SALEHIN Ibrahim has closed his animal therapy centre as the stress of major repair works is taking a toll on his health.

The 60-year-old left his 25-year successful career as a banker to set up K-9 Cottage at Sungai Lui in Hulu Langat, Selangor, as he loved canines.

However, the floods late last year completely damaged the centre. And even after three months of cleaning debris, there is still much to be done.

Hulu Langat was one of the worst-hit areas in Selangor during the floods in December. Several other states in the peninsula were also badly affected.

Unusually heavy rain, brought about by Typhoon Rai that lashed the Philippines, swept across the central region, which is usually spared from the year-end floods.

“I have to face the fact that it is not worth the effort anymore, as my age is catching up with me,” Salehin told The Malaysian Insight.

“My health is affected; this cannot be a one-man show anymore.

“The centre is now closed to the public. But my dogs Hitam, Koa, Patch and Stoner and I will continue staying here.

“I do not want to rush things. I am a stroke patient, and this is too much work for one person.”

Before the pandemic, Salehin and his dogs conducted free therapy sessions at homes for old people and children with special needs.

The Dr Dog initiative, an animal-assisted therapy programme, has since been on hiatus due to Covid-19.

Salehin said the floods washed away most of his belongings.

Post-floods, he appealed for assistance and donations to rebuild the centre, built on a 1.5ha plot of land.

His plight caught the attention of the public, who helped clear debris and donated to the cost of rebuilding.

Salehin said while he is grateful for any assistance, he has had to put up with volunteers who do not know what they are getting themselves into.

“Only those who know what they are doing and are genuinely willing to help can get in touch with me.

“This place is not safe, and I do not want people to come here just to play or for photo opportunities.”

He said there is still about 70% of clean-up work to be done on the property.

A landslide, which has blocked off access to Sungai Gabai, has created a new waterway that runs closer to the site, he added.

“I managed to straighten the river and deepen it.

“I also repaired my living quarters and kitchen. Now I have a bed to sleep on and a kitchen to cook food for myself and the dogs.”

Previously, he slept under a makeshift canopy.

On his plan to sustain himself, Salehin said he will live off the donations.

“It will not last forever, but it will do for now.

“Even when the centre was fully functioning, I charged only RM20 per head for visits. The centre is not a profit-making place.

“If it (a reopening) is going to be more of a headache, I’d rather not do it. I’d rather just live on what I have.”

Those who want to help can contact Salehin at 011-1482-8717. – March 26, 2022.