Canine Dream World is a safe haven and forever home for 88 dogs & 5 cats which were rescued by Mike Duval off the streets in Koh Samui/Thailand. He has been rescuing animals since February 2010.

Soly, the real founder of Canine Dream World! He is the reason I became a dog rescuer. I found him in February 2010 as a puppy ditched in the forest next to an excavation machine whilst running one morning - I simply could not leave him there. That was the best day of my life, and the day my life changed forever (please see more under the category ‘About’). Unfortunately, he developed heart problems later in life, and left me in December 2020. This was the hardest day of my life, and the day in which a part of me died with him. I cannot thank him enough for changing my life for the better - if only he were still here. A day does not go by where I don’t think about him.

Abby (family member since June 2021).

Abby was brought to me by plantation workers who had found her in the bush hiding from stray dogs. At the beginning she couldn’t walk (her hind legs appeared to be paralyzed), had a massive infection around her spine and four deep wounds which looked like bite marks. Even the vet gave her a grim prognosis after X-rays were taken. Luckily the antibiotics worked and got the infection under control, but her legs were still not moving; she had no feeling in them. I did rehabilitation exercises with her three times a day which she always looked forward to. I would call ‘Abbyrobic’ (my word mix of Abby and aerobic, lol). After a few weeks she started to move - first her tail, then she tried to push with one leg and finally took her first steps. I couldn’t be happier - proof never to lose hope! Now she’s a strong dog who loves to run around rough housing with the others. I love her so much!

Anna & Julia (family members since April 2021).

These lovely sisters were given to me by a neighbor living 100 meters up the road as they could not take care of these wild ones anymore. You know how this works: They come to me with two pups in their arms. It turns out these two little doggies are some of the most energetic ones I have. They are also very smart and enjoy running around happily and getting into mischief. Both of them have a deep place in my heart!

Bertha & daughters Bernadette, Belle and Bijou (family members since January 2021).

This cute family was brought to me by locals who simply told me, if I couldn’t take them they would ditch them somewhere in the rainforest. Needless to say, I took them in. They are a very cute family who stick together to this day - the mom takes good care of the pups still protecting them from other dogs. They all hang out in their area and are a super happy family. It is so nice to see the mothers together with their pups as separation for dogs is so unnatural.

Violette (family member since June 2021).

Violette was walking with a few locals who live down the street. Whilst they passed me, Violette came towards me and didn’t want to follow them anymore. I told them that their dog was still at my side but the response was short ‘Perfect, she can stay with you, we don’t need her’. She really made no effort to go to them, not even looking at them; she didn’t want to leave me. I put her with our other dogs and it was instantly as if she had been here already for months. She was really lucky in many ways: shortly after that she came into heat and I took her right away to our vet to sterilize her. I am so glad she didn’t have to have puppies on the street. They would have probably given her and all the pups to us. She is another very friendly, beautiful soul!

Svenja & daughters Selena, Stacy, Skyler, Scarlet, Soraya and Summer (family members since January 2021).

A pickup stopped in front of our gate; I went out to see who it was. The driver then asked me if I could take in one mom with her 6 pups; at the same moment Svenja (the mom, who was tied up at the back of the truck) looked into my eyes with a pleading face and I couldn’t say no. I quickly built a new compound for them. Poor Svenja was so thin - they all devoured their meals in for the first days (the usual worms came out right away after I gave them the deworming tablets). They’re a very friendly family who all stick together like glue. It is so nice to see this happy family enjoying life to the fullest here. I love ‘em all to the moon and back!

Greta (family member since December 2020).

I saw him for a while living in a shanti town near our sanctuary; after asking the locals there, I found out that his previous owners left their shack and had moved back to the mainland without him. Since then he had been living under a house which looked like it would fall apart at any moment. They told me it was a girl so I named him Greta. He was very shy and slim. I fed him daily, de-wormed him, gave preventive meds against ticks and fleas, but I could not touch him and he didn’t go near my trapping cage. Of course, I did not give up and on December 23rd he came very close to my hand, so close that I was able to grab him. I shaved his nasty, clumped, dirty hair right away (I needed two clipper heads, with that condition they were dull in no time). To my surprise, he came to me right after the grooming and licked my face like he wanted to say thank you for making me comfortable and saving me. He is always very close to me, and I’m so happy he can enjoy TLC to the fullest after having had and unfortunate start in life.

Beatrix & Antje (family members since October 2020).

