Adopting a dog is a big decision, but for many people it’s the best one they ever make.
That is certainly the case for Kelsey Wood, a former volunteer at Lanta Animal Welfare.
One year on from her time on Koh Lanta, she tells us what it’s been like after she returned home from her gap year with a boatload of wonderful memories, and a new furry friend… Lee.
LAW rescued Lee in April 2019, along with his siblings and their mother, who had been shot. Sadly, mum didn’t make it but all the puppies did.
And that was the start of a life-changing journey, for both Lee and Kelsey.
“A year before my visit to LAW I’d seen on Instagram that a friend of mine had volunteered at the centre on their way to Australia,” said Kelsey. “I immediately followed the page and kept up to date with that was going on.
“I am obsessed with animals and travel and the timing was perfect. I applied to be a volunteer and the rest is history.
“I always had the idea in the back of my mind that I would adopt from LAW but, as I was in the middle of a gap year, I wasn’t sure it would be the right time. That was until I met Lee.
“That was it for me. Lee stole my heart from day one. Every time anyone walked passed his area he’d be standing there with a big smile on his face, wagging his tail waiting for cuddles.
“He and I did a lot of training and we had so much fun together. He was such a clever boy.
“I remember the centre manager, Diane, making a video of him to push for his adoption. She showed it to me before she posted it and I decided there and then that he was mine. I ended up extending my time in Thailand and at LAW by a month and adopted my boy.
“Having Lee with me for the past year has been a whirlwind. When he first arrived, he was so nervous of all the strange noises and people. Now, he is such a big character in the family.
“Watching him grow in confidence and break through all his barriers has been so amazing to watch. It has been challenging at times, his personality is different to any dog I’ve had previously, but adopting him is the best decision I’ve ever made. He’s a really special boy.
“To anyone thinking of adopting from LAW, I would say simply… go for it!
“It’s not an easy ride but it will be one of the most rewarding experiences you will have. Just remember, these LAW babies are special and they need their own time to adjust to their new lives. But, once they do, you can look forward to a life filled with love and joy.”
For more details about adopting from LAW, click here
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