Half a decade ago, a man’s shattered heart started to positively impact several street dogs in Thailand, earning him the title of “the dog rescuer.”
Michael J. Baines, a restaurateur originally from Scotland, decided to settle down in Thailand with his wife 15 years ago after visiting the country. They moved from Sweden, where they had previously lived, and ventured into the restaurant industry in their new home.
One day, while at work, a scrawny stray dog came by in search of food and his pitiful condition tugged at the heartstrings of a man. He recalls how the dog looked into his eyes as if pleading for help, saying “Help me! I’m hurt. I’m hungry.” The man felt an inexplicable connection to the dog and decided to take action. It turned out that the dog had recently given birth to a litter of puppies and was severely undernourished. The man couldn’t bear to see her suffer and began feeding her every day. This act of kindness sparked a passion within him to help other distressed animals, and he simply couldn’t turn a blind eye to their plight. From that moment on, he made a promise to help any animal in need that crossed his path.
Baines had an epiphany that he needed to take action to help the less fortunate dogs. Ever since, he has been providing food for stray dogs once a day and has mapped out three different routes with 17 stops in total. On his way to work, he makes eight stops to feed around 30 dogs. After enjoying his breakfast at the restaurant, he collects food for the next round and goes on eight to nine more stops to feed approximately 30 to 35 dogs. In addition, Baines also feeds six dogs outside his restaurant and four to five dogs on his way back home from work.
The furry canines under Baines’ care munch on a delightful meal of dry food, boiled rice, vegetable oil, bouillon, and a flavorful blend of boiled chicken, pork, and fish.
To keep the adorable pups free from parasites, Baines throws in a worm, tick, and flea prevention powder into their meals once a month. The funds for the dog’s upkeep mostly come from Baines himself and generous donations.
In 2003, Baines and his wife Gill Dalley established The Soi Dog Foundation, a sanctuary that caters to homeless dogs.
Their goal is to enhance the well-being of cats and dogs throughout Asia, resulting in a better life for both the animal and human populations. They aim to create a society that is free of homeless animals and ultimately eliminate animal c.r.u.e.l.t.y. This is reflected in their mission statement.
At present, Soi Dog Foundation boasts of a specialized hospital for cats and dogs. The dog hospital is the most extensive one in Asia and perhaps even globally, catering exclusively to the needs of street dogs. Gill played a pivotal role in conceptualizing and supervising the construction of the facility for four years, driven by her unwavering commitment to provide top-notch healthcare to her cherished street dogs.
Baines continues to actively participate in the Soi Dog Foundation, fulfilling his promise to Gill and the stray dogs and cats. His unwavering commitment to the cause earned him an MBE in the Queen Elizabeth II birthday honours for his exceptional service to animal welfare in Southeast Asia in 2020.
The work of the foundation is truly remarkable, as it not only rescues and cares for countless street dogs but also brings awareness to the importance of animal welfare in society. Their dedication inspires others to get involved, promote responsible pet ownership, and advocate for stronger animal protection laws.
It is vital to recognize and support the efforts of these individuals. Their selflessness and empathy serve as a powerful reminder that one person can make a significant difference in the lives of others, including our beloved four-legged companions.