A Man on a Mission to Feed Gombak’s Stray Dogs
The Journey Begins
In 2010, Viriya Raman witnessed a heart-wrenching scene on the streets that changed his life forever. He was sitting in his lorry when he saw a mother dog kill a cat and run away with the dead cat in her mouth. This moment sparked a realization in Viriya – the mother dog wasn’t nourished enough to produce milk for her pups.
The Feeding Mission
Viriya immediately bought a packet of cooked rice to give to the dog. But once he did that, he noticed other dogs looking his way. He didn’t have the heart to leave the rest without food. Thus began his mission to feed Gombak’s stray dogs. Initially, Viriya would collect leftovers from eateries to feed the dogs, but during the pandemic, he started cooking fresh meals for them every day.
A Day in the Life
Using a large pot, Viriya cooks about 25kg of rice and 40kg of chicken daily, ensuring it’s soft enough for even the smallest dogs to eat. He spends about RM300 daily on food for the canines. He also helps to get some of them neutered – close to 40 so far – at his own expense.
The Daily Routine
Viriya juggles his day job as a lorry driver with his mission to care for strays. Every day, he tirelessly loads tubs of rice and chicken into his Kancil and travels along Jalan Gombak, stopping at various spots to feed the strays there, even if there are only three or four of them at a time.
A Final Stop
Navigating the rough terrain to reach the top of the quarry – his final location – is no easy task, but it is well worth it to see over 50 dogs eagerly scampering over to Viriya. “I don’t even need to sound the horn – the moment they hear my car engine, they rush to the roadside and wait for me, wagging their tails.”
A Heart of Gold
Despite having asthma, Viriya tirelessly loads tubs of food into his Kancil and travels along Jalan Gombak, stopping at various spots to feed the strays there, even if there are only three or four of them at a time. He has no intention of stopping his mission to feed Gombak’s stray dogs.
Helping Hands
Viriya welcomes donations of rice and kibble from members of the public so he can keep helping the stray population. He shared that while friends and relatives assist him in the kitchen, the bulk of the responsibility rests on his shoulders. “I don’t have any spare time for entertainment,” Viriya admitted.
Contact Information
If you wish to help by donating rice or kibble, contact Viriya at 012-380 9417.
Conclusion
Viriya’s dedication to feeding Gombak’s stray dogs is a testament to the power of compassion and kindness. His tireless efforts have made a significant impact on the lives of these abandoned animals, and his selflessness is an inspiration to us all.
FAQs
Q: How can I help Viriya’s mission?
A: You can donate rice or kibble to Viriya by contacting him at 012-380 9417.
Q: How much does Viriya spend on food for the dogs daily?
A: Viriya spends about RM300 daily on food for the canines.
Q: How many dogs does Viriya feed daily?
A: Viriya feeds around 100 strays in the Gombak region every evening.
Q: What inspired Viriya to start feeding the stray dogs?
A: Viriya was inspired to start feeding the stray dogs after witnessing a heart-wrenching scene on the streets in 2010.