Most people see Phuket as a paradise for vacations or retirement. Yet, for John and Gill Dalley, the island represented a vast field for challenging but immensely rewarding work: aiding local dogs and cats. Gill passed away in 2017, but her legacy – the globally acclaimed Soi Dog Foundation – endures.

The British couple got married in Phuket in 1996, instantly fell in love with the locale, visited it numerous times and finally settled here after early retirement in 2013.

At 53 and 44 respectively, John and Gill moved to Phuket with the aspiration of contributing to the local community by addressing the pervasive stray dog and cat issue, a widespread problem across Thailand.

During earlier visits, the Dalleys were struck not only by the sheer number of strays but also by their dire health conditions. With stray populations numbering in the tens of thousands, the magnitude of the issue was daunting.

Joining forces with Margot Homburg, a Dutch expat from Bangkok running a small charity named Soi Dog Foundation, they concluded that mass spaying and neutering would be the most effective long-term solution, significantly reducing the number of animals born into suffering on the streets.

Gill, John, and Margot initiated spay and neuter clinics across Phuket, a mission that continues to this day. The foundation has just celebrated its 20th anniversary by reaching the ambitious goal of neutering and vaccinating 1 million animals. This milestone coincides with the 20th anniversary of two of the most dramatic events in Soi Dog’s history.

First was the Asian Tsunami of 2004, which claimed over 200,000 lives and left countless dogs as injured and forlorn as the human survivors. The Dalleys’ volunteer efforts during this catastrophe placed Soi Dog on the global stage, attracting volunteers and donations worldwide.

Before the tsunami, however, the couple faced a personal tragedy. In 2004, while rescuing a dog from a flooded buffalo field, Gill contracted an infection, necessitating the amputation of both legs below the knee.

John recalls the lead doctor marveling at her survival, suggesting she still had a purpose to fulfill. Gill’s response? “I do”, she said.

With Margot stepping down due to ill health in 2006 and John concentrating on combating the illegal dog meat trade, Gill spearheaded the expansion of Soi Dog’s sterilization program and worked tirelessly to establish a shelter and hospital in Phuket.

Her efforts were recognized when she received the Canine Hero of the Year award at the 2011 Animals for Asia conference in China, and became the first non-Asian by birth to be named Asian of the Year by Channel News Asia Singapore.

Since its inception, Soi Dog has neutered and vaccinated over 1 million dogs and cats, including more than 80% of Phuket’s stray dog population. The once-common sight of emaciated and sick dogs on the streets has been virtually eradicated.

Sadly, Gill lost a brief battle with cancer on February 13, 2017. Every year, Soi Dog Foundation commemorates this day as International Gill Dalley Remembrance Day.

Gill is membered as a formidable and compassionate advocate for animals, consistently prioritizing the needs of homeless cats and dogs despite numerous personal challenges.

Operating without government funding, Soi Dog Foundation relies entirely on donations from compassionate animal lovers. The foundation’s remarkable work in transforming Phuket into a safer place for cats and dogs could not have been achieved without Gill, nor can it continue without ongoing support from us all.

For more information on how to support Soi Dog, please visit www.soidog.org. Beyond cash donations, kind-hearted individuals can adopt a dog or cat, donate food, or simply visit the center in Mai Khao to offer moral support.