Mika
Once upon a time, in July 2020, during the pandemic, I was dealing with some heavy stuff and needed a break from it all.
That’s when I discovered Happy Dogs Koh Chang, a dog rescue sanctuary, looking for solace.
Little did I know that the dog shelter on this remote island near Cambodia would unlock a new chapter in my life, filled with tales of friendship, healing, and the unconditional love of furry companions.
As I stepped into the Happy Dogs Koh Chang rescue sanctuary, my heart heavy with the weight of a painful past, fate intervened in the form of two angels—Amelia and Tom, a warm-hearted couple from Australia.
They became the guiding stars in my journey of self-discovery, introducing me to the world of street dogs and the tasks that awaited me. Our shared experiences slowly transformed us into a makeshift family, a bond forged in the paws of our four-legged companions.
Days turned into weeks, and the loneliness that once enveloped me began to dissipate. Fate had yet another surprise in store as Maya, a girl from Indonesia, entered the stage of my life. With a radiant smile and a shared language, she became a beacon of joy.
We explored the island on a motorcycle, cooked together, and had heartfelt conversations in Spanish, creating memories that etched themselves onto the canvas of my healing heart. After a month, Maya left the shelter to work in Bangkok.
I was sad, but the work kept me busy. It was then that Debbie, my second roommate and another Aussie soul entered the picture. Her love for music and photography matched mine, and her caring nature was infectious. Our shared devotion to the dogs became a strong bond.
Life in the shelter was far from perfect, especially in the turbulent times of 2020. Yet, Amelia, Tom, and I found stability in our shared purpose. Amidst the torrent of uncertainty, we worked tirelessly, sometimes for 12, even 24 hours, never once complaining. Our home, a haven in a troubled world, became a source of gratitude and resilience.
On this journey, Luciana, a spirited soul from Argentina, graced our sanctuary. Her arrival brought new energy, and she became a mentor and friend. She not only excelled at her work but also taught me to snorkel and ride the Salang. With the rhythm of music as our backdrop, our friendship blossomed.
Yet, as life’s twists and turns dictate, goodbyes became inevitable. Bid farewell to Luciana, my heart felt a familiar ache. If there’s one thing that eludes me even after a year of travel, it’s the art of saying goodbye.
But then magic happens again! A new volunteer from Colombia called Gigi appeared in my life.
It’s amazing how the universe works, isn’t it?
Gigi’s arrival at Happy Dog Koh Chang was the last piece of the puzzle I needed to complete my journey. She became a dear friend, someone I shared countless meaningful moments. We explored the island, talked about life, and bonded over our love for the dogs.
Being a part of this sanctuary taught me that when you’re in need of something and remain open to receive, the universe will send it your way. Gigi was a reminder of that. She came into my life unexpectedly, and I’m grateful for every moment we shared. As my time at Happy Dogs Koh Chang came to an end, I felt a sense of peace and fulfilment.
I had discovered something special—a community of people brought together by their love for animals and their desire to make a difference. It was a chapter in my journey that I would never forget. And as I said goodbye to my furry friends and the people who had become my family, I knew that I was leaving with a full heart.
Ten months had passed since my first day at Happy Dog Koh Chang.
Now it was my time to say goodbye.
