Meet Cecilia Wong, a retired professional who now spends her days with her two beloved pups, Bella and Ally. When she’s not out enjoying Singapore’s beautiful parks or expanding her succulent collection, Cecilia is making a difference as a dedicated SOSD volunteer. She first joined SOSD after learning about Healing Paws from a friend. Wanting to do something meaningful with her dogs, she found her calling in animal-assisted activities, and Bella, her 9-year-old Cavapoo, has been her faithful partner on this journey.
As a Healing Paws volunteer, Cecilia and Bella bring joy to beneficiaries at day care centres, community hospitals, children’s homes, and sometimes even private sessions for children battling cancer. Cecilia humbly calls herself “Bella’s driver and treat dispenser,” but their work has a profound impact. One particularly touching moment was when they fulfilled the last wish of a terminally ill man who wanted to spend time with dogs. His face lit up when he met Bella, and the experience deeply moved both him and his family. This emotional encounter cemented Cecilia’s desire to do more for cancer patients, helping to bring comfort and joy during their most difficult times.
For Cecilia, volunteering isn’t just about giving back, but also about creating beautiful, lasting memories with Bella. Their sessions at children’s homes are especially close to her heart, as she believes these children deserve happiness and a chance to thrive. Recently, they visited a family where one child was diagnosed with brain cancer. Though Cecilia wasn’t sure what to expect, Bella worked her magic, bringing smiles, laughter, and positive energy into the home.
Balancing volunteering with her other commitments is easy for Cecilia because she views it as her calling. After a heartbreaking experience where a young cancer patient passed away before she and Bella could meet her, Cecilia now makes it a priority to attend to such cases as soon as possible, knowing that time is precious for them.
Through her volunteer work, Cecilia has gained a greater awareness of the struggles that many people, especially children, face in society. Her advice to anyone considering volunteering with Healing Paws is simple: “Do it from your heart, and the beneficiaries will be touched too.”
Cecilia’s journey with SOSD is a beautiful testament to the power of love, compassion, and the special bond between humans and their dogs. Thank you, Cecilia and Bella!
