The introduction of Sabah's first open-to-the-public animal adoption campaign posed significant challenges, including concerns regarding the proper care and potential regulatory disputes surrounding the animals. However, despite these initial obstacles, we tackled each hurdle with determination and perseverance. Through careful planning and collaboration, we overcome these challenges, emerging with even greater confidence in the success of the campaign. Our unwavering commitment and belief in the cause enabled us to navigate through the complexities, ensuring that the campaign would ultimately thrive.
“We are aware that making a bigger impact on animal adoption requires continuous dedication, creativity, and collaboration. By implementing these and many more strategies and plans, we aim to create a positive change in the lives of animals and inspire others to consider adoption as a compassionate choice.”
— Rina Jeremiah, Founder of Buzzy Bee & AAC.
In October 2022, Buzzy Bee successfully organized a groundbreaking two-day event at Funky Farm, Kepayan, with the invaluable support of like-minded individuals. This remarkable occasion united people from diverse backgrounds, providing a platform to discuss the impactful work undertaken to improve the lives of animals and outline future plans.
Among the notable speakers was Puan Faridah Malai, a compassionate individual who has devoted over a decade to personally feeding stray dogs throughout Kota Kinabalu. Her insightful presentation shed light on the issue of stray overpopulation and emphasized the significance of Trap Neuter Release (TNR) programs. Miracles Mission, an esteemed organization, showcased their resources and shared valuable insights on the implementation of TNR initiatives. The prevalence of TNR as an effective means of reducing the number of stray animals resonated deeply with pet owners in attendance, prompting a reconsideration of their decision not to neuter their pets.
The event served as a profound learning experience, offering a comprehensive understanding of the commendable efforts undertaken by various organizations to ensure the well-being and safety of animals. Attendees were inspired to explore opportunities for their own involvement and support.
The two-day event proved to be an enriching experience, not only providing valuable insights on responsible pet ownership and animal care but also yielding significant financial support for the three participating NGOs. Moreover, the event turned out to be a life-changing moment for a fortunate little puppy, as it found its forever home amidst the gathering. Through a combination of education, fundraising, and adoption success, the event showcased the power of community engagement and collective efforts in making a lasting impact on the lives of animals.
To raise awareness on animal rescue/adoption and to help animal shelters build capital to care for the animals.
“There are more surrendered and abandoned animals than adoptions, causing animal shelters to be overcrowded”- New Strait Times, 2022. During the pandemic, as every social media platforms, newspapers and radio report on the struggles that humans are going through during the pandemic, there was little to no mention of the struggles animals were going through. Many of the animal welfare organizations were struggling with feeding their animals and are becoming overcrowded as many more pet owners decide to abandon their pet because of the fear of contracting covid through their animals (this is impossible by the way!).
Expanding outreach efforts:
We do this through leveraging various channels such as social media platforms, community letters, newspaper articles and local media outlets. Regularly sharing adoption success stories, informative content and as well as constantly looking for collaborative opportunities.
Offering animal shelters and rescue organizations a platform to create engaging and inclusive experiences that attract potential adopters.
Building a strong and supportive community around animal adoption. By creating online forums, social media groups and offline meet ups where pet owners, adopters and animal lovers connect and share their experiences and provide support to one another. Encouraging them to share adoption stories and post updates on the status of their pet and their journey.
Especially after our first animal adoption event we have found that education resources on responsible pet ownership, basic training and pet care is very important and should not be taken lightly. These resources will be available for free for download either through Buzzy Bee website or AAC’s instagram account.