Canine sanctuary appoints second ambassador
By WANI MUTHIAH
Metro, 17 May 2008

JOJO, an amputee dog, was appointed canine sanctuary Furry Friends Farm’s (FFF's) latest ambassador in a simple ceremony recently.

The sanctuary’s founder, Sabrina Yeap, said the event also marked Jojo’s second birthday.

The dog and his admirers were treated to birthday cake and goodies at the party.

Jojo will now assume duties as the FFF’s second canine ambassador and will work together with the sanctuary’s senior canine ambassador, Joy, to promote the organization as well as its activities to the public.

Just like Joy, which was rescued by Yeap in 2006 after being beaten up by some Indonesian workers in Selayang, Jojo has a sad history.

According to Yeap, Jojo’s owner had accidentally run this car over him – then only a puppy – about 18 months ago.

The puppy’s front limb was crushed and the owner took him to the vet but abandoned him after being informed that Jojo’s limb would have to be amputated.

Jojo was awaiting euthanasia at the veterinary clinic when Yeap walked in to settle the FFF’s veterinary medical bills.

“I caught sight of Jojo and his bandaged limb and asked the veterinarian about the puppy.

“As he was telling me about Jojo’s misfortune, I walked closer to his cage and that was exactly when Jojo woke from his pain-wracked sleep,” said Yeap.

 

New role: Jojo after his birthday celebrations during which he was appointed Furry Friends Farm's second ambassador.

She would never forget what happened next, added Yeap.

“Jojo held up his crushed limb and looked at me with pleading eyes as if begging me to give him a chance to live,” Yeap recalled.

She added that she decided to save Jojo’s life and told the veterinarian to proceed with the amputation.

“The money for the surgery as well as Jojo’s medical care was raised among the FFF’s volunteers,” said Yeap.

Jojo recovered well and was taken to the FFF, where he became one of its earliest canine residents.

Today, with the pain and trauma well behind him, Jojo is a cool and suave doggie and spends most of his time basking in the sun at the FFF sanctuary.

“He has a gregarious and friendly disposition and easily befriends both humans and dogs alike,” said Yeap.

She added that Jojo was also an active and curious dog and liked running all over the farm.

According to Yeap, Jojo likes to jump into the stream near the farm for a dip.

She added that canines like Joy and Jojo were what the FFF was all about as the sanctuary was a place for unwanted and abandoned canines.

“FFF propagates a no-kill policy and the farm hopes to evolve into an entity which will be able to take in and care for more dogs which have nowhere to go,” said Yeap.

Yeap welcomes corporate and private sponsorship of any sort that will help meet the FFF’s needs.

For details, call Yeap at 016-631 9018 or email yeapwe@yahoo.com