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For as long as she can remember, this Malaysian mother has never been able to walk past a hungry stray dog and do nothing.
While others might look away, Airis Yasmin stops, feeds, and stays even when people question her intentions.
Speaking exclusively to WeirdKaya, the mother of one shared that her journey with stray animals did not begin in adulthood, nor did it start as a conscious mission.
Raised with compassion
Growing up, Airis’ family raised cats at home, but their kindness did not stop at their front door. Her parents were lifelong animal lovers who regularly fed both stray cats and dogs, regardless of whether they belonged to anyone.
They taught me that even if you do not have much for yourself, you should still try to give. That lesson stayed with me.”
Watching her parents care for animals without expecting anything in return planted something deep in her heart. Over time, feeding strays became second nature to her.
Although Airis had been feeding animals for years, there was one moment that left a lasting imprint on her soul.
The 28-year-old mother recalled being out for a meal with her parents near a sharp bend in the road when they suddenly heard a loud sound. A car had driven too fast and struck a puppy.
It was very cute. But it had been lying there for a while,” she recalled fondly.
Until then, Airis had only ever fed dogs from a distance. That day, she picked the puppy up using a cloth, brought it home, and took it to a veterinary clinic the next day.
When it came time to pay, the clinic charged her only half the bill’s amount. “The doctor was touched and told me it was the first time he had seen a Muslim person bring a dog in for treatment,” she said.
Feeding with care and dignity
Today, Airis goes out to feed stray dogs three to four times a week, sometimes more when time allows. She also visits several locations where familiar faces wait patiently for her.
She wears gloves, places food neatly on sheets or plates, and makes sure fresh water is always available.
She also brings along water dispensers and refills them during every visit. Together with friends, she cleans and sweeps the area before feeding the stray animals.
“To me, feeding is not just about giving food. It is about respecting them and the space they live in.”
What makes Airis’ story especially touching is that she often brings her child along during these feeding trips.
“I want my child to grow up compassionate towards all creatures. Not just cats or dogs, but every living being,” she explained.
Airis teaches her child that fear or past trauma should never be an excuse to hurt an animal. That lesson, she hopes, will stay with him long after childhood.
“My son has grown comfortable around animals and shows a natural gentleness towards them. Most of his plush toys are animals, a small reflection of a heart learning kindness early,” she added with a laugh.
Teaching compassion with responsibility
Despite her son’s comfort around dogs, Airis remains cautious at all times. “If it is our first time feeding a dog or if it is more aggressive, I tell him to stay back. Compassion must be paired with responsibility.”
Some moments stay with her long after the food is gone.
“When the dogs do not want me to leave, it really touches me. They follow my car or chase after it once I am done feeding,” she said.
There is one group of four dogs that Airis feels particularly attached to as she has been feeding them since they were puppies.
“I watched them grow up. Thus, I miss them when I am away, and I’m grateful I was given the chance to care for them.”
Criticism, faith and staying true to herself
Despite her sincerity, Airis admits that criticism comes often.
I receive backlash every time. But I take it with an open heart. We cannot please everyone.”
She remains mindful of her religious practices by wearing gloves, avoiding direct contact with saliva, and performing ritual cleansing afterwards. To her, faith and compassion do not cancel each other out.
“No matter what people say, I have never stopped feeding stray animals,” she said.
Time remains Airis’ biggest challenge as she balances family life and responsibilities. Still, she does not walk this path alone.
Her husband has always been supportive of her efforts, and there are days when he is the one encouraging her to go out and feed the dogs.
Through simple acts of care and quiet perseverance, Airis is not only feeding stray dogs, but also raising a child who understands that kindness is not something you switch on and off.
It is simply who you are.
Exclusive Story by WeirdKaya – If you wish to reproduce this story, please ensure that you obtain consent from the interviewee to maintain factual accuracy and avoid the potential spread of misleading information.
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