Thanks to the University of Washington Bothell, I had the incredible opportunity to join the 2024 BUS 490 CSR in Thailand & Cambodia Study Tour. Leading up to the trip, I took on the challenge of fundraising for PAWS Bangkok, a charity dedicated to helping stray cats and facilitating cat adoptions. As a devoted “Cat Dad,” I eagerly embraced this task. My girlfriend and I used our business, The Hungry Lyon Cookie Co., to sell cookies at local events like the Woodinville Farmers Market and Woodinville Lavender Festival. Our efforts paid off, and we were able to donate 20% of our July proceeds, totaling $740 USD (roughly 25,000 Thai baht), to PAWS Bangkok.
Once in Bangkok, I witnessed the widespread issue of stray cats firsthand, with an estimated 70,000 felines roaming the city. It was fascinating to see how these cats are so well integrated into Thai society.
Our visit to PAWS Bangkok was eye-opening. We learned about their ongoing efforts to support these cats, and the challenges involved in running their operations. One key takeaway was the critical role of responsible pet ownership. It’s essential for prospective cat adopters to be fully prepared for the responsibility of caring for a pet. Addressing issues like animal hoarding and cruelty is crucial, and it’s important to recognize that not every stray cat needs rescuing—sometimes it’s better to leave them in their natural environment. Instead, the focus should be on providing spay/neuter services to control the population.
This trip was a profound learning experience, and I’m incredibly grateful to the University of Washington for this opportunity. A big thank you as well to my professors and classmates who made this journey truly unforgettable.
