Temple Aid Program Off the Ground!

“Nakorn Payap Making a Difference”

– This is a special post for Ally, Karin, and Amandine to let you all know how things are going!

NIS’ Temple Aid Program has officially begun! Last week on Wednesday, we had our first meeting with a shocking attendance of 26 students! Ms. Elissa’s room (which served as our meeting area) was so full that there were no seats left over, and some students had to sit on the floor, much like during our first assembly where Ally and Amandine came to give us a presentation.

During the first half hour of our meeting, Ms. Elissa and I handed out sheets to the students and informed them of the program, reminding the kids that they were making a commitment to the dogs and the temple. Afterwards, we all headed out to Wat Nong Ba Klang — two buses full of kids! — to see the dogs and start cataloging them. The dogs, almost thirty in number, were happy to see us and we took pictures and named some of the newborn puppies. The kids seemed really fond of the dogs, and we were received very warmly by the monks at the temple. Unfortunately, I think that some of the puppies are not going to live very long lives. Three puppies have died since my first visit to the temple, including this one:

And I also noticed that this puppy (to the left) could not walk very well. In fact, he couldn’t walk at all. When he saw us, he tried so hard to clamber towards us, but there was no strength in his feet, so he ended up walking on his ankles, stumbling with every step. In addition, he could barely open his eyes with the amount of ’spooge’ that was around it, and I really don’t think he’ll be there when we go to the temple again tomorrow.. sigh. The first time I saw him, I didn’t expect this to happen.

In situations like thse, one must proceed with the end in mind. Though we may lose several puppies or dogs along the way, eventually, we will save so many more. I really think that we’ll be able to succeed with this program. There is so much enthusiasm from the students, so much commitment from Ms. Elissa and Ms. Navinder, and so much support from the school community that I can’t see how this program will fail. We have to keep pictures like these in mind, and remember our responsibilities to the dogs at this temple. We must feed them, vaccinate them, care for them, and sterilize them. And of course, how can one not forget — also give them some Tender Loving Care!

Some recent updates: Today we organized a bake sale to raise funds. Various students and teachers helped bake some delicious desserts for us to sell, ranging from jello, brownies, chocolate chip cookies and pop corn. I think we made around 3,000+ baht, and coupled with a 500 baht donation, and a donation from Roots and Shoots, we have enough money to fund several vaccinations and perhaps a sterilization!

Tomorrow we will be having another Temple Aid Program (TAP..?) meeting! Half the club will head to the temple, whilst the other half stays at school and discusses some important issues, and what the goal of our club should be. Let’s hope all goes well!