assist the handicapped and the elderly to lead more independent and happier lives and even provide therapy and healing for the sick and the dying. All these fully-trained special dogs should be given the right of access to public areas without question when they are performing their duties.
Given all these excellent traits, it is only right that all of us do our part to give canines and all other animals the respect they truly deserve whether they are pets in our homes or strays on the streets.

Now that Lucky and Flo are no longer with us, it is important that their legacy is carried on for all of the local canines in our country. Our local councils should come up with laws that are not only kind and fair to pets and their owners but also come up with local awards for dogs and their owners who show good examples to the others citizens in our society.

Special awards and assistance by the local councils should also be given to the many unsung ordinary Malaysians who volunteer their time, money and even their lives to rescue unwanted and distressed animals in a tireless effort to place them in loving and permanent homes.

The writer is president, Malaysian Animal-Assisted Therapy for the Disabled and Elderly Association (PetPositive).


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Merdeka Thoughts by Capt Karim Petpositive adviser

50 years on, disabled still that
Capt Abdul Karim Stuart Russell
Aug 28, 07 3:17pm Adjust font size:

Kindly permit me to reflect my view of the state of the nation and especially the plight of elderly and disabled persons in Malaysia.

In the 50s and 60s, life was more peaceful and simpler; there were fewer motorised vehicles, no arterial highways with spaghetti junctions, no monstrous, distracting advertising signs and very few reckless, maniac drivers. Mobile phones and computers were in their infancy, and, if I may say so, it was a more pleasant Malaysia which had a much more tolerant, caring and genteel society.

Whilst the disabled and the elderly had no special facilities, the low-rise buildings, quiet roads and considerate drivers and the help of family and friends meant they were able to live their lives with a sense of contentment and were fully included in the local community.

We now have skyscrapers, massive factories and other projects, ribbons of highways and roads, a gridlock of motor vehicles, and sadly many citizens, who have, unfortunately, been left behind by the swift pace of development. Due to the rapid pace of change, many Malaysians are now unable to cope with the stresses of a modern way of life. It is unfortunate that some Malaysians now seem to be lacking good manners, culture, good taste, civic consciousness and compassion. They tend to be rude, self-centred, uncaring, inward-looking and narrow minded.

These days, 50 years after Malaysia gained independence, the disabled should be able to be independent, have gainful and fulfilling employment, raise a family and be able to live happy and contented lives without any form of discrimination. The Universal Design concept should be standard, meaning all forms of transport should be safely and easily accessible to everyone, as should all buildings, footpaths, pedestrian crossings and recreational facilities. But as anyone who cares to observe will know, this is certainly not the case.

Even now as we prepare to celebrate the golden anniversary of the birth of Malaysia, new buildings, newly-built and recently renovated footpaths and road crossings, newly-introduced buses and existing commuter trains, intercity trains, taxis, LRT and monorail systems together with their stations, stops and platforms remain largely inaccessible and out of reach to all but the fully able-bodied. The disabled and elderly are still being largely ignored and marginalised.

A lot has been said, and some efforts are now being made to address poor accessibility but these efforts are sometimes uncoordinated, often poorly thought out, and invariably badly implemented. Some are simply just half-hearted attempts, which are doomed to failure.

There is already Malaysian legislation in place which would, if enforced, help to overcome many issues of inaccessibility. Such legislation has been successfully enforced in many countries. If there is political will here, such legislation could be enforced here as well.

Last but not least, the education system must be revamped to include subjects such as civics, disability awareness, citizenship studies, etc. This would inculcate a sense of caring, tolerance, selflessness and service to others besides encouraging broadmindedness, tolerance and compassion.

Businesses also must move out from their comfort zones and learn that it won’t cost all that more or even nothing sometimes to provide properly designed facilities which are safe and accessible to all. In fact, when the estimated 10% to 15% (this percentage will increase due to the aging population and better healthcare) of the population who are elderly and disabled are included and can travel everywhere, the profits of businesses are certain to rise accordingly.

The general public must also reach out to lend a hand to all those who may need help. After all, as we age, fall sick or suffer accidents, each and everyone of us will one day be less able-bodied, less mobile and will be in dire need of facilities which are accessible to all. We will then cherish a caring soul who is willing to lend us a hand.

