Sawadee krup! I’m Sum Lee, and I’ve been living on The Farm for the last three years.  

Before I came to live here, life was definitely very different. Every day was a struggle for survival, and finding enough food was a real challenge. So when I came across some chickens on a local farm, I thought I’d finally been sent some good luck. How very wrong I was… 

The farmer caught me hunting his chickens and was so angry. Chasing me away wasn’t enough for him: he shot me in the back to make sure I never came back. I was only a young dog, but I thought my life was over. 

Thankfully, the Jai Dog Rescue team heard about what had happened and rushed to help me. The bullet had entered my spine, leaving me paralysed from the waist down. I thought they’d take one look at me and decide I was too sick to help: but not these people! They whisked me off to the vet where I had surgery to remove the bullet, and then they made a comfortable new home for me where I spent weeks slowly building up my strength. 

After lots of delicious food and gentle cuddles, I began to trust my new family and was able to begin physiotherapy to develop my upper body strength and allow me to try out my brand new toy for the first time: my very own wheelchair 

It took me a little while to get used to my new set of wheels… 

But now there’s no stopping me! I love zooming around with my friends. 

My new wheelchair definitely took a bit of getting used to, but the Jai Dog Rescue team were very patient. I don’t like to admit it now because I’m such a pro now, but I had a few blunders at first – taking corners at speed is harder than it looks! 

Since I’ve lived here, there have been many more dogs who’ve needed a chair of their own. Many of these strays have been hit by cars or bikes, and some have been injured like I was. As the resident expert, I love being able to show new dogs the ropes and prove that anything is possible. After all, every dog is unique – and I celebrate the things that make me different! My disabilities don’t hold me back, they show the world just how strong and resilient dogs like me really are. 

After my injury, I didn’t think I’d be able to walk again. Even when I was given the emergency treatment to help me pull through, I was resigned to the idea that life would be no fun anymore. In fact, I was tempted to give up on humans all together. 

It was only thanks to the patience and gentle persistence of the Jai Dog Rescue team that I slowly started to change my mind and realise that life still had plenty to offer. And thanks to my amazing set of wheels, I can zoom round the fields and hills on The Farm as fast as lightning. 

I now trust the Jai Dog Rescue team completely, and know that they’ll look after me no matter what. They understand exactly what I need, and I’d miss them too much if I had to leave. I know that I might not be the easiest dog to care for, but I’m so grateful that there are humans in my life who look past my disability and see me for me. 

As a dog who nearly lost everything, I know just how important freedom is. And I’ve found it by the bucket-load on The Farm. Not only do I have the freedom to live without the fear of further pain or suffering, but my wheelchair gives me the most important gift of all: the freedom to move. 

Your sponsorship helps me, and other disabled dogs like me, to keep rolling through life! My wheelchair is a lifeline for me, but I know it’s something of a luxury: many disabled dogs can only dream of being able to run freely again. What’s more, having a member of staff at the shelter who can strap me in and take me for a spin means I can exercise daily, and enjoy life to its fullest. 

Thanks to your support, I know they’ll always be someone to look after me on The Farm. You’ll also be helping to provide specialist equipment and therapy to any new arrivals who’ve suffered debilitating injuries…and I’ll be on hand to help show them the ropes and adjust to their new life.