I spotted a lactating and emaciated dog not far from our place so I went back home right away, grabbed food and water and then fed her. I followed her at a distance. She had recently given birth in a hole hidden under a bush. I wanted to catch her and then put her with the pups in a kennel so they could all be together in peace but there was no chance. I could not get her - she avoided the trapping cage like the plague. The pups were less than a week old so I did not want to separate them. I went there twice a day for six weeks to feed the mom and check on the pups. One day it started to rain and the mom dug a hole under someone’s house. The owner told me that they all had to go now and that they didn’t want dogs around as they had chickens. I knew what that meant: I had no other choice but to get the pups and hope to get the mom as well. Unfortunately, there was no chance even with the pups inside the cage. On the following day I asked a local shelter to help me to tranquilize the mom; after that I immediately brought her to a trusted vet to get her spayed. When I took her back, she didn’t want to be in my area and was no longer interested in her pups - she simply wanted to get out. I released her - at least she cannot get pregnant anymore. I feed her daily, along with a few other dogs in my street where the owners don’t have money for proper food. To this day, she won’t come within 10 feet of anyone. She also gets preventive meds from me and spends her time chilling out under her tree. The pups are doing more than fine. They have became big dogs - much bigger than the mom, so the dad must have been a huge doggie. I love them very much, they are such special characters with a special story.

Limon, Peach, Maca, Hazel, Pele & Lava (family members since September 2020).

Less than a fortnight from when Popeye et al. were ditched, this cute little family was also left in a cardboard box during the night in front of our gate. They were very hungry, had bellies full of worms, and fleas all over. They, too, turned around in no time. To this day all of them hang out together, and have become some of the biggest dogs we have. They are also very happy fellows, smiling all the time who will win your heart in no time.

Steffi, Andre & Charly family members since September 2020) and Lupo & Eagle (family members since October 2020).

Eggy, my neighbor’s dog (who roams free), was barking in front of my gate and I knew right away that something was wrong. At first, I thought something had happened to him so I went out to check and found puppies in a cardboard box. Luckily I went out, as the monsoon had already begun - it poured down all day. Of course, I took them in, cleaned, dried, fed, and de-wormed them as well as making them a comfy bed. Even after just a few days of TLC they had made a remarkable recovery. They were now lively and hungry. I am so happy that Eggy alerted me in the night. I cannot imagine what might have happened during a monsoon night.
Lupo & Eagle share the same story. They were ditched during the night in a cardboard box in front of my gate. I think they’re siblings of Steffi, Andre & Charly, as they look very similar, are about the same age, and foremost, share the same character. It is likely that the folks who ditched them wanted to keep the first two, but then changed their minds. They are such a lovely and lively family. They are a big part of our family - super sweet characters as well. They’re the curious ones who love to observe everything and then run around and get into mischief.

Kylie (family member since March 2020).

I spotted Kylie in front of a few houses down my street. I went there to offer to spay her, but it turned out she belonged to an empty house and that the folks who had lived there moved off the island and simply left her behind. Needless to say, I rescued her right away. She’s a happy-go-lucky dog who is a joy to have her around. I am so glad I got her and prevented the worst.

Hiro (family member since January 2020).

He was ditched in front of our gate early in the morning; this poor soul was sitting totally lost in front of our entrance and didn’t know what was going on. Luckily, he trusted me right away. I immediately told him that he’s our new family member and that everything would be is be fine from now on. He also found his best mate, Blinky (who had been given to us 2 months prior). Both are inseparable and hang out together all the time. Hiro is a very happy and energetic dog who plays around all the time and is al a top heart-stealer.

Boy & George (family members since 2019).

One day I bought a cabinet for the dogs from a furniture store. They delivered it to me so they knew my address. A few days later they came with a box containing 2 kittens to my gate and then put them over the gate. I came out right away and asked them what they were doing. The answer was straight forward, “We are giving them to you’. Of course, I told them they cannot just put animals over my gate, and that I cannot take all souls in need. Their answer was quite amusing: “Okay, we won’t do it again, bye-bye’ and off they went. Luckily, these kitties were healthy and felt at home right away without any trouble from my other cats. They’re very playful, full of mischief and heart-stealers as well.

Ellie and Ronja (family members December 2019).

Ellie was ditched in a rice bag in front of our fence on the morning before Christmas Eve 2019. I heard cries and had a look. By then she had managed to get out of the bag and ran towards me. Two days later, Ronja, although this time without being stuffed in a rice bag, was ditched as well in front of our gate. They are very likely sisters. I dewormed them right away. Both enjoy life to the fullest here and are constantly playing around and getting into mischief! It is great to have these two sweet sisters!

Blinky (family member since November 2019).

