Michelle Temple of Hong Kong Alleycat Watch
The truth about cats and dogs is that you can live among them in peace – if you have the patience of a saint, which Michelle Temple, founder of Hong Kong Alleycat Watch, appears to possess.
“I don’t know why he keeps barking at her,” says Temple with wide-eyed wonderment as one of two dogs she’s recently taken in gives an earful to one of nine cats arrayed about her modest Mid-Levels flat, HQ for her volunteer rescue society.
HKAW began with a single stray cat in 2003. Since then, Temple estimates that she and her network of 20 foster families have helped thousands of abandoned animals find homes. But since stays can vary from a week to a year, she’s constantly looking for more animal lovers to help host. HKAW’s name reveals its origins, but dogs, hamsters, and turtles are among the other animals that get placed.
The Hong Kong native hasn’t quit her full-time day job at a relocation company, and, for the animals’ sake, she probably shouldn’t. Most of her animals come from people who move out of Hong Kong. To cut down on HKAW’s costs, Temple opts not to operate a centre. While she doesn’t solicit donations, any contributions go towards the animals’ medical costs.
Apart from wanting to match animals to good families, Temple seeks greater awareness about spaying and neutering. “Many people, even some owners, think these things affect the animals’ behaviour, but they don’t. They reduce the spread of disease. Everyone benefits.”
Amid the revolving menagerie, it’s clear where Temple’s heart lies. “I will always help animals. This is not a hobby. This is my life.”
Get involved!
Got a soft spot for animals? Show some love by adopting or fostering a stray or abandoned cat or dog. Browse the photo-filled gallery or contact Michelle at www.hkalleycats.com. Better yet, get yourself along to the next Adoption Day on Sunday 23: Little Princess, 1-2 St Stephen's Lane, Mid-Levels West (diagonally opposite HSBC at the junction of Bonham Rd and Park Rd); noon-6pm.
Read about Hong Kong’s other do-it-yourself philanthropists:
Michelle Temple of Hong Kong Alleycat Watch
Charlotte Hwang of Foodlink Foundation
Benedicte Benoit of Caress
Jesmond Fan of The Nesbitt Centre
Max Wong of St Barnabas Society and Home
John Wood’s guide to starting a charity
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