A Dog's Life: This Shelter Takes Care Of Over 80 Rescues & 100 Strays In Klang
Aunty Jenny's rescue journey began about 25 years ago, and she hasn't stopped since.
Cover image via May Vin Ang/SAYSOver the weekend, we had the privilege of visiting A Dog's Life, a no-kill shelter in Klang lovingly run by Aunty Jenny and her son, Lester
The moment we arrived, we were struck by the spotless condition of the shelter — a reflection of Aunty Jenny's deep love and tireless dedication to the dogs under her care.
While Lester holds a full-time job in Kuala Lumpur, the day-to-day responsibilities of the shelter fall mostly on Aunty Jenny, who is assisted by two hired helpers.
Despite the shelter's limited space — built on a plot of land lent by a generous friend — Aunty Jenny ensures each dog has a spacious cage, along with its own food and water bowls.
Every single day, she ensures that the dogs are fed, their spaces cleaned, they get playtime and roam freely, and are bathed as needed.
Image via May Vin Ang/SAYS
Image via May Vin Ang/SAYS
Image via May Vin Ang/SAYS
As she walked us through the shelter, calling each dog by name and recounting their stories, it was evident just how much heart, time, and dedication she's poured into giving them a better life
She shared that many were abandoned when they were sick, injured, or grew old.
Every dog Aunty Jenny has taken in needed special care and attention — most wouldn't have survived if left on the streets. One had been hit by a car. Another had a tumour growing on its eye. One lost both of its hind legs. All these dogs, discarded or left aside like trash, now have a second lease on life thanks to Aunty Jenny's care.
She took them for surgery, physiotherapy, chemotherapy, rehab, raising funds and footing veterinary bills that other irresponsible parties refused to pay.
One elderly dog lay quietly in the corner — Aunty Jenny gently explained that he has cancer, but she'll care for him until the end.
"I don't believe in putting them to sleep. I'll care for them as long as they need," she said with quiet conviction.
Image via May Vin Ang/SAYS
Image via May Vin Ang/SAYS
Aunty Jenny's rescue journey began in 2000, when her son brought home their first stray puppy. And since then, she's never stopped.
"If not me, then who?" she said simply, expressing how heartbroken she feels for these animals who have been failed by humans.
With the shelter already at full capacity, Aunty Jenny also dedicates about two hours every other day to feeding over 100 stray dogs across three different neighbourhoods in Klang.
In total, it costs her around RM6,000 to RM7,000 a month to run the shelter and feed the strays, as well as pay for their spaying, neutering, and other medical bills — and it has been a struggle to raise the money every month.
"I go through 15kg of kibble every time I feed them. I use about 24 bags every month," she shared. The shelter dogs also eat about two buckets of rice every day.
Image via May Vin Ang/SAYS
Image via May Vin Ang/SAYS
When asked about solutions for the stray crisis, she pointed out how many people still abandon their pets without facing any consequences
"In some countries, there's a fine for abandoning dogs," she said, adding that spaying and neutering remains one of the most effective ways to control the stray population.
But until that happens, Aunty Jenny will continue to do what she can.
Image via May Vin Ang/SAYS
Image via May Vin Ang/SAYS
If you support Aunty Jenny's vision, reach out to A Dog's Life to donate, adopt, or volunteer
If you wish to volunteer, contact Lester at +6017-6695142. To donate, you can transfer to his Maybank account: 1124 5533 0955 (Lester Hiew).
If you're interested in adopting a happy, health pup, be prepared to go through Aunty Jenny's vetting — she just wants to make sure every rescue ends up in a safe, loving home where they'll be truly cherished.
You could also follow A Dog's Life on Facebook or check out their website for more information.