Blinky was given to me by an expat who was returning to Australia, and due to the harsh import requirements (months-long stay in quarantine, pre-screening, etc.), she was given to me. She was used to roaming freely in a huge garden so it would have been a massive shock for her. She loved me the minute I got her which made for a very smooth transition. She is such a loving girl whom you simply must love. I am very happy that she’s with us here.

She is sponsored by Bob M.

Ercan, Otis & Betty (family members since October 2019).

They were ditched in front my gate exactly one week after Foxy and Laurent were thrown over my gate; they looked like siblings of them. This meant that I got even more pups within a week. They also inhaled their first meal, were a bit more shy than the two a week prior but made up for it very quickly, becoming more mischiefous masters than the others. I love all of them to the moon and back They are such a loving and energetic family.

Foxy and Laurent (family members since October 2019).

Both were thrown over my gate and gobbled down their first meal. I literally had to stop them. Luckily, they opened up in no time and couldn’t get enough cuddles. They are easy going, active, mischievous dogs.

Dorian, Lisa, Luna, Elin & Ester (family members since October 2019).

Whilst out during a heavy downpour, I noticed 5 puppies (less than a fortnight old) having very recently being ditched on a dirty towel under the overhang of an empty house directly next to the busiest road on our island. I immediately put them into my gym bag, looked around for their mom but couldn’t find her. They must have ditched them without their mom (sadly, a very common practice here). So instead of going to the gym, I went home right away with five new puppies. I fed them a special puppy formula milk right away - they were so hungry. All five survived and became a loving and easy-going family who hang around all the time together planning mischievous things. I am so happy that I was in the right place at the right time that day.

Sonny (family member since August 2019).

Sonny was brought to me by an animal lover who had seen that he had been left behind by shop owners after moving. As if that was not bad enough, he was in danger from other shops around only for the crime of looking for food. He is another loving doggie who simply steals your heart when he looks deep into your soul. He also loves to sleep next to you, which instantly brings a big grin to your face.

He is sponsored by Michelle.

April (family member since March 2019).

She (along with Lucy) was given to me by local restaurant owners after they had been ditched at their premises. She is also a very nice soul who doesn’t misbehave but just wants to be by your side, dozing the day away with frequent outbursts of energy. Once she puts her head in your lap whilst you’re sitting, all worries are gone in no time!

Lucy (family member since March 2019).

Lucy (along with April) was given to me by local restaurant owners, after they had been ditched at their premises. She is another happy-go-lucky dog where you ask yourself, “Why do people ‘throw away’ a dog like her”. She is so loving and a cuddling champion - just having her around you brightens up your day. You just have to love this fluffy soul!

Sunshine (family member since March 2019).

Sunshine was given to me by locals who told me she had been ditched at their place with a broken hind leg. Of course, I couldn’t say no looking into this cutie’s eyes. For the first hours she was nervous and in pain, but she then opened up very fast. Luckily the x-ray I took showed a clean fracture which had already started to heal so confinement was needed for only the first weeks. She’s always smiling; photo bombs nearly every picture. She is simply a dog you can’t help but love!

Lindsey (family member since 2018).

She was thrown over the fence of a good friend’s house as a young puppy with a broken paw. My friend already had a few dogs in her small garden and could not keep her as she loved to howl the whole time. Seeing her as a small puppy I could not say no. I am so glad I took her in as she’s just a super sweet dog and I love her to bits.

Wolfie (family member since 2018).

I rescued him as an adolescent in my former neighborhood after I was contacted by residents about him showing up in their garden with blood around his neck and a foul smell. It turned out that someone had put a collar on him as a puppy and, as he grew, the collar became embedded into his skin. I could not catch him at first as he was very scared, but Chaukuai, a big dog also living in this area (whom I knew from my time living there), came to help. He chased the dog under a car so I could get him from behind. I had to get the collar off with force as it was mostly ingrown; I had to remove many maggots as well (hence the foul smell). Luckily, with lots of TLC, good food and the right meds, he recovered. Only the scar around the neck remains, which doesn’t bother him at all. Whenever I approach him, he jumps up and down for joy, like he wants to thank me. This always put a big grin on my face, as the ‘Madleine de Proust’ moment comes right away when seeing him.

Mariah (family member since 2018).

She was ditched in front of a restaurant close by; the owners contacted me about her. Mariah is one of the friendliest dogs I have ever met - everybody loves Mariah right away. She is so gentle, loves to lay her head on your lap and just watches you with a big, loving smile. She’s an important part of our family here!

Sofia (family member since 2018).

She was a stray and being fed by an employee of a retail company in that area. Shortly before that woman moved away she contacted me about Sofia. Seeing Sofia’s pleading eyes, I could not say no. She likes to play with all dogs and wakes up happy every morning with a big smile. She’s a very lovely dog and wins people over in no time.

