Making A Difference, One Paw At A Time

Nicole Wahlstrom Start Date: Jul 16, 2016 - End Date: Jan 15, 2017
  • Thailand

My Travel Story

by: Nicole Wahlstrom Start Date: Jul 16, 2016 - End Date: Jan 15, 2017
Ever since I graduated highschool I wanted to travel. I wanted to see different parts of the world with my own two eyes and get the actual visual rather than just seeing pictures. Pictures just never do justice. It's crazy how seeing that depressing commercial and thinking "oh I should donate" and then the next commercial comes on, and you have completely forgotten about the one before. At 21 years old, I have no idea what career I want, I have no idea where I want to live, I have no idea what I want. But I also have no idea how lucky I am. I grew up in Canada, need I say more? I was handed food, clean water, and a roof over my head(love yu mom, love yu dad!). Not everyone is so lucky.

Being that I grew up on a farm, I have always loved animals. Sometimes they are even better company than people. Lately I've been feeling like I need to be one of those few people who go out into the world, and save it.  So I have decided that volunteering is a step in the right direction.  I will be going to Hua Hin Thailand for 4 weeks (who am I kidding more like 8) with a program called "Rescue Paws". 

The stray dog population in Thailand is HUGE, beyond what you could ever imagine. In 2015 studies showed that around 700,000 dogs did not have propper care or homes.  Now imagine if all females had atleast 5 puppies a year.....wow. Going back to what you see on commercials, since facebook is the new thing, I'm going to go there.  On my facebook page I alone see about 20 posts a month about how people mistreat their pets here in North America.  Now we have the resources and the social empowerment to let people know whats going on here.  We also have the man power,  being law enforcement and the SPCA. I have a huge heart, and I need to put it to good use.


For all my animal lovers out there, I'm mainly directing this as you.  Don't go another year, month, or even day thinking you can't change the world or the living creatures lives that are in it. If you dont think you have the time, make the time.  If you dont think you have the ability, you're wrong. It takes one step, one step of realizing that there is no better time than now.  Now is the time to make that difference and even to save one life, will change yours forever.

Rescue Paws is my gate way, my door to making a difference, no matter how small. Volunteering is my way of giving back to the world and the helpless animals in it, one paw at a time.
  • Thailand