September Impact
Paw-tner Spotlight: Pawy
Welcome back to the Happy Tails Blog, where we share not just rescue stories, but everything that makes our community stronger.
This week, alongside our Education and Advocacy update, we're shining a light on one of our incredible Community Partners: Pawy.
Since our first connection, Pawy has supported our mission in many ways, including a collaboratively designed merch line - with proceeds supporting our rescue work. More than just stylish pet gear, this partnership has helped spread awareness about responsible pet ownership and animal welfare in Vietnam.
We’re so grateful to Pawy for turning creativity into impact - and we’re just getting started.
Check out the collection here!
Education in Action
Welcoming New Educators Through Community Engagement at BIS HCMC 🐾
Read more about BIS HCMC’s recent visit to the shelter as part of their new teacher induction, here
“It was a fantastic opportunity for everyone to become involved in another element of life in Vietnam, and to see first-hand some of the great work that BIS HCMC and our Community Partners do together.”
Driving Change
Looking Back: A Mid-Year Impact Reflection
As we begin to close out Q3 and look toward the final stretch of 2025, it’s the perfect time to pause and reflect on the incredible journey we’ve had so far this year.
The first two quarters brought powerful moments of progress, resilience, and community spirit here at the shelter. From heartfelt adoptions and successful rehabilitation stories, to deepening partnerships and expanding our outreach efforts - the impact of Q1 and Q2 has been both meaningful and motivating.
Each of these milestones is a testament to the unwavering compassion of our volunteers, the dedication of our team, and the generosity of our supporters. Together, you’ve helped us create real change.
As we continue into the final months of the year, we invite you to look back at some of the standout moments that made the first half of 2025 so special. And of course, stay tuned - there's still so much more to come.
Insight Spotlight
Pack Wisdom: What Every Dog Guardian Should Know
Insights from Local Experts on Training, Rescue Ethics, and Canine Communication
Supporting a dog’s well-being goes far beyond love and cuddles - it involves awareness, patience, and informed decisions. At a recent Pack Chats session co-hosted by Laws for Paws Vietnam and Dog Walkers in Thao Dien, we explored essential topics every responsible guardian should know. Led by experienced trainers and rescue advocates, the session unpacked real-world scenarios that dog owners face daily - from leash safety to ethical rescue practices.
Here are three key takeaways that stood out:
🐾 1. Your Dog Feels What You Feel
One of the most powerful lessons discussed was the invisible leash between you and your dog: your energy. Stress, anxiety, frustration - these aren’t just internal states. Dogs pick up on them through your body language, muscle tension, and even your breathing.
If your dog pulls on walks, reacts to other dogs, or seems tense, start by checking in with yourself. Are you calm? Focused? Present? Shifting your own energy can often shift your dog’s.
🐾 2. “Leave It” Could Save Your Dog’s Life
Mark from Dog Walkers in Thao Dien demonstrated the Leave It command - a powerful, preventative training tool that teaches your dog not to pick up food, trash, or other dangerous objects during walks. This skill helps avoid common hazards like chicken bones, toxic food, or even street baiting incidents.
He also explained how to safely remove something from a dog’s mouth when prevention isn’t enough - calmly, without causing fear or aggression. This kind of training builds both safety and trust between you and your dog.
🐾 3. Why We Don’t Pay to “Rescue” Dogs from the Meat Trade
A difficult but essential topic: why buying dogs from the dog meat trade does more harm than good. As shared by Laws for Paws Vietnam, paying for dogs in these circumstances creates a financial incentive for traders, reinforcing the cycle of capture, profit, and cruelty.
Ethical rescue work focuses on dismantling that system - through advocacy, community education, and non-transactional interventions. It’s not always the easiest path, but it’s the one that drives real, long-term change.
Whether you're a first-time dog guardian or a seasoned advocate, these lessons serve as a reminder: education is as important as affection. At Laws for Paws Vietnam, we're committed to sharing not just stories - but also tools to help you build a healthier, happier bond with your dog.
Want to learn more? Stay connected with us for future Pack Chats and educational updates from our community of experts.
Looking Ahead
Next week, we return to Con Dao for Phase 2 of the Animal Welfare Project, in collaboration with Six Senses Con Dao. This visit will focus more deeply on medical attention and continuity of care.
Building on the momentum of our first trip, we aim to:
Follow up on previously treated animals
Address any outstanding or more complex medical needs
Strengthen trust and awareness among local pet owners
Advocate for and educate about the individual and community benefits of sterilisation
We’re proud to be turning outreach into long-term impact - and we can’t wait to share updates from the ground in just a few days.
Stay tuned as the mission continues.
