Service Project at Animal Lovers League

Scrubbing kennels and cleaning poop for hundreds of animals seems intimidating. But over 30 Young Single Adults (YSAs) gathered one August afternoon at Animal Lovers League in Pasir Ris to do just that.

Many didn’t mind the travel from places as far as Jurong or Choa Chu Kang. Armed with brooms and buckets, the YSAs were prepared to work their socks off at the animal shelter.

Animal Lovers League is a non-profit organization that feed and sterilize stray cats and dogs. It started out in 2004 with about 100 animals; it now looks after over 400 dogs and 200 cats. Its website features pictures and profiles of animals, encouraging people to adopt, but only a few successful matches are made each month.

After a wait under the scorching sun at the entrance, Galvin Tan motioned the group to where the animals were staying. As the YSAs walked through a series of gates, they were greeted by the sound of barks. Some dogs were noticeably more shy and fearful while others wagged their tails upon their arrival. The YSAs were then divided into two groups: One was in charge of cleaning poop in the open area while the other had the opportunity to scrub the kennels and be closer to the animals.

“Thanks for organizing this Galvin. This is truly a service project!” exclaimed Beatriz Cahigas. Truly, this was a rewarding and satisfying experience for the YSAs as they were happy to be making a difference, however small. Speaking about happiness, President Dieter F. Uchtdorf has wisely counseled us that “as we lose ourselves in the service of others, we discover our own lives and our own happiness.”

As we expand our gospel knowledge, may we all apply the gospel to our lives and increase our confidence in our personal testimonies. Let us follow the footsteps of our Savior Jesus Christ and live by the words of the T-shirts some sported that day: “I’m a Mormon. I know it. I live it. I love it.”

By John Chan

Photo credit: Jace Ong