The Leone Cosens memorial feeding program.

"In addition to feeding the 200+ dogs and puppies at the shelter, SDF cares for and feeds hundreds of other dogs and cats predominently at temples, throughout the island but also at other locations, some of which are extremely isolated.

The purpose is two fold. Firstly by feeding them, they remain in their locations away from the main roads, hotels and other locations where they would otherwise go to scavenge for food. Secondly it enables us to monitor any dogs requiring treatment and also newly abandoned puppies and kittens who are then sterilized as soon as they are old enough.

Temples in particular are a favourite dumping ground for unwanted puppies and kittens in the usually misguided belief that they will be cared for by the monks.

The work is carried out by volunteers both Thai and foreign who each have one or more locations which they cover. SDF supplies these volunteers with dog and cat food in addition to food they collect themselves from hotels, markets and supermarkets.

The program is financed by sponsors who sponsor one or more dogs or cats at a few of the locations we cover.

We only offer dogs and cats for sponsorship where a volunteer has access to a digital camera, though the funds raised go to help all the animals

.
The program is named in honour of Leone Cosens. Leone who was a New Zealander by birth but lived for much of her life in Australia came to Phuket around 15 years ago and lived at Nai Harn. She was an extremely well known figure and devoted most of her life here to helping the dogs throughout the south of the island. She employed 2 full time staff at her own expense to go out and feed dogs and cats, not only in temples but many other out of the way places on a daily basis.

She joined SDF shortly after its conception and was an inspiration to all who met her.

Tragedy struck in December 2004. Leone went to help guests at a cottage on Yui beach after the tsunami struck, who survived, and was hit by the second wave. Her body was found further inshore later that day.

At the 2005 Asia for Animals conference Leone (posthumously) and Gill Dalley who had just lost both her legs were honoured with a special award. Gill was given a financial award by Hong Kong businessman Paul Bartels and she requested that the money be used to buy food to start the Leone Cosens Memorial Feeding program in a lasting tribute to this wonderful lady."

By sponsoring a dog you are directly supporting this program.

Click Here to Donate