Need To Spread Animal-Assisted Therapy In Malaysia

Some of the pet-empowered members at the AGM

DATELINE: PETPOSITIVE THERAPY CENTRE, PETALING JAYA

ANIMAL-ASSISTED THERAPY IS STILL BY FAR THE MOST POWERFUL AND EFFECTIVE WAY FOR THE DISABLED AND THE ELDERLY TO ACHIEVE POSITIVE LIVING.

THIS WAS THE CONCLUSION REACHED BY MEMBERS OF THE MALAYSIAN ANIMAL-ASSISTED THERAPY FOR THE DISABLED AND THE ELDERLY ASSOCIATION - OR PETPOSITIVE - AT THEIR FIFTH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING HERE THIS AFTERNOON. 

In his welcoming address, Anthony SB Thanasayan, (left with red cap) who was re-elected uncontested as President for another two-year term commented that Petpositive has enjoyed a phenomenal success since its relatively short existence.

"Though Our Society has faced many challenges and obstacles, we've always managed to come out tops through our struggles where our name today is virtually a household name," he said.

"Even Dato Sri Sharizat Abdul Jalil, our welfare minister, singled out our name at last year's International Day for Disabled Persons at a major function in Kuala Lumpur as a good example for other NGOs," he added.

He also said that whilst Petpositive's primary aim was to partner pets with disabled and elderly people, "we have never ignored the other basic needs of our members such as providing them with wheelchairs or medical assistance where required."

"We are simply doing what other NGOs often fail to do. This takes a lot of commitment and zeal.

"But as a Society that is determined to raise the quality of lives of our target groups, we will never let them down." 

Thanasayan said that in order to do Petpositive's work, the Society needs funds.

"The last time we raised funds was at our charity dinner in 2007. 

"We need about RM10,000.00 a month to fulfill our mission to the disabled and the elderly.

"We are looking for corporations and private individuals to pledge a regular amount to cover the needs so that we can go ahead with our plans to make a difference in the lives of our target groups." 

Thanasayan made an appeal to all the members present at the AGM to do their part to speak to their friends and contacts to help Petpositive's mission. 

Left to right standing: Shenaaz, Fasidah & volunteer Kumaresh. Sitting: Leopold, aNt & volunteer Capt Karim

Petpositive is currently seeking for a driver-cum-office assistant as well as a full-time worker to work at the Petpositive Therapy Centre in PJ.

Mr Antony Leopold who walks with callipers was voted in as Vice President.

Fasidah Sabeh was re-elected as Secretary whilst Sonia Khan is the new Assistant Secretary.

Shenaaz Khan is now the new Treasurer whilst Vimala Sinnadurai is the new Assistant Treasurer.

The former takes over the position of the past Tresurer Dr C Vijayakumar and the latter Andrew Martin who are both founder members of Petpositive.

The new committee members are: Dr P Vanaja, a senior veterinarian; Francis Siva, also president of the Independent Living and Training Centre; Gurdip Kaur, former councillor of Selayang; Letchumy who is also physically disabled and S Gopalasingam.

Gopal who is an elderly person was re-elected to his committee post.

Petpositive member Datin Rosdiana donated RM2000.00 to the Society during the AGM.

The AGM was also attended by Petpositive's mascot Reba the Shetland Sheepdog.

COMING SOON: FULL TEXT OF THANASAYAN'S ACTIVITIES REPORT.

PET+BLOGSPOT is the ONLINE BLOG of the Malaysian Animal-Assisted Therapy for the Disabled and Elderly Association (Petpositive). Our reports and stories are CURRENT, ACCURATE and RELIABLE. We offer both local and foreign news on animals, disability and the elderly. PET+BLOGSPOT was first established in October 2007. Our hits since then is now 70,000 and going strong! PET+BLOGSPOT is updated daily. Sometimes even twice or three times a day. Kindly take note that views expressed in this blog are not necessarily those of PETPOSITIVE. You may also visit our Webpage by browsing: www.petpositive.com.my You can also find us in Facebook as PETPOSITIVE EMPOWERMENT. Please sign up as a FOLLOWER of this Blog if you haven't done so already in order to show us your kind support. Thank you!