Former chef’s rescue foundation saves stray dogs in Thailand
If you doubt one person can make a difference in the world, you haven’t met Michael J. Baines. In 2002, he moved from Sweden to Thailand to make a fresh start and advance his career as a chef. Michael’s life took an unexpected turn when he started feeding the local dogs outside his restaurant.
Michael noticed many of the dogs suffered from poor health and needed veterinary care. Despite limited funds and space, he adopted several strays and gave them food, shelter and treatment at the local veterinary clinic.
Fifteen years later, in 2017, Michael launched The Man That Rescues Dogs (TMTRD), a non-profit foundation located just outside Bangkok.
Today, the sanctuary covers 8,000 square meters, and has eight main shelters, a full-service clinic, and specialized care units. It also houses a quarantine section for new rescues and dogs with serious diseases. There are three hydrotherapy pools, and areas for the dogs to play and relax.
TMTRD provides nutritious meals to the dogs, along with veterinary care. It also helps control the local dog population by spaying and neutering.
The foundation currently houses over 775 rescued dogs, including 50 TikTok-famous paralyzed pooches affectionately named The Wheelchair Mafia. TMTRD also feeds and monitors another 450 dogs in the Bang Saen and Sriracha areas.
The foundation employs more than 30 staff members and veterinarians. While the local government supports TMTRD, it still relies heavily on donations.
To help raise more funds, Michael recently released his first book, Home. Made. It details his journey from a drug-addicted chef in Sweden’s most popular restaurant scene, to a passionate dog rescuer near the cassava fields of Bang Saen. It features many success stories about the dogs TMTRD has rescued, treated, and adopted out to forever homes.
Home. Made launched on International Dog Day (August 26, 2024). It marks the first production of Witchcraft (heywitchcraft.com), an all-female start-up that works to bring funding to non-profits through the art and power of books. A full 70% of royalties goes back to TMTRD.
“The book is the story of my life,” Michael says. “But more importantly, it’s the story of my dogs’ lives – they’re far more interesting and inspiring than I am, and I hope readers agree.”
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Source: Animal Wellness Magazine
