Dogs have long been celebrated as loyal companions. For Shahrul Anum, better known as Apsara, 51, that loyalty became deeply personal. What began as a simple act of kindness toward a few stray dogs near Jalan Alor in Kuala Lumpur two decades ago grew into a lifelong mission of compassion.
According to TRP, Shahrul recalled first encountering the dogs in a parking lot. They were chained up, without water, and their food bowl was crawling with maggots. Heartbroken by their condition, she returned the next day with some leftover food and continued feeding them every day for months.
One day, a violent encounter changed everything. After getting into an argument with her then-boyfriend, who struck her, one of the dogs leapt to her defense and bit him. When he retaliated by kicking the dog, the other four quickly rushed to protect her.
Despite being in a bustling area, Shahrul shared that no bystanders offered help or called the authorities as she cried for assistance. It was the dogs abandoned and neglected themselves who stood by her when no one else did. That moment sealed her commitment to caring for animals in need.
Since then, Shahrul has devoted her life to helping stray dogs. She humbly insists she is not a rescuer but simply someone who lends a hand to distressed animals. Staying true to her promise, she eventually founded the Apsara Shelter in Bentong, Pahang, where she continues to provide care for abandoned and mistreated animals.
Shahrul also encourages others to adopt rather than buy pets, and stresses the importance of neutering to control the stray population.
Her selfless dedication has touched many hearts, with countless people praising her unwavering compassion in the face of challenges and criticism.
Source: TRP
