Nala has a new future thanks to Simone and Fergus

What was to be an educational and exciting one year venture for Fergus Donaldson and Simone Millar, soon turned into an eye-opening excursion into animal abuse in Vietnam.

Simone and Fergus were both based in Vietnam, teaching English to the locals. However, while experiencing the culture, tastes and sounds of a foreign land, they also experienced firsthand the harsh realities of animal abuse. Not far from the school where they were based, were four restaurants trading in dog meat. The dog carcasses were strung up and there were also animals in the cages, waiting to be killed and served. Coming from South Africa, where animals are treated as part of a family, it was horrific for Simone and Fergus to see dogs treated in this manner. “For the locals, it isn’t a huge issue. The restaurants are well supported and it’s considered legal as long as you have proof of rabies vaccinations,” Fergus explained.

While in Vietnam, Fergus and Simone were also given two dogs, Lady and Nala, who soon became like their children. However, tragedy struck when Lady was stolen from their doorstep. Simone and Fergus gave chase, trying to apprehend the culprits, however, they fled and Lady was never to be seen again.
“We had closure in knowing what happened to her but it was very heartbreaking as well. It was a very traumatic experience, one that I’m still scarred by,” Simone added.

In Vietnam, dogs are bred for the purpose of being eaten. Others are kept mainly for security purposes, but they are hardly kept as pets. Dog theft is rife as restaurants are always looking for healthy dogs either to breed with or to serve.
Even the local police didn’t treat the matter as a serious case, because it is part of the culture and happens often. Simon and Fergus then made the decision that they would not let Nala suffer the same fate and so began the fund-raising efforts to bring her to South Africa.

They started a crowdfunding campaign to raise funds and began advertising their plight on Facebook to raise awareness. Money soon began pouring in from all parts of the world as people opened their hearts.
Even local Vietnamese people contributed what they could, though they didn’t understand why Simone and Fergus were so intent on saving a dog. Simone and Fergus also used up some of their savings and despite the numerous vet bills, blood tests and travel arrangements that needed to be made; there was enough to bring Nala home. She is now happy, healthy and adapting to life in South Africa.

For Simone and Fergus, every tear shed and struggle endured to give Nala a better future, has been well worth it.