10/10/2026
And that’s a wrap on our Mate's Gift sterilisation clinics!
Seven successful clinic days and a whopping 283 animals sterilised!
283 dogs and cats who will no longer be producing puppies and kittens. We are absolutely thrilled with this result!
We’ve had people travelling from surrounding villages, some driving up to two hours to bring their animals to us. Seeing people make that effort, trusting us with their much loved animals and understanding the importance of sterilisation has been just wonderful.
And now for the thank yous, because there are SO many people who have helped make this happen!
Firstly, our wonderful Dr Rini and Doni, who flew in to join us and have worked incredibly hard throughout the clinics. Nothing has been too much trouble, including helping a wounded dog late last night after another enormous day. We are so grateful for the care and kindness they’ve shown the animals.
And the exciting news is that last night we were already discussing our next clinics! We’re hoping to reach more villages in April 2027. This won’t be another group tour, but an opportunity to take our veterinary team into more communities and help more animals. Of course, we’ll need to get some fundraising happening to make it all possible, but we’re pretty excited about what we could achieve. So that’s our next little mission!
Our Beni Sitepu and Pirman deserve a very special mention. Their work doesn’t begin when we arrive in Sumatra and it certainly doesn’t finish when we leave. Throughout the year they’re out in the villages, talking with families, encouraging sterilisation, answering questions and helping people understand why it matters. They’re showing people the healthy, happy dogs who were sterilised the year before, and helping build trust in what we’re doing.
This is such an important part of 2026 Mate's Gift Fundraising Tour, and we really couldn’t do it without them.
A huge thank you to Begon, Davit, Rudy, Jadi and Jamir for all their hard work over the three days. So many jobs, so many animals and plenty of running around. Thank you, boys!
To our fabulous Mate’s Gift crew, what a team we’ve had! Early mornings, long days, cleaning cages, preparing food, collecting and returning animals, keeping everyone warm and comfortable during recovery and jumping in wherever help was needed. Everyone has worked so well together, and we’ve had plenty of laughs along the way. Vicki Plowman, Sarah Jane May, Amelia Gowrea, Jodie Williams, Declan, Sue, Michael Ackers, and Emma Garnham 💚💚
A very special thank you to Tangkahan Inn for allowing us to hold our clinic there and for letting us store food, cages and supplies in the weeks leading up to it. And to Jungle Lodge for looking after us during our stay and putting up with all our boxes, equipment and supplies taking over the place! We really appreciate your generosity and all the help you’ve given us.
And another thank you to Sumatra Cheeky Monkeys for their wonderful support during our clinics.
To everyone who has sponsored an animal, donated money, medications, food, blankets or supplies, helped with transport, offered us a space to work or simply lent a hand when we needed it, thank you. Thank you to the Hairy Hounds Playground family for always supporting our work!
And of course, to the families and communities who have welcomed us and trusted us with their animals. We’re seeing such encouraging changes, and it makes all the hard work worthwhile.
There are so many people who have helped us along the way that it’s inevitable that we’ve forgotten to mention someone. Please know that every bit of help has been appreciated. We couldn’t possibly do all of this on our own.
Seven clinic days, 283 animals and a wonderful bunch of people who have made it all happen.
We’re tired, we’re happy and we’re incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved together.
And the best part? The difference these clinics will make doesn’t end today. Fewer unwanted litters, healthier animals and more families understanding the benefits of sterilisation.
283 animals! What a fantastic result!
Thank you, everyone, from all of us at Mate’s Gift.
