A couple who saves dogs together stays together. At least, that’s what John and Gill Dalley’s story shows us. The two of them devoted their lives to saving homeless dogs and ending animal cruelty. Their actions helped put an end to the dog meat trade in Thailand and they tackled the stray dog and cat problem.
The Dalleys helped so many animals in need that they were awarded a Daily Mirror Animal Hero Award in 2020 for their Outstanding Contribution. Sadly, Gill is no longer around to accept the award, but John promises to continue saving dogs just like she would’ve wanted him to.
A Lifetime of Kindness
John and Gill were both from Leeds, England, but they got married in Phuket, Thailand in 1996. The two fell in love with the island and decided they would one day retire there together. Before they were married, John had a dog while Gill had three cats. Not long after, they adopted another dog and started volunteering to save dogs in need.
The couple often visited Thailand on vacation, but there was one thing they didn’t love about the location: all the stray dogs with no place to call home.
“When we came here on holidays we talked about trying to do something about the horrendous problem that existed with stray dogs,” said John. “In those days there were an estimated 70,000 stray dogs, the conditions of them appalling. Most of them were skeletal and covered in mange, on every street corner you’d see stray dogs.”
As soon as they moved to Phuket, they started making their dreams into a reality. They helped start a charity called Soi Dog Foundation in 2003 and decided that a mass spaying and neutering project was the most humane and most efficient way to fix the stray dog problem. They were able to spay and neuter 80% of the strays in the area.
John and Gill also helped pass a bill that banned the consumption of dogs and cats in Thailand. They truly helped make Thailand a better place for animals and humans alike.
Saving Dogs in Gill’s Honor
As exciting as the couple’s journey was, it wasn’t easy, especially for Gill. In 2003, Gill contracted a rare disease while rescuing a dog from a flooded field. It caused her to lose both of her legs, but even then, her passion for saving dogs never faded. After she recovered, she and John built shelters to help rescue more dogs. They even established a program for overseas dog adoption.
Sadly, Gill passed away of lung cancer at age 58 in 2017. She died in John’s arms. Of course, John was heartbroken, but he promised her he would continue to help stray dogs and cats in Thailand.
John followed through with his promises, which is why the couple was awarded the Daily Mirror Animal Hero Award today. It’s a shame that Gill couldn’t be there to accept the award, but she would definitely be proud of her husband for continuing their goals.
“This award should not be for me, it’s for Gill and Soi Dog and our supporters. Gill’s the bravest person I’ve ever met. If anybody deserves this award she does,” said John.
No one in this world is as deserving of this award as John and Gill. They’ve dedicated so much of their time to make lives better for thousands of dogs and cats. If you want to continue to support this kindhearted couple’s mission, please consider donating to the Soi Dog Foundation.
H/T: mirror.co.uk
Featured Image: @SoiDogPageInEnglish/Facebook
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