March 3, 2016

Dog Tails Dog of the Month: The Dogs of BLES Cat and Dog Home
Continuing the tradition we started with Ludivine the Marathon Bloodhound, this month’s Dog Tails Dog of the Month goes to the lovable rescue dogs of the Boon Lott’s Elephant Sanctuary Cat and Dog Home in Sukhothai, North Thailand. We first heard about these wonderful dogs and their amazing home thanks to DogWatch Thailand Dealers Doug de Weese and Patsorn “Bee” Sophan, and we were so inspired by their story that we wanted to share it with all of you!
Boon Lott’s Elephant Sanctuary (BLES) is a home for rescued and retired elephants that was founded in 2007 by Katherine Connor. It was established in memory of a baby elephant named Boon Lott, who inspired Connor with his courage and fighting spirit. Boon Lott passed away due to chronic health issues at only 14 months old, but the 400 acre sanctuary that Connor created in his honor is now a peaceful, verdant and loving home to 14 elephants.
In addition to these elephants, BLES is also home to other rescue animals, including dogs and cats. Connor also founded the BLES Cat and Dog Home (BCDH) within the Elephant Sanctuary, with a mission to rescue, house, treat and find homes for stray and abandoned cats and dogs. The BCDH project also seeks to educate local residents about pet healthcare and training, and provide medical support and spay/neutering services for all cats and dogs.
Last November, tragedy struck BLES/BCDH, when three beloved resident dogs passed away and another became very ill after they wandered onto a neighboring farm and accidentally ingested pesticides. To ensure that this sad situation never happens again, the BCDH team started a fundraising campaign to install Hidden Fences on the property to give the dogs freedom to roam while keeping them away from poisonous pesticides, roadways and other potential dangers.
In early February, DogWatch Thailand traveled to Sukhothai to install the fence and train the dogs and staff. “It was a challenging and amazing experience,” said Doug de Weese of DogWatch Thailand. He and Bee enjoyed their time with the BLES staff and the 13 “really sweet dogs” of BCDH. “DogWatch is proud to have BLES Cat and Dog Home as a customer,” de Weese added. We couldn’t agree more!
Check out these photos from DogWatch Thailand of the install, including photos of the 13 adorable dogs, their elephant friends and the amazing BLES staff! And to learn more about Boon Lott’s Elephant Sanctuary – including how to the visit the Sanctuary and how to donate to help the elephants and other animals who live there – check out their website, www.blesele.org.
- DogWatch of Thailand Dealers Doug de Weese and Bee Sophan, and the rest of the DogWatch Thailand team, gather at the entrance to Boon Lott’s Elephant Sanctuary (BLES), with BLES founder Katherine Connor and David Owen, who organized the fundraising campaign for the Hidden Fences.
- The mahouts (elephant handlers) see to the needs of the BLES elephants in the Medical Hut.
- Katherine Connor spends time with the lovable crew of the BLES Cat and Dog Home (BCDH)
- Doug meets some of BCDH’s feline residents
- Bee clears the way for the underground wire to be installed.
- The trencher (aka “The Beast”) is an essential tool on any DogWatch Hidden Fence install. BCDH dog Pizza takes a break and admires the Beast.
- Sometimes the trencher is too big, so the digging is done by hand.
- Flags are installed along the wire boundary and are a crucial training aid for dogs and people.
- Pizza thanks everyone for their hard work!
- Bee takes a break in the shade with Beyonce, the BCDH’s resident beauty queen.
- Looking good!
- Finishing touches, with the help of the BLES mahouts!
- Doug begins training with Katherine, David and the dogs.
- Doug shows Katherine and David how to change the receiver batteries and adjust the training levels.
- The dogs of BCDH say “Thanks Bee!”
- All the while, the majestic elephants of BLES enjoy life in this loving sanctuary.
- Enjoy your freedom, BCDH dogs!