Blizzy, Nica, Milton, Peppino, Hyena, Tic & Tac (family members since 2018).

A good friend and animal lover found these seven pups in the late afternoon close to a construction site. They were definitely not older than 3 months and had been ditched after being spayed by someone. A few were still drowsy from the anesthesia. Tic & Tac were the tiniest and most of their sutures from the operation had cut the skin open on one side. The material used was much too thick for the thin skin of these young pups, not to mention that they were much too young to be sterilized. I had to redo most of the sutures with a thinner version and less tight. I was really worried that they would not survive but, luckily, with lots of TLC and meds they did! Every single one of them has a personal character but all are so loving. As soon as they see me, they want to shower me with kisses. I’m so so happy that my friend found them that day otherwise they most likely would have died. It is such a good feeling to have saved them. Now they can enjoy life to the fullest here at the sanctuary after having a rough start!

They are sponsored by Corie.

Orange (family member since 2017).

Orange was a kitten wandering in front of a health food shop. I was asked by their staff if I could take her as the neighbors around the venue didn’t like cats, thus she was in danger of getting poisoned. The eyes of this little furry ball softened me right away. They called her Sii, but my pronunciation was more like a Spanish ‘Si’, so I simply changed it to Orange. She loves to sit on top of the shelves and tree trunks in our cattery to watch all the birds and insects pass by. She is such a loving and chilled out cat who wins your heart in no time.

Leafy (family member since 2017).

She was ditched in front of a friend’s house - just days prior they had moved back to England. She looked so lost, of course, I couldn’t say no. She’s such a peaceful lady who loves to chill out all day long but also has outbursts of energy where she clowns around with our younger dogs. I am so happy this calm girl is at our sanctuary.

She is sponsored by Asun.

Moses (family member since 2017).

He was brought to me by a good friend and animal lover who found him abandoned as a young puppy with a large wound on his hind legs. He was very shy at the beginning but soon became a fluffy, loving big doggie. He loves watching everything from his watch out point and sporadically joins dogs playing when he feels like it. His face looks like he’s constantly smiling, and thus always puts you in a good mood. I am so glad he’s part of our family!

He is sponsored by Corie.

Albert (family member since 2017).

I saw him as a pup whilst I was riding in a cab on the way back from the airport where I had sent one dog off to her new home in England. He was wandering around, looking lost, in the middle of the ring road (the busiest road on the island where people speed the most). I told the driver to stop; I took little Albert into my arms, looked around awhile, and didn’t find any other puppies. Albert soon became a big boy and is so loving every day as if he wants to thank me for rescuing him that day.

Kevin (family member since 2017).

He was ditched at a very young age (less than a month old) in a cardboard box in front of my place. I had to bottle feed him for the first weeks. I have a very strong bond with him; he probably sees me as his mother. Whenever I am close to him, he wants to jump into my arms. I am so glad he’s a family member.

Rhonda with daughters Alberta & Anne (family members since 2017).

I rescued this cute family the same day that they were ditched at a temple where the monks told me they had to leave as soon as possible. I just happened to be passing by the temple and spotted them in front of the temple’s toilet. The pups and mom were completely lost and frightened. I could not walk away. Luckily friends with a car lived close by and brought them to my place. To this day, they still hang out together and are a happy-go-lucky family.

Tommy (family member since 2017).

Another rescuer asked my opinion about this little, stray puppy living on the streets, as he had a deep cut on his lower eyelid. He needed treatment urgently. I would not leave him alone on the street, so I took him home immediately. He’s one the most happy-go-lucky dogs around, greeting me every time I see him as if he wants to say ‘thank you for rescuing me that day’. He is such a sweet little boy with whom I have a deep connection.

Elvira, Tony & Alejandro, aka ‘The Poodle Mafia’ (family member since 2017).

I offered a local resident to spay Elvira at my expense, as she was coming into heat. I spotted her on the street whilst she was being closely followed by 2 male dogs. I kept Elvira for a week after the operation. After bringing her back she would hold onto my shirt with her claws and put her head into my armpit as she simply didn’t want to go back. I offered to keep her and, luckily, the local woman agreed. A day later I went back to ask for her two friends, and surprisingly, I got them as well. It must not have been a nice place as all three were dirty and smelled rotten. They are so lively and constantly jump around me in joy. I’m so happy I passed by that place that day. I love The Poodle Mafia so much!

Hana with her daughter Jisu (family member since 2017).

