620 kilometers to travel, 22 days to get there and a major objective: to provide a new hospital for the stray animals of Sri Lanka. This is the challenge set by Janey Lowes, a British veterinarian who, since 2014, has been fighting daily to care for abandoned dogs and cats in this country.
When she discovered the plight of stray animals in Sri Lanka, Janey Lowesa veterinarian from the north ofEnglanddecided to change his life to help them. Since then, she has treated thousands of animals on site and could do with a new hospital. To finance her project, the young woman is even ready to give of herself by setting herself an extraordinary challenge.
620 kilometers to save stray animals
The challenge of Janey is at least up to its commitment: on October 9, it will start its “ Dog Jog ” has Point Pedroin the north of the country, with the objective of joining Dondra620 kilometers away, in just 22 days. A dizzying distance, which represents the equivalent of around thirty Great North Run (a famous British race of 21.1 kilometers).
© Janey Lowes
For the veterinarian, there is no question of backing down, because she hopes to raise the 1.6 million pounds sterling (nearly 1.9 million euros) necessary for the construction of a new hospital. “ This figure is terrifying, but it's the price of a 2-bedroom apartment in London, and it would build a fully functioning hospital », she explains to the BBC.
Even if the young woman doesn’t particularly like running, she takes on this somewhat crazy bet: “ I don't know what I was thinking, I just needed to do something crazy to raise the amount we need. » One thing is certain, she adds: “ This will help so many dogs. »
A clinic quickly became too small
For Janeyit all started in 2014, after a trip to Sri Lanka which had a profound impact on him. Faced with the number of injured stray animals and the lack of available care, the British veterinarian decided to create the association WeCare Worldwide. “ I just remember feeling completely useless, even as a vet. I had all the skills to help, but I couldn't do anything, I had no equipment “, she says.
© Janey Lowes
First treated at his home, the animals were then welcomed in a former nursery transformed into a clinic. Since then, more than 35,000 dogs and cats have been treated there, particularly for vaccinations against rabies or sometimes serious injuries after road accidents.
But over the years, the premises have shown their limits. Too small, dilapidated, affected by mold and leaks, they no longer allow the association to work in good conditions. “ Frankly, it was too small then, and it's still too small now, every little space is optimized », deplores Janey Lowes.
To continue to help animals, the association has already identified the land for its future hospital, which will also host a training center. All that remains is to raise the necessary funds to bring this new medical shelter to life… So, get on your shoes Dr. Lowes !