Improvement in Thailand - Letters - Letter to the Editor

Having lived for two years in Thailand and having returned to visit many times, I found "The Dogs of Banglamung" (Fall 2002), the excerpt from Sy Montgomery's book, both fascinating and true to my experience. I want to add a few pieces of information.

First, despite the relative poverty of the country, veterinary care in Thailand is remarkably skilled and affordable. We rescued a two-week-old abandoned kitten. Houdini (so named because of his skill in escaping from boxes and baskets, where we attempted to confine him) was healthy and thriving until at three months he suddenly started having trouble walking. His hindquarters would collapse; we feared neurological problems. We took him to the neighborhood veterinary clinic, an open-air shop on the corner a few blocks away.

The vet examined him, then took him to the university veterinary hospital for X rays and tests. She determined that he was suffering from a severe but treatable calcium deficiency. He recovered to become a big, lovable, and extremely spoiled cat who was adopted by friends when we returned to the United States. The cost of this care was less than U.S. $10.

Second, we were in Bangkok this summer, and it was our impression that the condition of animals is improving, possibly because of an improved economy. Although there are still many street dogs in pitiful condition, we saw far fewer stray cats than 15 years ago. Furthermore, we encountered a number of sleek, healthy, friendly cats residing in shops and restaurants, where they clearly received food, care, and attention.

The Thais in general love animals and do what they can for them, in some cases far more than we do with our vastly greater resources.

Sally Goldin
Amherst, MA

COPYRIGHT 2003 Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
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