The ruins of a burnt-down house in Kampung Limbanak, Penampang, remain eerily silent—except for the dogs still waiting there.

Their owners perished in the fire on March 2. The flames also claimed several cats, while the surviving ones have since been rehomed. But for the 20 or so dogs left behind, there is no clear future.

Their fur is matted with ash, their eyes clouded with confusion. They still guard the wreckage, barking at visitors but never attacking—watching, waiting, as if their owners might return.

“These dogs don’t understand what happened. They only know this was their home,” said Sam Lau, a retired stray feeder who has been tending to them. 

Some of the dogs were injured in the fire, their wounds untreated for days before volunteers stepped in. Now, a small group of animal lovers takes turns feeding them, but without proper shelter, their condition will only worsen.

“People are dropping off food, but there’s no system. Leftovers are piling up, rotting in the heat, attracting flies and maggots,” Lau said.

The only person the dogs still trust is Willy, their owners’ former helper. He had been away in Kudat when the fire broke out. Now homeless himself, he has been returning to check on them.

“The moment they saw him, they ran to him—jumping, clinging to his legs. They know he’s the only one left for them,” said Lau.

But Willy doesn’t know how much longer he can stay.

Without urgent help, the dogs face an uncertain fate. Volunteers are scrambling to find adopters or shelters before they become strays, or worse.

For those willing to foster or adopt, details are available on a dedicated Facebook page: www.facebook.com/share/18kJ3c7JAS/. — March 6, 2025 

NOTE: Original story by The Star