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I Was Judged For Rescuing Dogs, But That Didn’t Stop Me. Now, I Sing On TikTok To Take Care Over 100 Stray Animals

Getting judged over and over again, but she never stops fighting for the voiceless.
Exclusive Story by WeirdKaya- Proper accreditation to WeirdKaya and consent from the interviewee are required.
A heartwarming TikTok video recently captured the attention of netizens when a compassionate Malaysian woman was seen stopping by the highway to feed a hungry stray dog.

Little did many know (us included), that this single act of kindness was just the tip of the iceberg in her incredible journey of rescuing and caring for stray animals.

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WeirdKaya recently had the chance to speak to Rouziehasmila binti Heziha, a devoted animal feeder and rescuer from Chenderong Balai, Perak, in an exclusive interview regarding her journey of becoming a protector of stray animals.

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Msian woman feeding cats at her own shelther at rawang
Photo provided to WeirdKaya.

How it all began

Rouziehasmila’s inspiring journey started in 2019 during a period of personal hardship.

The 46-year-old’s husband had just suffered a stroke, and overwhelmed with emotion, she went to the market. There, amidst her tears, she spotted a cat.

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I then brought the cat home.” she said. “In that moment, something sparked within me.”

Rouziehasmila takling selfie with her cats at the shelther
Photo provided to WeirdKaya.

From once fearing dogs, Rouziehasmila began to empathise with their plight, especially seeing how malnourished and neglected they were.

She recounted witnessing someone cruelly kicking a dog in front of her, which deepened her resolve to help.

“I started feeding any stray animals I came across. I always keep pet food in my car, and even when I’m low on money, I find a way to make it work.

“During the Covid-19 lockdown, two stray puppies wandered their way into my home. I adopted them and today, they’re part of my family,” she shared.

Facing stigma and challenges

Rouziehasmila with her two dogs
Photo provided to WeirdKaya.

Being a Malay woman caring for dogs hasn’t been easy. Rouziehasmila frequently receives harsh comments like, ‘Why are you feeding dogs? Feeding cats should be enough.’

I prioritise the feelings of these animals over people’s judgment,” she said firmly.

“However, there was one incident that hurt me deeply when I tried to rescue a puppy near a highway. As I stopped my car to help, a passerby waved a middle finger at me. But these challenges have only strengthened my determination more.

“I’ve even been accused of smelling like dogs, but I don’t let it get to me. I’m not someone who breaks down easily,” she added.

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How she manages over 100 animals

You might wonder how Rouziehasmila manages to care for more than 100 animals. She explained that some animals she found straying on the streets were brought back home with her, while others approached her, seeking help.

“Some people simply no longer want to care for their pets, so they come to me,” she said.

In these cases, I charge a small fee of RM100 to cover the costs of their care, and then I take full responsibility for them. From that point, they’re under my care until the end of their lives.”

Despite the overwhelming number of animals, Rouziehasmila is deeply committed to each and every one.

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However, she made it clear that starting in 2025, she will no longer be taking in any new animals and will focus solely on those she’s already caring for.

Singing for survival

Photo provided to WeirdKaya.

Currently, Rouziehasmila cares for over 100 stray cats and two dogs, which is no small feat.

As such, she has divided the animals between the inside and outside of her home, with those needing extra care kept indoors.

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She also prioritises treating sick and injured animals, ensuring they receive medical attention. “I live with them under one roof,” she said with a smile.

She also emphasises that she is now fighting alone to care for her sick cat, constantly dealing with recurring viruses.

To fund her efforts, Rouziehasmila sings on TikTok live every night. Her soothing voice and heartfelt cause have touched many, with individuals donating as much as RM6,000.

All the funds go towards food, veterinary care, and medicines. The expenses are immense, running into thousands of Ringgit,” she said.

Before using TikTok, she sold homemade kuih to cover the expenses but later turned to social media when her health began to decline.

While Rouziehasmila’s hasn’t been free of heartbreak, the joy of seeing animals heal and thrive is what keeps her going. “I have to stay strong because so many lives depend on me,” she said.

She also had a word of advice for those looking to help stray animals

“First, be patient. Second, don’t be disgusted by them. The world of animal rescue can be harsh, and one wrong move can lead to setbacks. But if you’re committed, the rewards are immense.”

Dreams for the future

For Rouziehasmila, her ultimate dream is to have a place of her own to care for these animals.

Rouziehasmila taking care of cats at her shelther
Photo provided to WeirdKaya.

“I’m currently renting, but my landlord is very kind. I hope to one day have a permanent shelter for them,” she said.

Rouziehasmila also looks forward to the day where, with enough support and resources, this dream will become a reality.

It’s not just a shelter she envisions—it’s a home for animals who’ve endured the harshest of circumstances and deserve a second chance at life.


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. 

If referencing or using any information from our story, we kindly ask that proper credit is given, along with a backlink to WeirdKaya, as acknowledgment of the efforts made by our editors in sourcing and conducting interviews.

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