At the age of 55, Australian Elizabeth Homfray turned her retirement into a full-time mission to rescue and rehabilitate dogs in Vietnam. With over 17 years of experience in dog rescue, she has become a symbol of compassion, dedicating her life to giving abused, abandoned, and neglected dogs a chance at a better life.
A Passion for Rescue
Elizabeth’s journey began in 2007 when she moved to Vietnam with her husband for his work assignment in Ho Chi Minh City. As she explored the city’s narrow alleyways on weekends, she witnessed the plight of emaciated and abandoned dogs scavenging for food. The images of these distressed animals stayed with her, and she soon began feeding the strays.
Her growing awareness of the limited veterinary care for dogs in Vietnam, compared to Australia, led her to take action. In Vietnam, veterinary services were primarily focused on livestock, leaving little support for the country’s stray dog population. Elizabeth realized that there was a dire need for a dedicated rescue organization.
Founding Laws for Paws Vietnam
In 2019, Elizabeth established Laws for Paws Vietnam, a 300-square-meter rescue shelter in Thạnh Mỹ Lợi, Thủ Đức, where she began her mission to save dogs in need. Her decision to stay in Vietnam, even after her husband’s work assignment ended, reflected her deep connection to the country and its people. Elizabeth has since worked tirelessly as the shelter’s founding director, overseeing day-to-day operations and leading an educational program aimed at promoting responsible dog ownership.
“I see Vietnam as my home,” she says. “When I arrived here 17 years ago, I saw the immense potential and freedom to grow community projects, unlike the bureaucracy often found in the West.”
A Growing Mission
The shelter’s mission is clear: rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome dogs that have been abused or abandoned. Elizabeth’s work extends beyond just caring for the animals; she is deeply invested in educating the community about proper dog care. Every weekend, volunteers, particularly students, visit the shelter to learn about animal care, dog grooming, and how to be responsible pet owners.
Elizabeth also visits local schools, teaching children how to walk dogs on leashes, clean up after their pets, and practice proper grooming. “Our goal is to find a forever home for every dog under our care,” Elizabeth explains. “Many local shelters struggle with overwhelming numbers and lack the processes to ensure a successful adoption.”
The Story of Mekong
One of the most memorable rescue stories for Elizabeth is that of Mekong, a Husky saved from the Mekong Delta. Mekong’s owner had purchased her as a puppy from a breeder after seeing an advertisement on Facebook. However, as the dog grew, the owner struggled to feed her the proper diet, instead giving her leftover food intended for local breed dogs. Mekong’s health deteriorated rapidly, and by the time Elizabeth intervened, the dog was severely malnourished and emaciated, weighing just 18 kilograms when she should have weighed 30.
“Mekong had skin issues and was chained outside in poor conditions,” Elizabeth recalls. “It took us about a year to rehabilitate her before she was fit for adoption.” The story highlights the lack of education surrounding breed-specific care, especially in countries like Vietnam, where the needs of large, high-maintenance breeds like Huskies are often misunderstood.
Overcoming Challenges
Elizabeth’s journey has not been without challenges. In 2011, the number of dogs in her care reached 30, and managing them required significant resources. The shelter operates without government support and relies entirely on public donations. The adoption fee at the shelter, which is about $53, covers the costs of vaccinations and sterilization.
Her commitment has paid off, as she has successfully placed numerous dogs in loving homes. However, Elizabeth remains focused on her mission to create a sustainable, community-based approach to dog rescue. In 2025, she plans to open a new shelter in Đồng Nai, specifically designed to care for senior dogs and those with behavioral issues, which often limit their adoption opportunities. This shelter will also serve as a community-based tourism initiative, where visitors can enjoy the rural beauty of Đồng Nai while helping out at the shelter.
Community Support
Elizabeth’s husband, an animal lover himself, has been a constant source of support throughout this journey. While she was out rescuing dogs in narrow alleyways and under bridges, he took on the role of primary caregiver for their daughter, ensuring the family’s balance and well-being.
Looking back on her 17 years in Vietnam, Elizabeth feels fulfilled by the difference she has made in the lives of countless dogs and the community. As she continues her work, she remains dedicated to the belief that every dog deserves a safe and loving home.
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