They never planned to become animal rescuers, but when a call came to help save a few dogs from danger, everything changed. Rod Cooper and Julia Kudrna stepped in—and never looked back. Their journey became Samui Street Dogs, built on love, grit, and deep compassion.
Personal Motivation and Background
What inspired you to become an animal rescuer?
Jewells, Dee and myself have always been huge animal lovers all of our lives. We’d never intended to start an animal shelter. But once we were asked by a local community to move some dogs before they were harmed, we knew we needed a place to save these poor dogs.
How did you get started in animal rescue work?
Because we’d been holidaying on Samui since 2016, during those times we got to know several other people that had already started helping street dogs around Samui. Little by little we started to help as well, when and where we could.
Rescue Experiences
Describe your experience handling different animal species. Are there any animals you find especially challenging or rewarding to work with?
We try help any animal in distress. We’ve helped buffalos, monkeys, cats, birds and snakes but mainly we help dogs. Soi cats are def the trickier species out of all these to try and catch in order to help treat.
Can you share a memorable rescue story that still sticks with you?
There have been many rescues that have stuck with us over the years. There was David, Lil Rodney, Lil Tony, Derek, Jet and now little Lotus. We could go on and on really. We’ve had several very challenging rescues.
What is your most challenging rescue situation, and how did you handle it?
One of the more physical jobs was poor Jet. He was a large overfed dog weighing in at 35kgs. He’d been hit by a car and had been flung into a deep concrete drain. He was partially paralyzed too. But Jewells and I finally managed to get him out of the drain and into our truck so we could get him treated. Jet eventually recovered and now lives with Jewell’s parents.
How do you handle aggressive or fearful animals?
Over the years we have learned several different methods to deal with scared or aggressive dogs. But nothing beats taking the time beforehand to actually earn the dog’s actual trust in order to catch them
Daily Work and Skills
What does a typical day look like for you as an animal rescuer?
Daily work and skills: Up at 6am to walk our 3 home dogs. Breakfast. Then we are usually up to our dog property by 8:30. Check dogs, fix things like fences, holes, mow grass, do vet trips etc. We take the middle of the day off due to the heat. Then we go back to our land at 3:30ish until 5ish.
What skills do you think are most important for someone in your role?
To have good solid likeminded friends around you is paramount. I actually enjoy physical work outside with the dogs so that is very handy too.
How do you identify signs of illness or injury in animals?
Over the years, people start to gradually pick up on certain signs that a dog is starting to look unwell ie: pale gums, weight loss, you notice their lethargy etc etc.
What is your experience with animal first aid and emergency situations?
Plus, over the years, we all learn different tips and get advice from more experienced people along the way too.
Collaboration and Community
How do you work with veterinarians, volunteers, and other professionals during rescues?
Over the years, we have fostered great relationships with several Thai vets around Samui. Same for other lovely people in our common ‘dog circle’ groups that do their own things to help dogs too.
How do you assess the suitability of potential adopters for rescued animals?
There’s lots for us to consider there, far too much to explain here. Safe to say, if there are any doubts at all as to whether a prospective adoptee is 100% suitable – we simply don’t send the dog.
What role does the local community play in your rescue efforts?
The local community is super important to all of us. They are the ‘eyes and ears’ out on the streets, we need them to keep reporting any animals they see that might need help. We also need to foster this principle in to their young kids as they grow up.
Emotional Aspects and Self-Care
How do you handle difficult or emotional situations, such as euthanasia or cases of severe neglect?
We never really get used to the sad cases. Might be getting a tad desensitized over the years, but we still remember them all. Sometimes, the memory of a particular random dog will pop up right in the middle of the night
What strategies do you use to manage stress and avoid burnout?
Just need to be mindful of when we’re getting physically and mentally tired – and then adjust our work accordingly. We also try to make Mondays our only ‘dog free’ day off. We eat well and try to get at least eight hours sleep every night too.
Where do you find support when the job gets tough?
Mainly, just reach out to ‘dog friends’. They love the dogs too so they’re always eager to help.
Impact and Reflection
What has been the most rewarding part of your work?
Helping dogs obviously. Plus, knowing we now have a small following of supporters that are more like family rather than just Instagram users, this fact helps motivates us all greatly.
How do you measure success in your rescue efforts?
Plus, knowing that we are saving and trying to improve the lives of many dogs all around Samui helps drive us all forward.
What changes have you seen in animal welfare since you started?
Sadly, we have not seen very much improvement in animal welfare here in Thailand.
Education and Advocacy
How do you stay up-to-date on animal care best practices and new techniques?
Word of mouth advice from vets or people that are more experienced.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to get involved in animal rescue?
Be prepared. It can be stressful – but also really, really rewarding.
Are there any common misconceptions about animal rescue work you’d like to address?
Sometimes there are no ‘right’ decisions, only ones that are a slightly less risky than the other choice you had to finally make. But we cannot give up and all still need to try.
Looking Forward
What are your hopes for the future of animal rescue in your community or beyond?
That our efforts were more accepted by Thai officials and that we wouldn’t be necessary if the Thai culture eventually understood the importance of sterilizing animals and that ultimately, people should be kind to animals.
How can people best support your work or get involved?
We invite everyone to actually come visit us to see first hand what we do. And to hopefully instill in them the desire to perhaps step up and help themselves at some stage in future. We run solely on donations so any help, no matter how small, makes a huge difference to small groups like us here. Keep in touch and follow us.
