Rebecca Hossack Art Gallery are hosting a contemporary art auction in aid of TOLFA. It’s going to be the event of the year and you’d be a fool to miss it. The pieces of art that have been donated by some of today’s leading contemporary artists are truly remarkable and include works from Alasdair Wallace, Cindy Lass, Charlotte Cory, Phil Shaw and Ian Penney.

For more information, call Serena Schellenberg, TOLFA Trustee on 07976 762626 or email serenaletizia@tolfa.org.uk

The auction will take place at 7.30pm on Tuesday 25th May 2010 at Rebecca Hossack Art Gallery, 2a Conway Street, off Fitzroy Square, W1T 6BA.

See the Contemporary Art Lots that will be up for auction on the night.

Our task is to run an ever-expanding animal hospital, shelter, rabies vaccination and animal birth control programme…in a beautiful but extremely poor corner of Rajasthan.

What Our Animals Need

In short, your help.

With the smallest of donations:

• £4 can feed 12 of our rescued cows for a day
• £13 can buy 10 collars and leads for exercising our rescued street dogs
• £50 pays nurturing staff member Sharda’s salary for one month – she’s feeding the calf in the photo
• £32 pays for sterilising 20 dogs
• £160 can vaccinate 400 dogs against rabies

Sharda feeding calf

Our staff feed, clean and maintain the hospital. They rescue and release animals that have been treated and neutered. And they assist in our daily clinic for animals of impoverished local villagers. Free advice and treatment are given in every case.

Also vital to our animals is an understanding and compassion from the humans they interact with every day. So, following guidelines laid down by the World Society for the Protection of Animals , we’re undertaking an education programme in schools, villages and street communities. (This is so sorely needed. Children – through ignorance - have been known to throw acid at dogs.)

What We Do For Our Animals

At our hospital you’ll find donkeys, cows, horses, cats, buffalo, camels, monkeys, goats, sheep, birds and – of course - dogs.

We have veterinary facilities for treatment, 100 kennels, a quarantine block, a puppy house, a dog exercise yard, a cattle shade and staff quarters for 5 families

We send a mobile sterilisation/rabies vaccination unit to outlying villages and other cities in Rajasthan, and our now-famous ‘animal ambulance’ responds to calls from the public about animals in need 24 hours a day.

The famous TOLFA goat clinic

Since TOLFA began 5 years ago, 11,500 dogs in the surrounding area have been sterilised and vaccinated against rabies (India has the highest human death rate from rabies anywhere in the world). And every year, 3,000 diseased and injured animals are rescued from the streets.

In the case of ownerless animals it’s our aim, wherever possible, to return recovered animals back to the environment, from which they were rescued. Otherwise they have a permanent home at our hospital. Without the treatment and care that TOLFA offers to any animal in need, most would simply die - often in appalling circumstances and in great pain.

Street dogs in Ajmer

Again if TOLFA wasn’t here, many local people would have no access to veterinary care that could effectively save their lives as well as their animals’.

How Your Help Can Help

Both at TOLFA UK and TOLFA India, we only have tiny overheads - all our trustees are voluntary. Each donation makes a huge difference, not to us, but to those animals out there. If you can spare anything, please Donate Online

For a small fee you could join our volunteer scheme, Project Raja - either as a vet student, vet or nurturing volunteer and gain invaluable experience.

In whatever role, you can make a huge difference - working with our animals and staff and raising funds at the same time.

Please help a dog - and every other animal that needs us - have his day.

Jasper came to us in July 2007 suffering from mange

After just three months, he was the healthiest and happiest he’s ever been. And he’s still with us today. That’s him in the picture below- a living, breathing testament to the work we do.

Jasper after treatment

Don’t forget you can still donate to TOLFA up to 3 months after the event with JustGiving.

Kim and friends before the run

It was a dry, overcast day but pleasantly cool to the skin when jogging 13.1 miles up, down and around Hastings.

