A Lifelong Love – Ashani’s story
I have always felt an innate desire to connect with animals, to speak and listen to them. This trait runs deep in my family, passed down from my maternal grandfather, a devoted animal lover who perpetually had a crew of Cocker Spaniels padding about the house. It was only when one of my grandfather’s dogs became paralysed that I truly understood what loving an animal meant. Witnessing him care for his pet like he would a family member was a life-changing experience. This learning was my greatest inheritance!
As an eight-year-old, my life revolved around Bobby, Boola, and Panchi—a friend’s dog and two rescued cats who had found a loving home with us. I would rush home from school, looking forward to spending countless hours playing and cuddling with them. Sadly, my happy days were cut short when Rabies cruelly snatched away my companions, leaving an irreparable void in my life.
Two years passed before any more fur-babies entered my life. I would often hear mewing in our neighbourhood and set off in search of stray kittens that needed a home. In those days, vaccination and sterilisation weren’t common practices, so our home soon became a sanctuary for cats and kittens of all shapes and sizes. Finding good homes for the rescues we couldn’t keep became a crucial part of my mission. I was fortunate to connect with many like-minded individuals who shared my passion and opened their homes to these defenceless creatures.
In the turbulent 1980s, Sri Lanka faced a period of unrest, leaving many pets abandoned on the streets. We couldn’t turn a blind eye to the plight of these innocent creatures and took in our neighbours’ abandoned dog. Looking back, it seems like a natural calling. Wherever I went, I was drawn to street animals, and they would inevitably become my pets. I was at my most content around them.
Life took its course, and I pursued a BSc in Business Administration from the University of Campbellsville, Kentucky, USA. I spent 12 years in the fast-paced world of apparels and a year in the tea industry. Through it all, my love for animals never waned. In some form or another, they would always find their way into my life, whether it was through wildlife conservation or rescue work.
I joined Embark in 2012 and something inside me simply clicked into place. The opportunity to work hands-on and connect with countless amazing souls was a truly humbling experience. During my 6 years as Head of Operations, we worked tirelessly to rescue, treat, vaccinate, sterilise, and rehome thousands of street animals. Most importantly, we endeavoured to change hearts and minds through education and awareness, in the hope of creating a future where all Sri Lankan street dogs are loved and valued.
Having had the immense privilege of working with Embark, I realised heading back to the corporate world would not bring me true fulfilment. Embark planted the seed for me to follow my passion.
Animals have taught me so much in my life. I learnt to be grounded, present and patient. They have helped me heal when life twisted and turned; they taught me to simply accept things as they are. Inspired by these lessons, I founded Forever Friends.
Our mission is to provide a service that appreciates and respects pets for who they are by building an understanding of their unique needs. Our services, above all, focus on what the pet and pet parent require.
When I think of the future, I am looking for more opportunities to spread love, kindness, and compassion: a way to build memories and find joy sharing the antics of the pets we meet on our daily rounds! I don’t intend to grow a large business but simply to occupy a niche that offers professional and trusted care to pet owners seeking wholesome, warm carers who will truly cherish their beloved fur-babies.
It brings me great joy to announce that I recently received certification as a Level 2 Practitioner in the Let Animals Lead method in Animal Reiki. Discovering this ability to connect with animals on a deep, spiritual level, feels like I am finally home.
My dream is to see an effective national policy for the mass, humane sterilisation and vaccination of street animals that paves the way for a Rabies-free Sri Lanka.
PEACE OF MIND FOR PET PARENTS, COMFORT AND CARE FOR FUR-BABIES.
I’ve been part of the Forever Friends family from the very beginning! And have learned the ins and outs of providing top-notch care for our furry clients in those five years. I’ve always had a passion for animals, and enjoy sharing this with our junior team members through mentoring and training.
I just completed three years at Forever Friends. Before that, I worked with Embark; coordinating with numerous animal hospitals, welfare organisations, and communities across Sri Lanka. Throughout my 12 years of experience working with owned pets and street dogs, I’ve honed my skills and deepened my understanding of animal care.
I’m in my second year at Forever Friends. I’m dedicated, friendly, and hardworking; with extensive experience caring for a variety of wild animals! Over the years, I’ve developed a strong understanding of animal behaviour, nutrition, and wellbeing; and am excited to bring this skill set to the pet-care arena!
Since joining the team, as the youngest member, I’ve learned so much from my colleagues and have grown professionally. Before joining Forever Friends, I gained invaluable experience working at an animal hospital as a pet groomer. I absolutely love my job and the opportunity to work with amazing animals every day.
I spent nearly five years working as a veterinary nurse before joining Forever Friends. My love for animals has always been a driving force in my life! Joining Forever Friends has given me the perfect opportunity to use my veterinary knowledge and skills while being around the animals I adore.