Gurvinder Sets Up Huts with Food and Water for Strays

A Mission to Help Stray Animals

Life can be harrowing for stray animals. Apart from a constant struggle to find food, clean water, and a safe spot to rest, they also face threats from speeding vehicles and people who hurt them.

From Idea to Reality

However, one man from Sitiawan is on a mission to make their lives a little better. Since August last year, Gurvinder Singh has been commissioning the building of wooden huts, placing them around the town and filling them with food and water for these animals.

The Huts

Made from repurposed wood, each hut measures approximately 0.9 metres in length, 0.9 metres in width, and 1.1 metres in height. The huts are also covered with durable plastic at the top. The hut is made from repurposed wood and durable plastic to shield the strays from the scorching heat and rain.

Food for Thought

Although he initially stocked the huts with dog kibble, soon, hungry cats began to appear. Even after offering them cat food, he shared that the felines were more interested in what the dogs ate. Thankfully, they do not fight over the food like, well, cats and dogs!

A Cat’s Life

Recently, I saw cats eating in the hut and a dog waiting outside for the felines to finish. Some of these animals have learnt Sam’s routine, and wait for him at the huts. “Some puppies run towards me when they see me. The feeling is so wonderful,” he said.

A Home Away from Home

He also keeps a broom in his car to clean the huts and their surroundings. To keep residents informed, he has posted announcements about these huts in various Facebook community groups.

A Community Effort

To date, he has set up eight huts and plans to add two more soon. The cost to build one hut, he revealed, is between RM80 to RM120. He initially funded the huts on his own, but as word spread, animal lovers began donating towards the cause. To acknowledge their contributions, he has written their names on the roof of the huts.

Conclusion

Sam’s passion to help animals in need was sparked after he started volunteering at an animal shelter about three years ago. He began feeding stray animals in the area soon after, and over time, he developed a bond with them. “If I didn’t see them for one day, I wondered where they went and if they had food and water. Sometimes, I had sleepless nights,” he recalled.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How many huts have been set up so far?
A: Eight huts have been set up, with plans to add two more soon.

Q: What is the cost of building one hut?
A: The cost is between RM80 to RM120.

Q: How did the idea for the huts come about?
A: Gurvinder Singh, also known as Sam, realized that leftover food got wet when it rained and the drinking water became dirty, which sparked the idea for the huts.

Q: How does Sam fund the huts?
A: Initially, Sam funded the huts on his own, but as word spread, animal lovers began donating towards the cause.