Gemma Ashford: Singlehandedly Saving Thailand's Street Dogs

Lucky was one of seven puppies born outside a bakery in North West Thailand near the Burmese border. Gemma Ashford, a teacher who came to Thailand from the UK to teach refugees began feeding them each morning. Unfortunately, four of the puppies were killed on the road; another died after boiling water was tossed on him and one puppy was kicked to death.

Lucky, Jack and Billy all survived and ended up at the Baan Unrak Sanctuary founded and run by Gemma Ashford and a few volunteers. After seeing how street dogs were mistreated in Thailand, Ashford knew she had to help.

With land donated from the Baan Unrak School, Gemma opened her doors to save the “untouchable” street dogs. With help from her social media followers and several volunteer veterinarians, Ashford now cares for forty dogs.

Lucky, now called Mabel was recently adopted and spent her first day in her new London home. Brother Jack was also adopted and lives in Holland, while Billy still lives at the sanctuary until he finds a family to call his own.

Below is a video of about the Baan Unrak Sanctuary and the astounding work Gemma Ashford is accomplishing for homeless, sick and abused animals in a part of the world that is intolerant to them.

Lucky’s First Day Home In London

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Photo Credit: Hanumann

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
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Joe R.

7:05PM PDT on May 12, 2012

Thank you Gemma!

May 12
send a green star

Darla G.

7:01PM PDT on May 12, 2012

You're an angel on Earth. Thank you for saving animals.

SHIREEN M.

4:19AM PDT on Mar 31, 2012

THE ANIMAL WORLD NEEDS MORE WONDERFUL KIND PEOPLE TO HELP THESE ANIMALS .. IT IS TRAGIC & VERY SAD WHAT THEY GO THROUGH.. THE PUBLIC WHO GO ON HOLIDAY SHOULD BE MADE FAR MORE AWARE OF THE SITUATION.. IT DOES EXIST ! EVEN THOUGH SOME IGNORANT PEOPLE CHOSE TO SAY THAT IT DOES NOT.. PLEASE PLEASE WAKE UP TO THESE HORRORS EVERYONE.. NOW.. THANK YOU

March 31
send a green star

Debbie C.

3:59AM PDT on Mar 31, 2012

Gemma Ashford seems to be a wonderful lady!! God Bless her for all she is doing for the mistreated dogs.

If I get any money back when I do our taxes, I will send her sanctuary a donation.

Elsie, I am sending you a Green Star for all you are doing!!

Jaycee B.

1:12PM PST on Mar 9, 2012

Truly amazing. Keep up the wonderful work!

March 9
send a green star

Michelle S.

8:10PM PST on Mar 8, 2012

One pup was killed when boiling water was poured on it.

Another was kicked to death.

And the people of Thailand rationalize this vehement, barbaric cruelty using what excuse?

Cultural relativism be damned.
How shameful and heartless.

Elsie, keep rescuing cats and dogs like Gemma Ashford does. With every kindness and every good deed toward these animals, you are proving to your country and your people that theirs is unholy and ungodly, and that your's is truly God's way.