The dogs of Fiji

Hi everyone, In 2017 I spent a few months in a village in Fiji. Before I tell my story, I want to make it clear that 99% of the Fijians I met were amazing- warm, welcoming and would give you all they had. This story is in no way a reflection upon them. The ending to this story was caused by one person, but by an overall lack of education and resources. Please bear with me as I tell this story. Whilst living in the village, I was devastated by the amount of stray dogs and their plight- many starving, infested with ticks and fleas. One day I found a puppy outside our bure (cabin). Then another appeared later, until there was 4 in total. We discovered that the pup’s mother had brought them there. Why us? Because the scarring on her back indicated that she had been severely beaten, and so was terrified of locals. Long story short, she became mine and I became hers. She was the most brave, loving, beautiful dog and she was doing all she could to save her pups. We (some friends and I) tried so hard, but 3 died. The 4th was adopted by my wonderful local family, and they did all they could. Mama dog stayed with me. One night I came home to find my family in tears. The puppy had died- horribly. She had been poisoned. I searched everywhere for Mama dog, until finally I heard her. Making sounds of absolute agony. It was 2 days before I was finally able to get to a vet and have her put down. It broke my heart. This incredible soul had lived a life of indescribable pain and suffering, and had to die that way too. Yet despite everything, she was gentle. She was loving. And she was the best mother I’ve ever met. I’m sorry if this story makes you sad. 4 years later, it still hurts me. But I’m hoping it will hurt a little less to finally do something to make her death mean something. I’m asking for your help to raise funds to provide these wonderful people with the money they need to help stop the suffering of these stray animals. Education for locals. Spaying to minimise the litters born to female dogs that can’t even feed themselves. Food. I know it’s been a very hard year for everyone. But Fijians, and the animals that live there, are doing it hard too. Cyclone Yasa hit just when we thought 2020 couldn’t get worse, and once again it could take years to recover. The animals are at the bottom of the list. The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) Fiji are working to eradicate this. I know it’s a lot to ask people on top of a crappy year. But please, every little bit can make a difference. Thank you so much ❤️ Jess