In Malaysia’s golden year, let us not miss a golden opportunity to make a determined and concerted effort to learn do things right the first time and every time. Let’s have no more ‘tidak apa’ apathy, ‘chin chai’ frivolousness or the ‘I couldn’t care less about anyone else, because I’m alright’ attitude.

The writer is secretary, Support Group for Society for the Blind of Malaysia.


Copyright © 1999-2007 Mkini Dotcom Sdn Bhd. All rights reserved.

Restore the monkey ban

Tuesday, August 28, 2007, 05.34 PM

Wildlife: Restore macaque-trade ban
By : N. SURENDRAN, Kuala Lumpur

Some baby monkeys seized by the Wildlife and National Parks Department. The monkeys were destined for local restaurants and overseas market.


THE recent decision of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment to lift the ban on monkey trading comes as a shock to all Malaysians who are concerned for our wildlife and abhor cruelty towards animals.

These poor animals are to be seized from their habitats and sold abroad where many of them will be slaughtered for the pot or for medical research.

How could the ministry decide to send our wildlife into captivity, torture and death?

The reason advanced by the ministry is that this is the only way to control primate overpopulation.

But what about humane culling? Surely it is immoral and callous to make money out of selling the monkeys, as if they were some kind of merchandise.

To make things worse, the ministry will be encouraging the trade in exotic wildlife in Malaysia and in the region.

Once the supply of "legitimate" macaques from Malaysia runs out, restaurants overseas serving exotic meat will surely turn to illegal traders in our country to satisfy the lucrative demand for monkey meat. This will lead to a huge increase in illegal hunting of macaques in our jungles.

One can only conclude that the ministry did not consider this matter deeply enough before lifting the ban.

Another reason cited by ministry officials is that there have been incidences of monkey attacks on humans in urban areas.

No empirical data was given as to the frequency of such attacks. In fact, one rarely hears of such attacks.

In any event, mass capture and slaughter of wildlife is surely a disproportionate reaction to isolated monkey attacks. It should also not be forgotten that indiscriminate development and human encroachment on monkey habitats is the real cause of these relatively rare attacks.

As a species, monkeys are quite similar to humans, both at a genetic and behavioural level. They live in close-knit family units and communities. It is horrifying to think that these wonderful creatures which share this world with us will soon be subjected to mass capture and slaughter.

I hope the ministry will restore the ban on monkey trading. Any other course of action will shame this country in the eyes of the world and subject our macaques to a terrible fate.
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Bring back the ban on monkey trade

Opinion
Monday August 27, 2007


Restore the ban on monkey trading

THE recent decision by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment to lift the ban on monkey trading comes as a shock to all Malaysians who are concerned for our wildlife and abhor cruelty towards animals.

These poor animals are to be seized from their habitats and sold abroad where many will be slaughtered for the pot and for medical research.

The reason the ministry gave for its decision is that this is the only way to overcome primate overpopulation.

But what about humane culling? Surely it is immoral and callous to make money out of selling monkeys.

To make things worse, the ministry will be encouraging the trade in exotic wildlife in Malaysia and in the region.

Once the supply of “legitimate” macaques from Malaysia runs out, restaurants overseas serving exotic meat will surely turn to illegal traders in our country to satisfy the lucrative demand for monkey meat.

This will lead to a huge increase in illegal hunting of macaques in our jungles.

Another reason cited by ministry officials is that there have been incidences of monkey attacks on humans in urban areas. No empirical data was given as to the frequency of such attacks. In fact, one rarely hears of such attacks.

In any event, mass capture and slaughter of wildlife is surely a disproportionate reaction to infrequent monkey attacks.

It should also not be forgotten that indiscriminate development and human encroachment into monkey habitats is the real cause of these attacks.

As a species, monkeys are quite similar to humans, both at a genetic and behavioural level.

I hope the minister concerned will restore the ban on monkey trading.

Any other course of action will shame this country in the eyes of the world and subject our macaques to a terrible fate.



N. SURENDRAN,

Kuala Lumpur.


Copyright © 1995-2005 Star Publications (Malaysia) Bhd (Co No 10894-D)
Managed by I.Star.

Petpositive launch

Petpositive committee members and volunteers eagerly packing up free goodies for the disabled and elderly the night before



Focus
Thursday July 26, 2007


First meeting

Wheel Power by ANTHONY THANASAYAN

This Sunday marks Petpositive’s inaugural meeting – and the disabled and the elderly will be the VIPs.

