Meet Rathany – Programmes Officer for Stray Animal Care in Cambodia
Hear about her work in Cambodia and how FOUR PAWS supporters are helping dogs and cats in Cambodia
Every day at FOUR PAWS, our teams on the ground face new challenges and obstacles in their fight to free animals from suffering. Today, we would like to introduce you to Rathany Than who is based in Siem Reap, Cambodia, and works alongside our rescue team to save cats and dogs from the meat trade.
Rathany also works at our adoption centre and coordinates our pagoda outreach programme, which delivers food and medical supplies to stray cats and dogs living at pagodas in Siem Reap.
When did you start working at FOUR PAWS?
I began working at FOUR PAWS in 2020 as a Programmes Officer for Stray Animal Care in Cambodia.
Why did you want to work for FOUR PAWS?
I am an avid animal lover and was inspired by the amazing work that FOUR PAWS was doing in my home town of Siem Reap. I wanted to be a part of the solution that was saving dogs and cats from the cruel meat industry.
What is it about animals that inspires you every day to continue your work?
When we rescue them, it is truly inspiring to see their happiness. They are so innocent, and their quality of life is dependent on the way humans treat them. I want to see all animals living a happy life.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
Watching animals come out of their shells and learn to trust again once they have been rescued. It is truly a magical thing to witness and be a part of. It gives me fulfilment knowing that I have helped these animals have a better life. Then, watching them find their forever home with people who will love and care about them – there’s nothing sweeter.
Is there a rescued animal that you will never forget?
Yes, a dog named Daisy whom we rescued from a slaughterhouse in Cambodia in 2020. I opened the cage she had been trapped in and she jumped straight out into my arms and started showering me with kisses and wouldn’t let me put her down. She was so happy that we had rescued her. I developed a close bond with Daisy while she was waiting for her forever family at our adoption centre. She has now been adopted by a loving family in the USA, but I still always think back on that moment we rescued her.
If you could give one piece of advice to a younger you, what would it be?
I wish I had been more educated about animals – their senses, emotions and ability to give and feel love. Animals are more than just guards or creatures that exist. They can also be our friends and our family. We just need to know how to connect with them, care for them, and understand them.
Do you have any standout memories of how a donation helped save the life of a particular animal? Can you tell us about it?
All your donations are crucial for us to continue helping and saving the lives of stray animals. Every day I see dogs and cats who need food, health care and shelter. There are also those who after being rescued need a lot of support to recover mentally. Without your donations, we wouldn’t be able to continue helping these animals.
Do you have a motto?
I have discovered through my work that an animal’s love knows no bounds or conditions. What we give them, they give us back 10 times more.
Anything else you would like to mention? Anything you would like to tell our supporters?
Thank you for all your support which allow us to care for animals all over the world. Without your commitment we wouldn’t be able to continue our work.
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