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Visiting Vets - Page 4 1 - 15 July 2002
May 10-17 2002
In May 2002, we had a visit from our friends and major supporters at WSPA Australia for the launch of the Kindness Clubs. With them came James and Kathryn Ramsden. James is a veterinarian in Melbourne who actively promotes animal welfare issues in the media. WSPA was using James as their on-camera spokesman for a promotional video they were shooting about Yudisthira and animal welfare issues in Bali. Kathryn is an accomplished opera singer with a Melbourne opera company.
This was James's first animal welfare tour outside of Australia. For both James and Kathryn, watching the pitiful state of not only the street dogs but also captive lions and alligators at a dreadful "zoo" brought home the real meaning of animal welfare. James commented that this trip, "Changed my life forever."
Click here for more pictures and stories about James
1 – 29 March 2002
It is the greatest Of all mistakesTo do nothing because you Can only do a little. Do what you can. - Sydney Smith
"I stumbled across this quote, or perhaps this quote stumbled across me, late last year. It made me stop and take stock of my life. For many years I had dreamed of doing voluntary work overseas, but the time had never seemed quite right. No time, no money, too much to change … all great excuses to do ‘nothing’. Inspired by Sydney’s words I boarded a plane for Bali.
Voluntary work, in any form, is a wonderful and worthwhile experience, yet the richness of my experience with Yudisthira has left me with the distinct impression that I have gained far more than I could possibly have ever given. The work of Yudisthira and the team that make this organisation what it is, is inspiring. Whilst dog control and raising awareness about animal welfare in Bali is, without doubt, a formidable task, this team of individuals have embraced it, willingly and with enthusiasm and perspective. Focus, teamwork and the belief that each step forward, no matter how small … is one step less that has to be taken – seems to be what makes this team work so well. This insight and many others will stay with me forever.
Voluntary work is something that I can whole-heartedly recommend. My life has been enriched thanks to Yudisthira and the heavenly people I met. Keep up the great work guys … and don’t be surprised if you see me again! "
- Kimberly Muncaster
Thanks Kim. And best wishes with
your new job with WSPA in New Zealand.
Andrea Grochowski: Germany
Everything about Andrea was different. One day when the University students showed up for their regular training a Western student was with them. It turned out that Andrea, a vet student in Germany, was doing some of her studies with the Udyana University in Bali. We fell in love with each other from the start and soon Andrea was working with us everyday. It is impossible to convey the boundless energy and enthusiasm that Andrea bought to the job. She worked harder then anybody and did everything from catching the dogs, prepping them to performing sterilizations. She never stopped. And then after a hard day of work, Andrea would think nothing of biking up to Ubud for a few hours of exercise. After leaving us, Andrea went to Switzerland, where she spent two months alone on the top of a mountain milking cows and making cheese!! Thanks Andrea - you've set a new standard for us all.
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Our volunteers come from all types of
backgrounds. Deborah is an artist in Melbourne who specializes in
etchings with dog themes. She was in Bali for the first time two
years ago and spent much of that vacation feeding stray dogs that she
adopted. On this trip she wanted do something more. She found
us through a WSPA newsletter and within in a few weeks of contacting us
she was in Bali and off on her first field clinic. While originally
planning to spend just a week with us, Deb ended up spending here entire
two week vacation working and playing with us. However, we did
manage to get her to join us for a little rest on the small island of Gili
Trawagen off of Lombok island. Thanks Deb. Welcome to
the family.
