Dog lovers had the chance to celebrate the unique bond between canine and human during a staycation right next to Pasir Ris Beach. On 18 August 2024, CSC @ Loyang’s dog-friendly bungalow hosted the volunteers and rescued dogs of Mercylight, an animal welfare organisation dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming stray dogs.

Volunteers enjoyed one-on-one time with their favourite Singapore Specials (local, mixed-breed dogs), as well as connected with fellow volunteers during a pack walk to Pasir Ris Park, through games and over dinner. The dogs relished the opportunity to socialise off-leash, savouring their time to play and explore freely.

Ms Kelly Lim, the founder and General Manager of Mercylight, chose CSC @ Loyang for its spacious, open area and convenient location within walking distance of Pasir Ris Park. It was also the only pet-friendly accommodation that could house so many volunteers and dogs simultaneously. The picturesque views of the sea were an added bonus.

“Before COVID-19, we held appreciation events at Sentosa beaches or parks, or we’d take a trip to the doggy pool at Wag & Wild,” said Ms Lim, who has been an active volunteer in animal welfare for the past 13 years. “We thought we should try CSC @ Loyang this time around. The biggest advantage is that the dogs can freely mingle, and the volunteers don’t have to keep holding onto the their leashes. Everyone gets to enjoy,” she added.

Kelly, along with long-time volunteers Jia Min and Yee Theng, shared more about the plight of Singapore’s strays and their experiences as volunteers. They also provided compelling reasons why adopting rather than shopping for a pet is a better choice.

Volunteer Jia Min and her “Blessing”.

Could you tell us more about Mercylight and how it began?

Kelly: We started in 2009 as a group of volunteers who spent each evening feeding stray dogs in Singapore’s eastern areas. We were incorporated in January 2015 as a non-profit organisation that promotes animal welfare and fights against animal cruelty. In May 2020, we became a full-fledged charity and were conferred the Institution of Public Character status in January 2022.

Mercylight currently feeds over 300 dogs on the street and have about 70 dogs in our shelter, located at Sungei Tengah, at any one time. We are constantly rescuing and rehoming new dogs, so we’re quite busy making sure our new additions are well looked after. We also thoroughly screen potential adopters to ensure our “Blessings” go to good homes.

Why do you call your dogs “Blessings”?

Kelly: We want to change how people think of stray dogs — that they are not dirty or unworthy of love. We want every dog we rescue and rehabilitate to become a blessing to the family they join. That’s why each of our dogs is given the nickname “Blessing.”

Yee Theng and Jia Min, what inspired the both of you to start volunteering at Mercylight?

Yee Theng: My cousin, who’s also a volunteer, invited me to join him at the shelter one weekend morning. That was in 2015, so I’ve been volunteering for almost 10 years. I love all our dogs and cherish each moment with them. It’s always so fulfilling to see our dogs bring the same joy to their new forever families.

Yee Theng and her “Blessing”.

Jia Min: As an animal lover, I joined Mercylight in 2014, and it’s been a wonderful 10 years as a volunteer. From kennel duties, such as feeding and poop-scooping to walking the dogs and giving them lots of pets and cuddles, I’ve seen how the strays transform into loving family members. Such an achievement can’t be felt in my normal day-to-day routine. These dogs benefit from any contribution, no matter how big or small.

Mercylight advocates adopting, not shopping for pets. Why is that?

Kelly: Some breeders practice unethical breeding of purebred dogs. Often, these breeding dogs are not treated with the love and care they deserve, and many are “put up for adoption” once they have served their purpose. We are located along Sungei Tengah, where many pet breeders are, and we hardly ever see them take their dogs out for walks. Some breeders are driven by profit rather than a genuine love for animals. If you adopt a dog, you not only save the life of the adopted dog but also save a breeding dog from a life of needless suffering.

What should first-time adopters look out for?
Kelly: Take it slow. Learn how to care for the dogs from the volunteers at the shelter. Once you get the basics right and get to know your dog’s unique personality, being a fur parent to one of our “Blessings” becomes a fulfilling endeavour.

Interested in adopting a “Blessing”? Visit Mercylight to find out how. 
Want to take your dog on a staycay near the beach? Learn why CSC @ Loyang’s dog-friendly bungalow are your perfect getaway.