The life of a street dog is one of constant struggle—wandering the streets without shelter, scavenging for food, and facing the harsh realities of survival. Unlike pets that receive love, care, and a secure home, these stray dogs rely on the kindness of strangers to make it through each day.
Ma Su Mon May Kyi Win, a compassionate animal lover from Pyapon Road, Sanchaung Township, has dedicated the past two years to feeding and treating stray dogs in her community. Driven by empathy and a deep sense of responsibility, she has taken it upon herself to care for these helpless animals, ensuring they receive the food and medical attention they desperately need.
A Passion Turned into a Mission
“Whenever I saw stray dogs on the streets of Sanchaung Township, I would stop to feed them. Watching them eat and drink brought me joy, knowing I was able to satisfy their hunger,” says Ma Su Mon May Kyi Win. “But as I fed them, I also encountered sick and injured dogs. Some had cancer, while others bore wounds from fights with other dogs. I couldn’t ignore their suffering. More than love, I felt deep sorrow for them. I knew I had to do something.”
Her efforts didn’t stop at feeding. She also started treating sick dogs and covering the cost of medical care for those in need. The sight of injured dogs struggling in pain pushed her to take action, providing treatments and nursing them back to health.
The Challenges of Charity Work
Beyond food and medical care, Ma Su Mon May Kyi Win took an important step to help control the stray dog population by using her own money to spay and neuter female dogs. However, the expenses quickly added up, amounting to around 200,000 kyats per month. The financial burden became a concern for her family, who worried about the sustainability of her mission.
Realizing she couldn’t continue alone, she launched a Facebook page called “Let’s Save Cancer Dogs and Cats Together” about six months ago. This initiative allowed her to collect donations from kind-hearted individuals who wanted to support her cause.
“At first, I used my own money without expecting any donations. But as I continued, I realized that the costs were too high. Besides food and medicine, I had to pay for gas to travel to treatment locations. Some cases required the help of chiropractors, which added to the expenses. My family was concerned since I also had to take care of my children. Eventually, I started accepting donations to keep my mission alive,” she explains.
The Daily Struggles of Feeding Street Dogs
Caring for street dogs is not just about love and compassion; it requires hard work and sacrifice. Depending on the number of donations received, Ma Su Mon May Kyi Win and her sisters cook up to 15 pounds of rice daily. She wakes up at 4 AM to go to the market and buy chicken heads, which are more affordable at that hour.
“We feed them at night when the streets are quiet. Apart from Sanchaung, we also go to areas like Panso Tan, Kan Na Road, Sint O Tan, and Botahtaung. After feeding, I rush to the chicken stall near Thirimingalar Market to buy supplies before dawn. Living on the seventh floor, I have to carry 20 pounds of chicken up and down twice,” she says, illustrating the physical effort involved in her work.
Facing Opposition and Danger
Unfortunately, not everyone supports her mission. Some residents in Sanchaung Township dislike the presence of street dogs and disapprove of people feeding them. To avoid confrontation, she and her team only go out at midnight when most people are asleep.
“People say terrible things when they see us feeding the dogs during the day. I can’t always stay silent, and sometimes, I argue back. In Sanchaung, stray dogs only come out at night because they fear people. That’s why I choose to feed them when the streets are empty,” she explains.
Her night-time missions also put her at risk of robbery. On multiple occasions, she has had her wallet and phones stolen. One time, while administering injections to a dog, thieves took advantage of her distraction and snatched her belongings. Despite these challenges, her resolve remains unshaken.
A Commitment That Never Wavers
Despite the difficulties, Ma Su Mon May Kyi Win continues her work with an unwavering heart. The joy she feels when watching the dogs eat keeps her motivated to push forward.
“Seeing them eat makes me happy. Their hunger is gone, even if just for a little while. That feeling is enough to make me want to go back and feed them again. I will continue feeding them until they are healthy and safe,” she says with determination.
Her story is a testament to the power of compassion and the difference one person can make in the lives of animals in need. With the support of donors and the community, she hopes to expand her efforts and provide a better future for street dogs.
If you would like to support Ma Su Mon May Kyi Win’s mission, consider donating or following her page, “Let’s Save Cancer Dogs and Cats Together.” Every contribution—big or small—goes a long way in providing food, medical care, and hope to stray dogs in Myanmar.