Embark re-homes a very special street pooch

When the Gallagés welcomed a new companion into the family home at Mattegoda recently, their compassion had helped Embark reach another milestone of no little significance.

Eight-week old Sandy, rescued off a by lane at Jawatte Road, Colombo 7, was the 2000th street pooch to find a foster home through the efforts of Embark - the fashion brand with a unique cause that has changed the way people in many parts of Sri Lanka treat free-roaming dogs.

Launched in 2007, Embark has made it fashionable to own a street dog and to show Sri Lanka as well as the world the struggle that these animals face. People can live the brand through how they dress and support the cause of spreading love and kindness as they shop.

Dedicated to helping communities eliminate the risk of rabies through a more civilised, pragmatic, caring and fun approach to the problem of stray dogs, Embark conducts a puppy adoption day in Colombo once a month, and similar adoption days in Kandy, Negombo and Ja-Ela every three months.

These adoption days, as well as many other initiatives such as vaccination and sterilisation programs, rescue and treatment of injured animals and effective messaging via many collections of clothing and accessories bearing the Embark label, have brought happiness and understanding to many families such as the Gallagés of Mattegoda, while finding happy homes for 2,000 dogs.

Puppies that are rescued from the streets are cared for by Embark until they are old enough for adoption.

This foster system allows the pups to enjoy a loving temporary home, with Embark covering all medical expenses. Prior to adoption, Embark arranges for each dog to be vaccinated.

"When you adopt a pet from a shelter, you save two lives," says Lakmali Gallagé, Sandy's new owner, "the one you adopt and the one that takes its place."

"The response from the people over the years towards these wonderful animals who are a part of our lives is truly encouraging. More and more people want to make a change not only in the lives of street dogs but also their own by being more compassionate," a spokesperson for Embark said.

The Embark Adoption Day in Colombo is held on the last Sunday of every month at the 'Araliya' car park at Crescat from 2.30pm to 5pm.

Pictured here is the Gallagé family with Sandy, the 2,000th dog re-homed by Embark.