Stray Haven

Without a car, it takes up to three modes of alternative transport (BTS, taxi, and motorcycle taxi) to get to and from Soi Cats and Dogs (SCAD) in sub-soi 42 of Soi Pridi in Prakanong (Sukhumvit 71), but it's definitely a worthwhile trip, especially for those contemplating adoption of a former street animal.

I first visited SCAD, to research and write an article on the organization, when they relocated to this house last fall. At the time, the cats just moved in and the dogs had yet to be relocated from foster homes and other facilities. SCAD had been in and out of financial difficulties but with several sizable donations, new revenue sources (including a thrift store on the premises), and this adoption center, things were looking up.
Now, they've added a small cafe on the patio and the animals seem to have settled in as they wait for more permanent homes. Many happy-looking dogs scampered over to greet me in a closed, shady yard, while curious cats peered out from their perches in the cat room. The latter boasts an ingenious Cat Transport System (or CTS, after the BTS), an open-air tunnel that allows the animals to move freely between the room and an enclosure within the garden.

There's something special about street animals. Many have suffered terrible injuries, both intentional and accidental, at the hands of humans. And as they regain health, many acquire a sort of wisdom. Perhaps it's because they forgive unconditionally (well, dogs at least), exhibiting a "human" quality that few people can actually achieve.

(Photos from SCAD)