I managed to beat my previous time set in the Hastings Half 2008 by 11 minutes (I did it in 2 hrs and 43 minutes).

Thanks to everyone who sponsored me - I had as much fun as you can whilst pushing your body to the limit and I’m a bit stiff and achey today - but it’s well worth it!

Kim surprisingly happy after finishing her run

Kim Clarke
March 2010

Starting off on Sea Road, then up Harley Shute Road (a very short steep hill), before tackling Queensway (another hill), The Ridge and finally downhill for the remaining 7 miles before crossing the finish line. I’m hoping to finish in under 3 hours otherwise I’ll be sharing with traffic as the roads are re-opened.

After doing the Hastings Half in 2008 I discovered that Hastings is hillier than I ever thought - but if I can do it once, I can do it again - especially with so many friends supporting me along the way!

Wish me luck - oh and if you can spare a £1 or two to support me it would be much appreciated. You can donate online here: http://www.justgiving.com/kim-runs-for-tolfa

Lindy at the goat clinic

Life in India is so intertwined with animals that you don’t even notice it. There are street dogs that watch you eat your breakfast (and hope that you’ll leave some for them) and cows that stand at the front of houses, sticking their heads in, waiting for a meal. It has been an absolute pleasure working with the animals at TOLFA’s animal shelter.

There is a stark difference in the outlook that western veterinary medicine has compared to the way things are done in India. Paralysed dogs, that I know would have been put down here in Australia with a hopeless prognosis, learn to walk again. All they needed was time, physiotherapy, and someone to give them a chance.

Lindy and Shantaram

I was pleasantly surprised at how lovely most dogs were. Even though so many of them have been abused by people in the past, they are so quick to forget their fears and put aside their bias when offered a little attention and tasty Parle-G biscuit.

I will always remember E14, the most ferocious kennel guarding dog I’ve ever met. She was declared to be ‘full danger’ by everyone. E14 was in my block of dogs that I had to walk daily and admittedly, I was terrified of her for the first 3 days and never went near her.

All it took was for a brave volunteer to open her kennel door to start the ball rolling. Although wary, she allowed herself to be put on a lead and walked. A few days of walking and frequent human contact later and she was a changed dog. Before she was released, she would whine and call out to me as I approached her kennel and wag her tail furiously to ask to be let out. Once outside, she would jump on me and beg to be loved. A little kindness goes a long way with these dogs.

Outside TOLFA’s theatre

Clichéd as it sounds, that one month in India and TOLFA did change my perception on things. I reckon India is a country that you either love or you loathe, and I think that I’m in love. It would do anyone good to see the way things are done in India; it makes you appreciate the little luxuries that we enjoy in such a privileged country.

Lindy Tan
November 2009

Here’s a pup enjoying his first Parle-G biscuit. It seems to be going down well!

Biscuit treat in the afternoon sun

I stopped at TOLFA’s stand and found out who they were and what they did in the animal welfare world. I became interested at once and decided to apply for volunteering. I worked hard to get enough money during the summer to afford the journey; and all of a sudden here it was – September and the departure day. I arrived at Delhi airport at 4 in the morning. Some nice Indian guys helped me to get into the city centre and find the old Delhi railway station.

Our Project Raja volunteer Ziva giving TLC to a pup

My first impressions of India were: hot, wet, overcrowded and dirty! I didn’t know if it was possible to survive more than a month in this insane country. But I quickly changed my mind!

From the first day, everything passed SO quickly … at the beginning, probably because everything was so new, so different … I had to learn the way of treating the animals at TOLFA, what medicines they have, how they use them …

At the beginning I realised how difficult it is to maintain sterile conditions, but it’s incredible how few infections occur. I’ve learned that we definitely complicate too much at home about many aspects… It surprised me how many animals they manage to cure without any real diagnostic tools – no rtg, no ultrasound, even no blood tests! I saw diseases like TVT (transvenereal tumours), dogs that survived distemper, rabid dogs and calves … so many cases that you can never see at home!