THIS is it, folks! The weekend that Petpositive has been eagerly awaiting is just days away. This Sunday, animal-assisted therapy (AAT) will be officially inaugurated by Datuk Ir Donald Lim Siang Chai, the Deputy Minister of Tourism, at a leading hotel in Kuala Lumpur.

(Petpositive stands for the Malaysian Animal-Assisted Therapy for the Disabled and Elderly Association.)

Imagine what your world would be like if you were paralysed and had little or no motivation in life. The only help you get may come from family members in between their many other responsibilities.

What if you were an ailing, elderly person living alone? Did you know that an increasing number of disabled people face this fate when their parents pass away? How would you pass your time if you had no one to talk to?

Petpositive offers hope to such people. We aim to enable and empower the disabled and the elderly through pet therapy. We hope to help them regain their resolve to live.

The people we will be working with include the blind, the deaf, those with learning or physical disabilities, stroke survivors, epileptics, and the depressed.

We don’t expect the handicapped or frail, elderly people to come to us; we will go to them if they ask us to. And we will cheer them up with a pet companion – or two.

With support from our advisers as well as medical and veterinary experts in our committee, we hope to make a true and lasting difference in their lives.

One of my greatest joys, as president of Petpositive, has been to coordinate this event.

One of the obstacles we encountered was people saying that we would never succeed as we’d sent out our invitations only recently. But they were wrong. They don’t realise how many people out there truly care for the disabled and the elderly. And there are also many selfless animal-lovers among us. Their support for our cause is overwhelming! Scores of them will give up their own VIP seats so that the disabled can be the VIPs for the night.

These unsung heroes believe that the disabled and the elderly – who rarely get the opportunity to enjoy a great evening out – deserve the very best.


For details about Petpositive, call 012-220 3146 / e-mail petpositive@yahoo.com.



Copyright © 1995-2005 Star Publications (Malaysia) Bhd (Co No 10894-D)
Managed by I.Star.

Charity Dinner July 29, 2007

M E T R O
Central
Friday July 27, 2007


Disabled guests get welcome break from daily routine

By WANI MUTHIAH

WHEELCHAIR-BOUND K. Samiamal hardly goes out these days as her husband S. Selvarajah has been hospitalised for a kidney ailment.

Selvarajah, who is a paraplegic, used to take Samiamal out regularly as he drives a modified van for the disabled.

“My husband has been in hospital for the last two months and I have literally been living there as I have to take care of him,” she said.


Thrilled: Samiamal appreciates Petpositive's generosity that gives her a chance to take a muchneeded break.
So when Samiamal was invited to attend non-profit NGO Petpositive’s (Malaysian Animal-Assisted Therapy for the Disabled and Elderly Association's) charity dinner as a VIP guest, she was thrilled to bits.

“It is a welcome offer as it would allow me to take a break from my current routine and forget my troubles for a while,” she said.

The charity dinner will be held on Sunday at the Legend Hotel, Kuala Lumpur.

Samiamal said she was happy that many disabled people had been invited to attend the function, as it would give them a well-deserved break.

“Some disabled people don’t even have a chance to go out once in a while,” she said.

Retiree M.K. Baskaran, who is blind, concurred and said some of the disabled could not afford to attend such events.

“So, it is good of the Petpositive people to think of us and include us in their charity dinner,” he said.

Generous donors who bought tables for the disabled have made it possible for people like Samiamal and Baskaran to attend the charity dinner.

Although most of the donors are corporate organisations, some individuals have also come forward to purchase tables for disabled guests.

Dog lover and Petpositive supporter Kay Wong paid for five disabled people to attend the charity dinner.

When contacted, Wong said she sponsored the seats because she believed in Petpositive’s goals and aspirations.

“The organisation is using animals to offer therapy and I can vouch for the efficacy of this method as I know for a fact that dogs can boost one’s morale with their unconditional love,” she said.

Wong added that she also knew a large number of the disabled were confined to their homes most of the time.

“I wanted to contribute towards giving them a well-deserved outing,” said Wong.

Those wanting to sponsor members of the disabled community for Petpositive’s charity dinner can do so by calling the association’s president, Anthony Thanasayan, at 012-220 3146 for details.


Copyright © 1995-2005 Star Publications (Malaysia) Bhd (Co No 10894-D)
Managed by I.Star.