Michael J. Baines
Michael J. Baines is the President and Co-Founder of The Man That Rescues Dogs. He is a Swedish entrepreneur who moved to Thailand and opened his restaurant in Bangsaen, Chonburi, Thailand, in 2002. From the very beginning, every day he would find many stray dogs on the streets, most of them in a very poor conditions. He started helping them as much as he could, driving around the city after work to feed and treat them and taking injured dogs to the local veterinary clinic. In a very short time he started rescue/rehabilitation and rehoming on his free time away from work. Since then he has built The Sanctuary up to official Foundation status and is now supported by the local government, with particular help and partnership with Narongchai Khunpluem, the Mayor of Saensuk.
TMTRD Non-profit Organization
The Man That Rescues Dogs Foundation now has its sights set on expanding The Sanctuary to take in more rescues and modernizing its low cost clinic to treat and heal more dogs. There will also be extra effort put into Education through visits to schools and public spaces as well as allowing graduate vets to join our team in The Clinic as interns for short or long periods.
TMTRD Timeline
The Beginning
Michael started his mission to help dogs on the streets and rescue as many as he could with limited funds and space.
Non Profit Status
TMTRD officially became a Non profit organization in Sweden with the help of Mr. Hans Tjernström, Michael’s good friend, and partner.
First Documentary
Miss Anna Tjernström, filmmaker and member of the TMTRD board in Sweden, released the first documentary about Michael's work. We are hoping that she will be available to make a sequel soon.
Foster Home For Dogs
Michael established his first Foster Home for dogs by renting a house and hiring staff to look after the dogs.
MOU Signed
Michael signed MOU with Saensuk municipality to manage and expand the local shelter for 80 existing dogs at the time.
Foster Home Relocation
The foster home had to be moved to the main shelter because of numerous complaints from the neighbors.
320 Dog In Care
TMTRD has 320 dogs under its care. This consists of 180 dogs in the shelter, 60 dogs in the foster home and 100 dogs on the streets.
Free Clinic
TMTRD has 570 dogs under its care. TMTRD opened its own clinic with two veterinarians to provide health care for the dogs we have and also a free of charge care for other pets.
Pandemic
Donations begin to drop due to the pandemic. All major projects are put on hold while we adapt to the pandemic situation.
A “low cost” clinic
Still dealing with the pandemic our clinic now becomes a “low cost” clinic, charging only to cover operating costs. TMTRD has 700 dogs in our care
Official Clinic
TMTRD now has 1100 dogs in our care, 700 at our sanctuary and 400 that we feed on the streets. We also have 40 staff members which include 3 full time veterinarians.
The Future of TMTRD
TMTRD aims to help as many stray dogs in our community as we can, to reduce the unwanted dog population through spaying and neutering. We currently spay and neuter in Bangsaen and Bang Pra but we are hoping to one day cover all of the Chonburi province. Our mission is to increase our coverage area by expanding our low cost clinic. With some additional equipment and a larger area for our three veterinarians to work, we will be able to sterilize and provide better medical care to more dogs in our community.
With your help, we can do better.
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