Cows with their legs in casts and cleaning the wounds infected with puss and/or maggots was also an upsetting experience. I couldn’t believe that a cow with two legs in casts can actually stand up and walk around … Giving the water buffalo with chronic mastitis an intramammary injection was an adrenaline experience. And surgery, they actually let me do castrations and spays during my last week myself, not just endless watching like I was used to at home – I learned to much and was given so much practical experience.

Ziva appreciated the opportunity for some practical operating experience

And the dogs were so sweet … sometimes I didn’t feel like walking the dogs, with the sun burning in my head and trying to persuade the stubborn blind dog to get back into the kennel – but their gratefulness was enough to find this so self-satisfying. And the shelter dogs were always so happy when they got your love and attention and a tasty biscuit. I miss Shanti, Bobby, Salu, Squirrel, Panda …

I had problems remembering the names of all the TOLFA staff. If you are bad with names in general (as I am) I have to admit that I still didn’t remember them all when I left. But they were all so kind (thank you guys!!) and even the language didn’t pose a real problem. After a while you learn their accent and way of speaking. Dr. Sachin and Dr. Ashok explained everything I asked in detail and were very patient and relaxed even when I didn’t understand exactly what they wanted me to do and when I could have looked really stupid. I think that Indian people just don’t know how to be nervous.

The road to TOLFA is so beautiful with the hills around. I always felt like in a computer game, riding my scooter, avoiding all the goats, cows and water buffalo’s on the road – but it was so much fun! When we got there we usually drank chai and walked some dogs, after that daily dog and large animal treatments began, and the surgery. Lunch at 1 o’clock came in no time and was always accompanied by a Sharda’s warm smile. After lunch we did pre- (for the dogs to be given ABC the following day) and post operation checks and treated the animals that farmers brought in, walked more dogs … and of course, there was another chai time in the afternoon.

And Pushkar itself is amazing! I loved all the shops and spent quite a lot on shopping for wonderful clothes and gifts. I loved just walking around, talking with people in their shops, drinking chai, going to eat with other volunteers. I think that some kind of happy atmosphere is in the air there, maybe there is some special reason for this place being a holy town.

There are so many things to do in Pushkar … for example, I went on a 24 hour camel safari and it was simply amazing! Meeting ordinary Indian farmers and especially their children who are running with the camels and seem so happy to see a foreign tourist, eating delicious Indian meals prepared on the campfire, enjoying the sunrise and sunset in the fabulous semi desert … unreal. And as a dedicated horse lover I went on a short riding trip as well, galloping between the herds of water buffalos and on sandy dunes was breathtaking. One of the hotel staff, Ravi, was very kind and organized these trips. The Paramount hotel guys were so kind, smiling and helpful! Once they prepared a huge special Indian dinner for all the hotel guests. We talked well into the night, and the evening finished with playing drums and learning how to sing some Indian songs.

The down side were some minor health problems, I think that barely any Westerner can avoid it … I got fever for a few days and later a stomach bug after some food in an otherwise clean and hygienic restaurant.

From my arrival, I was sure that TOLFA was doing a good and important job for the animals and also people of the region every day … but this was enormously emphasised when I joined the event for World Rabies Day 2009.

Ziva joins in with schoolchildren for our World Rabies Day 2009 event in Pushkar

TOLFA organised a walk of hundreds of children through Pushkar carrying banners and distributing leaflets on rabies prevention to the townsfolk. The children attended a lecture from the TOLFA doctors and trustees after the walk – they learned how to protect people and animals from this fatal disease, about the importance of vaccination and going to the doctor if you are bitten. The only way to reduce the rate of rabies cases, which has the highest incidence globally in India, is in education of the next generation and I think that TOLFA’s approach is something that can actually help – that’s a big thing!

