This is our story
We are Bones and Snowball – it all started the day we were suddenly captured…
what would have awaited us
Along with countless other dogs, we were crammed into small cages on a truck and driven across the country in sweltering heat. How did we end up on that truck? Some of us were illegally captured. Others were sold by our "owners" to the dog meat mafia. They wanted to take us to another country to eat us. Many of us died along the way. Those who survive face a gruesome death.
OUR TRUCK WAS STOPPED BY ANIMAL RIGHTS VOLUNTEERS
Then we arrived at a large mass shelter in northern Thailand – but it was terrible there. Thousands of dogs, crammed together – all so sad, many very sick. Most didn't make it…
THEN ELFE SAW US
She rescued Snowball, me and 450 other dogs from that terrible mass shelter and took us in.
ELFES WORLD IS OUR HOME
The woman who saved our lives is named Elisabeth Feigl. But we call her Elfe. Elfe came to Koh Samui in 2000. She only intended to stay for two months – but then Madam arrived: the first dog whose life Elfe saved. She once told us that Madam was the beginning of it all. More and more dogs were taken in and rescued by Elfe – until she rented a large piece of land in the southwest of the island. That's how ElfesWorld came to be – a safe haven for dogs in need.
400 dogs live here today
Some of them were rescued from the streets of Koh Samui – often sick, injured, or simply alone. Most of the dogs, however, came to ElfesWorld between 2012 and 2014, when they rescued hundreds from the large overcrowded shelter – including Snowball and me. So you can imagine that some of us are now quite old and need special care. That's why, in addition to the land, there's also a house where the old and sick dogs are cared for – currently, about 80 dogs live there.
We need you
Caring for so many dogs costs a lot of money every day. Food, shelter, and veterinary care eat up huge sums. It's a huge challenge every month to feed everyone, provide medical care, and keep our home here. Will you help us stay safe and secure?
HOW WE LIVE HERE
At ElfesWorld Land, we live together in groups – some prefer to be in pairs, others in larger packs. We have covered resting areas, shade, and space to romp and relax. Many of us are happy – but some long so much for a real home with their own people
26 YEARS
Elfe is there for us around the clock, seven days a week – and has been for 26 years. Caring for her daily means a lot of hard work, no free time, no social activities, no vacations, and no weekends off. Elfe chose this life and has never regretted it. Seeing us healthy and happy, whether at her place or in our new homes in Europe or the USA, being able to help new animals in need, and being surrounded by so many animals every day – that is her greatest reward for all the work, worries, and hardships. She is grateful for everything she has been able to achieve over the years with the help of kind supporters, sponsors, and donors for dogs in need. Every life counts.
ELFE, THE TEAM & THE ASSOCIATION
To ensure we are cared for every day, Elfe has a small team of Thai helpers. They assist with feeding, cleaning our enclosures, and caring for us when we are sick. For many years, there has also been a small support team of volunteers who assist Elfe behind the scenes with the website, social media, and sponsorships. A German support association was also founded in 2023
Saving Street Souls Samui e. v.
This allows official donation receipts to be issued for donations from Germany.
MORE INSIGHTS INTO OUR DAILY LIFE
Feel free to check out our Facebook or Instagram pages – we regularly share insights into our daily life, our animals and our work there: