There’s a sickening video that’s been making its rounds on social media. It’s of a dog that’s has been abused. It was found with its muzzle slashed, and tied to a tree. It’s heart-wrenching and too painful to watch.
Fortunately for this dog, a saviour arrived and give her a second chance at life. I found out about ‘Aunty Aileen’ from netizens who shed light on how she’s been an angel to strays. It was she who saved the dog, had her treated and found her a loving home.
AN ENCOUNTER WITH WONG CHOI
“I’d always been an animal lover but I started rescuing strays without knowing anything about how to handle a rescue or the need for them to be neutered,” says the vibrant and bubbly woman whom netizens affectionately call ‘Aunty Aileen’. Even though it’s her 10th year rescuing strays, she vividly remembers her first experience. “I didn’t know what to do with the dog I rescued, so I brought it to a vet, who is one of my sister’s friends. Although I had had no clue what to do, I thought I should still try my best to help,” she explains.
Before rescuing pets became the focus of her life, the 63-year-old used to run a pub and work in a pet shop, where she gained knowledge on pet care. “But pets and strays are different. I started feeding the strays without much thought. I continued even after I received a warning letter from MPSJ (Majlis Perbandaran Subang Jaya), asking me to stop feeding them,” she reveals, brushing the event off with a small laugh.
Things hadn’t always been this way for Aileen. Her pet adoption centre, My Pets Haven, started out as a pet shop. “When my shop was being renovated, a stray dog came in. There’s an old belief that if a dog or a snake comes into your shop from the front door, it brings you good luck, so I named him ‘Wong Choi’ (which means good fortune in Cantonese). I decided to keep him. I knew how to take care of a dog since I had pets, but I knew nothing about neutering and adopting an animal. This I learned from Wong Choi,” she beams. Thanks to Wong Choi, she became a firm ‘adopt don’t buy’ believer.
Aileen doesn’t hide the fact that she used to sell pets in the early days, before Wong Choi bounded into her life. She admits that running the pet shop business generated enough income for rent, compared to what she’s doing now.
“When people visited my shop they were surprised that I was keeping a stray dog (the first dog she rescued) in a pet shop, so I explained that I’d rescued him and he was up for adoption. When he was finally adopted, the excitement I felt was indescribable. But I soon realised that the responsibility of educating adopters on how to take care of an adopted pet fell on my shoulders. I turned to the vet for help. I had to learn everything from the basics and that inspired me to save more strays. Word began to spread and people learned that I was housing strays for adoption. Soon, more and more people started to abandon their pets at my storefront,” she sighs, shaking her head in dismay.
ALL OUT OF LOVE
Continue reading your story on the app
Continue reading your story in the magazine
Beauty The Natural Way
With climate change rapidly threatening the future of Mother Earth, we urgently need to curb further acts of destruction. We speak to Law Hong Mei, founder of The Olive Tree, about building a beauty brand that is sustainable from the core.
Even Pets Need Tummy Care?
For many, keeping a pet is more than just caring for an animal; pets are family members, too. We speak to veterinary surgeon, Dr Wafaa Abdul Washefffrom Pets Corner Sdn Bhd, to find out how your pets can stay healthy with a suitable diet
The Healing Power Of Unconditional Love
There’s a saying that goes, “Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened.” For one woman, these words resonated deeply. An unlikely companion came into her life at her lowest point and changed everything.
YOU'VE GOT A FRIEND IN ME
“More than half of my time is spent with animals, but I enjoy it,” enthuses animal rescuer, Aileen Lee. The story of this selfless lady’s dedication and love for the fur kids she has saved will warm your heart.
MISSION: Catification
We discover why pet proofing your home ensures harmony and safety for both the owner and the cat.
THE ONE WHO'S TAKING ACTION
Best known for her extensively waitlisted Nina bag, Gabriela Hearst walks the talk when it comes to sustainable luxury. The New York-based designer shares her inspirations, dreams and resolutions for herself and her eponymous label.
BORN TO ENTERTAIN
YOU MIGHT RECOGNISE HER AS THE GENTLE AND LOVING MOTHER IN LEE CHONG WEI, THE BIOPIC OF THE BADMINTON LEGEND, OR THE VULNERABLE YET RESILIENT TEACHER IN WET SEASON, WHICH HIT THE CINEMAS IN MARCH. SOME OF US MAY HAVE SEEN YEO YANN YANN ON THE BIG SCREEN PLAYING VARIOUS CHARACTERS FOR MORE THAN A DECADE. STILL, SHE NEVER FAILS LEAVE HER AUDIENCE IN AWE OF HER ACTING PROWESS.
THE TRUTH BEHIND FAUX FUR
Is imitation fur still a feasible alternative in this modern, fashion-forward world? Nadhirah Othman uncovers how the fur industry – both real and fake – brings a detrimental impact to the well-being of our planet.
Surprising reasons WHY YOUR KID is under performing in school
You’re understandably frustrated that your child isn’t living up to her potential. But before you blame her attitude, check if these conditions are hindering her academically.
A PAWSITIVE' Life
Like in many parts of the world, pet culture has seen exponential growth in Malaysia. In this issue, Lorraine Chai discusses pet therapy, a method of treatment that is gaining traction, and also some of the pet trends you don’t want to miss out on.
DOROTHY DANDRIDGE A Life of TRIUMPH & TRAGEDY
THE OSCAR-NOMINATED ACTRESS WAS A HOLLYWOOD TRAIL BLAZER
The 1,000th Unicorn Joins the Herd
There are more $1 billion startups than ever
Comida para ¿vestir?
La fusión de los alimentos y la moda se refleja en la creación de biofibras que responden a la urgente necesidad de una renovación para un futuro más sustentable.
ALL WOMEN'S RANCH RODEO
UNPARALLELED EQUINE ATHLETICISM, SUPREME COW-HANDLING EXPERTISE, AND INCOMPARABLE HORSEMANSHIP CULMINATE IN ART OF THE COWGIRL’S ALL WOMEN RANCH RODEO PRESENTED BY COWGIRL MAGAZINE.
Marking a Milestone
International Guild of Realism’s 15th annual Juried Exhibition opens this October at Principle Gallery in Charleston, South Carolina.
More Than a Store
What it means when we lose a beloved neighborhood anchor like Trohv.
Time for an Insurance Review
You may need to update your policies in light of COVID-19.
CARMEN ELECTRA
Dress: Laura Vivienne
THE TIN THAT KEEPS TIME
BUILD YOUR OWN PORTABLE SUNDIAL
Meet Windows 10x, A ‘New Expression' Designed For Dual‑Screen Devices
Ten ten?