As we remember another Rescue Dog Day on 20 May, I want to highlight some of the people who give dogs a second chance. This is a series of stories about Second Chance Givers – to honour and highlight their work. And how to get in touch if you are interested in finding more about them.
Meet Sybille Morch, who runs a sanctuary in Koh Samui for disabled dogs – @my.disabled.hairy.friends And this is her story.
Because, really, everything only changed when I turned 40 (now I’m 53 
) and started helping with animal rescue here on Ko Samui island. Before that, I was a doctor, specialised in breast cancer surgery, married, living a very privileged and objectively “good” life… but it never fully felt like mine. Something was always missing. I was searching, but didn’t even know what for — until I came to Thailand and met the street dogs. That’s when everything shifted.
I didn’t even grow up with dogs, by the way, I was a total cat person. Dogs only came into my life much later. But working with the street dogs here, I realised something powerful: especially disabled dogs can be incredibly joyful and full of life, if you truly give them the care they need. And that’s how everything here started. I’ve learned so much along the way. Dogs like Pipilotta, or Samy, who actually started it all, showed me what real will to live looks like. Samy had a complete neurological failure due to a severe infection and needed over a year to get back on all four paws. Over a year. And he made it. And we had many, many beautiful years together after that. He proved one thing very clearly: the impossible is possible even beyond what medicine would say.
That’s what my book is about: my story, the beginning of everything, and the stories of all my dogs here, each one with their own journey. And the best part? I’m not searching anymore. I’ve arrived. And I’m truly happy. The book is currently available only in German and can already be ordered on major online platforms such as Amazon. It has been officially released on April 22.
