Inspiring stories from Cox's Bazar

"We like dogs here and we didn't want them to be killed, so vaccinations protecting dogs and us against jollohtinko is a very good thing," Cox's Bazar resident Mohousk. 

In Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh, the word jollohtinko causes dread among the community because it is the local word for rabies. But, thanks to the support of generous and compassionate people like you, WSPA continues to make great progress with our Collars not Cruelty campaigns; protecting local people and uniting animal lovers so they can continue to care for local dogs without the fear of rabies. 

WSPA is working in partnership with the government and local animal welfare groups to vaccinate the estimated 4,000 dog population in Bangladesh; creating a community of people and dogs who can live safely and happily together...and we wanted to share some of their stories with you.

Thousands of dogs have now been vaccinated in Cox's Bazar; protecting both people and animals so they can live in happy cohabitation- just like Antora and Jumba do. 

Jumba, a big bouncing puppy, was brought to us by his three year old adoring owner Antora. He was almost too heavy for her to carry, but that didn't stop her from bringing him to our vaccination team...and Jumba had no complaints as he happily clambered back into her arms every time she put him down. 

Antora carefully held Jumba as he was vaccinated, and because he was too small for a red collar, he was sprayed with non-toxic paint to symbolise he was protected against rabies. Antora then proudly carried him back home, chattering away to her grandfather about her best friend Jumba.

Tuna was another abandoned puppy rescued by the vaccination team. He was alone and cowering in an empty fish shed, hence his name, with a badly infected eye.  

Tuna was immediately taken along to the WSPA vet who cleaned up his wounds and gave him some antibiotics, ensuring he would remain healthy and live a full and happy life...all he needed was a loving home. 

Luckily for Tuna, Sumon, one of the local tom-tom drivers working with our vaccination team, took a shine to him and immediately offered him a home with his two other dogs, his wife Parul, and new baby girl called Mumu. 

"I had my other dogs vaccinated last year, and we'll make sure Tuna is vaccinated as soon as he is well enough, but first we need to think of a better name for him!" said Sumon. 

These are just a few stories from the people of Cox's Bazar who truly value their dogs and are eagerly embracing a world without rabies not without dogs. 

For more information about WSPAs Collars Not Cruelty campaign.