The time to say goodbye came just too quickly. My Indian experience continued in Delhi, Agra (of course I had to catch a glimpse of Taj Mahal ;)), Haridwar and Rishikesh (with rafting on the Ganga river – recommended!) for the following ten days. And now I’m at home in Slovenia (this is a small country in Europe next to Italy) attending my lectures and practicals in the 4th year of vet school and hoping to see India again. You just can’t help falling in love with the country and especially its people and animals!

Thank you TOLFA for a life changing experience.

Živa Černe (Ljubljana, Slovenia)

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from TOLFA

Our sick pups always need some extra heat - especially in winter time - and an electric heatpad is just the thing for them to snuggle up on. It keeps them cosy and helps them stay warm through the night when they’re not feeling their best.

Black and white puppy

It was fortunate that she brought them when she did, as we rescued a puppy that same week, who came in suffering from pneumonia requiring treatment and lots of extra warmth. Thankfully the puppy pulled through.

They’re also very useful for our other small animals; kittens, monkeys and birds.

By saving pennies with the Piggy Bank Scheme (which she said was a very easy way to raise money from all that spare change we collect), Jo managed to bring over 3 heatpads she’d bought with a generous discount from J.A.K Marketing Ltd. Thanks Jo!

Volunteer Jo with Hamish and our new heatpad

I was a volunteer at the TOLFA animal hospital for three weeks in October 2009 and helped mostly with the dogs. From the moment I arrived I felt welcome – the driver was there at the airport with my name card, one of the trustees phoned while I was in the car, and then I was joined soon after arrival by the other volunteers at the very pleasant hotel.

Jo giving lots of puppy love

As a non-vet volunteer I did wonder if I would be less useful than the other volunteers, but all were quick to assure me I was just as useful in my own way.

Rachel arrived back in India shortly after I began. I was so pleased to meet her and see her in action (and attend her wedding party!). She said the benefit of love given to the dogs couldn’t be overestimated and was an important part of their recovery and that made me feel good.

My day would start with a check of the puppy house, and a quick individual cuddle for each one, then a tour of the dogs in the section allocated to me for more ‘good mornings’ and a treat of milk. All dogs in for more treatment other than sterilisation are allocated to one or more volunteers. My block (F) had up to 15 dogs at any time.

After the ‘good mornings’ were done I would exercise ‘my’ dogs – in the hospital grounds if they were well enough, or in one of the walled yards for the less able, where they could walk a little or just enjoy being outside. For these I would sit and stroke them, brush their coats, have a play or just a chat according what they wanted – but each had some individual attention. Some we would help get back on their feet by supporting them with a towel under the tummy as they learned how to re-use damaged limbs.

Jo and doggy friends

After all my dogs had been attended, I might help with a daily task such as nail clipping, checking ears for mites, or with very basic physio for the paralysed dogs (often following a road accident). Any spare time was then spent back in the puppy house, helping them learn to accept each other, washing them if necessary ( how do puppies get quite so dirty?), and otherwise just cuddling or playing with them.

The high points were when a shy puppy began to interact with the others (Shady Lady), when a dog began to walk again, or when an unapproachable dog gradually came to trust. One such dog (Nelson) went, with treatment and patience from head in paws growling when approached and refusing to come out of his kennel, (perhaps because he was trying to hide his missing eye?) to being the most ardent sunbather in the exercise yard, and then soon became well enough to go home.

Shady Lady

There was sadness of course, when a dog didn’t recover, but we took comfort from knowing they were with people who cared and were not alone on a street.

Although I am considerably older than most volunteers I always felt completely accepted by everyone and fully part of the team, and would certainly say that age should not be a deterrent to volunteering.

Overall I felt I did make a difference to the daily life of a number of dogs, and I enjoyed myself while doing so in the company of a very pleasant set of volunteers/staff and I definitely hope to return one day.

Jo and ladies at Rachel’s Indian wedding

Jo Pilc
Project Raja Volunteer
October 2009