Society for Abandoned Animals
Where: Section 1, Pak Sha Village, Kiu Hing Road (Kung Um Narrow Road), Yuen Long
What: The animal welfare organisation was established in 1997 by a group of animal lovers and became a non-profit charity a year later. Its services include: finding homes for abandoned pets; housing animals that are aged, sick or disabled; promoting animal welfare and rights; and providing outreach services for people who are having problems taking care of their pets.
Volunteer: Y.Y. Tang, a dog lover, has been doing volunteer work for the Society for Abandoned Animals (SAA) for more than two years. Her best animal friend at SAA is Scott, a 12-year-old dog.
'Most dogs at SAA are of a Chinese breed. Many of them are disabled, after having been left to wander in the streets or through mishandling by their owners.
My job includes cleaning the cages and kennels as well as showing visitors around the site. I also take care of the dogs by brushing their fur, bathing them, giving them medicine or taking them for a walk. I sometimes help SAA with its fundraising events, such as flag selling.
After the shelter has closed to the public, I can spend some private moments with my favourite dogs - this is my happiest time during work. Each dog has its own personality. The only common characteristic is that they all like to eat.
If you are willing to spend time with them, you can build up a good relationship with every dog. Some of them are very shy at first, but after you have spent time with them, they will happily jump around in their cages whenever they see you. This makes me very happy.
If you want to do volunteer work for SAA, you must not be put off by bad odours. The work is quite demanding, especially during the summer months when the weather is hot.
You must also learn about the characteristics of different animals from staff members. Not all animals take to being touched by strangers. Some, such as rabbits, may bite you if they feel scared.'
