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Stray dogs are common in Malaysia, but not always welcomed. Stray To Home Rescue wants to shift that mindset by giving each dog a shot at a better life.
What started as a small, heartfelt effort has grown into a passionate rescue duo focused on saving lives and supporting society's true underdogs — literally.
From daily vet visits to launching their own pet hotel, these animal lovers are determined to make a difference, and they want Malaysians to be part of the journey.
Image via Stray To Home Rescue (Provided to SAYS)
It all began with a simple mission: help the strays who need it most
Founders Sebastian and Audrey didn't set out to be heroes. They just wanted to help.
Both began their rescue journeys in 2023 and eventually crossed paths because of Luna, a dog Sebastian rescued after she was abandoned in an empty house.
They don't run a physical shelter. Instead, they focus on rescuing strays, getting them proper medical care, and placing them in safe, loving homes.
Founders Sebastian and Audrey with their first rescue dog, Luna.
Image via @pawevermemories (Instagram)
The journey hasn't been easy, but every dog rehomed reminds them why they started.
Beyond their own rescues, they also support other rescuers, shelters, and NGOs in finding forever homes for dogs in need.
So far, they have successfully helped more than 170 homeless dogs find their forever homes
One of their proudest milestones has been rehoming special needs dogs — pups who were not only living with disabilities but had also been abandoned.
"We've had countless memorable rescue stories, but the stories of Ranger, Athena, and Felix will always hold a special place in our hearts. Ranger is a Golden Retriever with two deformed back legs, Athena is a one-eyed puppy, and Felix is a three-legged dog. All three of them are disabled dogs we helped rehome," they told SAYS.
While rehoming disabled dogs is always a challenge, Sebastian and Audrey saw it as a mission worth taking on.
"Despite all odds, we successfully found loving homes and families for each of them. Rehoming these incredible dogs remains one of our greatest achievements and proudest moments," they added.
Image via Stray To Home Rescue (Provided to SAYS)
Image via Stray To Home Rescue (Provided to SAYS)
Image via Stray To Home Rescue (Provided to SAYS)
Image via Stray To Home Rescue (Provided to SAYS)
Rescue work is full of challenges, but the hardest part is finding permanent homes for the dogs they save
"Once we rescue a stray, we place them in a boarding or foster home and do everything we can to get them adopted — we have no heart to release them back onto the streets again," the duo said.
"Finding them a home is never easy. We take good photos and post them on various social media platforms, and on weekends, we bring them to adoption drives.
"If there's little interest, we take new pictures and try again. It's a long process, but we never give up. Some of the rescued dogs take months or up to a year to find them homes, [we have to] be consistent in posting them up on social media," they shared.
Image via Stray To Home Rescue (Provided to SAYS)
Image via Stray To Home Rescue (Provided to SAYS)
Image via Stray To Home Rescue (Provided to SAYS)
Their long-term hope is to raise awareness about the many homeless dogs still suffering on the streets or living in shelters, and to help Malaysians see that adopting a mixed breed or mongrel is just as rewarding
"We aim to encourage people to adopt instead of purchasing dogs from breeders. Additionally, we want to change public perception of mixed breeds and mongrels, helping more people understand that they are no different from purebred dogs and are just as loving and deserving of a home," they explained.
Image via Stray To Home Rescue (Provided to SAYS)
Image via Stray To Home Rescue (Provided to SAYS)
To help fund their efforts and serve the pet-loving community, Stray To Home recently launched Furkids & Friends Pet Hotel, a boarding and grooming service that gives back
They're offering special discounts to pet owners who have adopted rescue dogs or cats.
"It's our way of showing respect and gratitude to those who chose adoption and gave these dogs a second chance at life," they shared.
Image via Stray To Home Rescue (Provided to SAYS)
Even if you can't adopt, there are still ways to get involved
"Just follow our page! We're excited to launch our first charity T-shirt with the slogan 'Adopt a Dog, Save a Life'.
"All proceeds will go toward helping our rescues and supporting the trusted shelters we work with," they added.
Image via Stray To Home Rescue (Provided to SAYS)
While Stray To Home Rescue doesn't require much assistance for their own operations, it regularly collaborates with shelters in need of basic supplies and support
"These shelters are always in need of kibbles and funds for daily expenses. If you'd like to contribute, please drop us a message on our Instagram, we'd be happy to connect you with them!" they encouraged.
Follow Stray To Home Rescue on Instagram to learn more, support their cause, or meet your future furry best friend.
Image via Stray To Home Rescue (Provided to SAYS)
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