A transition center for stray cats and dogs, selling properties and taxi licenses, rents a 16,000 square foot village house to temporarily care for 30 elderly and sick cats and dogs, helping them find adoptive families.
After stray cats and dogs are rescued, where do they go before being adopted? It turns out that there are indeed people who run interim shelters for these animals, allowing them to wait safely for suitable adopters. Regina's presence has changed the fate of many stray cats and dogs.
Regina, the temporary caregiver, was originally a bank employee but resigned due to pancreatitis and diabetes, and now her kidney function is only at 70%. Initially, she only adopted stray cats, but after encountering her first stray dog ten years ago, she began her journey as a temporary caregiver, founding an organization called "Reginapaws", her husband Ah Wai, and their daughter originally lived in a 300 square feet apartment in Tsuen Wan, but as the number of animals they cared for increased, they sold their apartment and moved to a village house in Kam Sheung Road. Eventually, they decided to rent two houses totaling 16,000 square feet in Yuen Long, complete with an outdoor garden, air-conditioned rooms, a cat room, adoption area, and isolation room, capable of housing over 30 cats and dogs. Four years ago, due to financial difficulties, they started charging a basic accommodation fee, and Ah Wai even sold his taxi license to fully assist with the caregiving work.
To become a transition center for stray cats and dogs, having nursing knowledge is crucial. Many stray dogs are injured or ill from prolonged exposure to the outdoors. Regina has cared for dogs with broken limbs, wounds infested with maggots, and infections like tick-borne fever and heartworm. She not only helps these dogs recover but also teaches them good behavior and etiquette before finding them suitable adopters. For those dogs that cannot be adopted, Regina promises to care for them until the end of their lives.
As a temporary caregiver, transforming cats and dogs from being scarred to becoming lovable pets for others to adopt raises the question: "Don't you feel reluctant to let them go?" Without hesitation, she replies, "Not at all. This is the time they need help the most. My ultimate goal is for them to have a home. Space is limited in Hong Kong; if I can't let go of each one, the dogs outside will have no one to help them."
Regina has established a partnership with a university in Hong Kong, allowing students studying pet care and animal-assisted therapy to intern at "Reginapaws" They not only participate in the daily care of stray animals but also gain insight into their needs and behaviors. These valuable experiences teach students how to treat animals with love and responsibility, fostering a profound understanding of animal welfare. Through the internship, students can combine theoretical knowledge with practical experience, becoming capable and compassionate animal care professionals in the future.
She is Regina, the principal of the Cat and Dog Boarding School.
Campaign Statement
Support stray animals and ensure that every stray receives love and respect! Choose adoption, reject abandonment, and let’s work together to create a harmonious society for both humans and pets. Every life deserves a warm home; let kindness become our shared belief!