Hana with her daughter Jisu were ditched in front of my gate in a rice bag. From the moment I opened the bag they have been so happy. Both love to shower me with kisses as if I’ve been away for years even though I’m there 24/7. I love them both to the moon and back.

Blacky (family member since 2017).

Blacky, who was also in danger of getting poisoned, was given to me by a friend. Quite a few dogs are fed by expats far away from settlements to avoid getting in trouble, yet poisonings happen in exactly those areas. Evil human beings are everywhere in the world. She’s a loving, happy-go-lucky dog, who loves to chill out and cuddle.

Pedro (family member since 2017).

Pedro, also a stray dog who was being fed regularly by foreigners, was sadly, also in danger of getting poisoned, so I had to take him in. He looks like a German Shepherd cross; is very smart and charming. He enjoys every day to the fullest and loves to observe birds.

Bruin (family member since 2016).

She was ditched as a very young puppy in front of my gate. I heard someone on a motorbike honking and shouting ‘hello, hello’, and then drive away. She was in a cardboard box; so tiny looking up at me. I lifted her up right away, held her to my face and gave her a big kiss. Every morning when I am feeding the dogs, she jumps into my arms. I hold her close to my head and she starts licking my face just like the moment I rescued her. I love her so, so much!

Roma (family member since 2016).

When I saw Roma she was a very thin puppy at an abandoned house close to a busy street. Initially she was very shy but after a while she opened up and came to me. I looked around for siblings and the mom but couldn’t find any of them. I left some food and took her home. I checked back later that day and many more days in a row, but I couldn’t find any other dogs and the food I had left had not been touched. She gained weight and was restored to full health in no time. She’s so sweet and holds a big place in my heart. She is always around me – I am so grateful that I came across her that day.

Chi (family member since 2016).

I found her ditched at a cul-de-sac along with Cheyenne (see her mentioned below). They were so lost my heart was broken. Needless to say, I took them in. They’re two of the best behaved dogs in my family - so gentle, friendly and happy all of the time.

Cheyenne (family member since 2016). She had been ditched at a cul-de-sac along with Chi (see Chi above). My heart was broken as they were so lost. Needless to say, I took them both in. This lovely, mischievous and happy-go-lucky doggie lightens you up instantly. I am so happy that I rescued her that day.

Kim & Christopher (family members since 2016).

They were rescued by a good friend and animal lover from a construction site as young pups. Needless to say, I agreed to take them in. They are always in a great mood and are amusing to look at, as Christopher has long, curly hair whilst Kim is short-haired. They are always happy, chilling out on their cozy bench.

They are sponsored by Corie.

Knacki (family member since 2015).

I heard a puppy barking from far away whilst living on my former land; obviously, I had to check it out. I found a small puppy locked up in a tiny metal box with a tinier hole in the top. I offered the owner to take her, and luckily, he agreed right away. She is the smartest dog I have ever had, sometimes it’s spooky how smart, she figures out how to open doors, plays to be asleep to catch rodents, and can kind of read my mind. She looks a bit like a sausage, hence the name Knacki (famous French sausage). Totally in love with that smart girl.

Posh (family member since 2015).

She was rescued by a good friend and animal lover who found her in an abandoned construction site with her front paw broken and healed together in the wrong position. How could I say no to her! She had two operations to put the paw back in place, but unfortunately there was irreparable nerve damage, and it never worked. Fortunately, she now lives with it, and the paw doesn’t hit the ground. It’s just like a dog with an amputation, only a bit better, as this leg works as weight balance. And as soon as I go to bed, Posh always sleeps on the left side of my head. Love her so much!

She is sponsored by Corie.

Roxy (family member since 2015).

She was brought to me by tourists who first wanted to take her to England. They rescued 7 dogs in total during their holiday (hats off to that), and all stayed with me for a few months. Six were brought to England, but after seeing them struggling with 6 dogs, having a normal life in England, and seeing how happy Roxy was were here, I offered to leave her at my place—which they happily agreed to. Roxy loves to be on my lap whilst I sit on my desk. Love her to the moon and back!

Diego Fereirra-Fernandez (family member since 2014).

He was found in an open field next to a small street, also freshly dumped with barely any food. This street works as a shortcut where I’m assuming they were hoping that someone would find him. He was such a cute puppy- it’s unbelievable how people could do this. He is such a loving character; I don’t know why, but the full name came right into my head (which was weird given that I can usually only think of a first name). Everybody loves this little mischievous dog.

He is sponsored by Charlotte M.

Diva (family member since 2011).

I spotted a moving fishnet bag next to a dustbin whilst passing with my motorbike. I stopped and then heard her meowing for help. She was completely dehydrated and drank for an eternity. Luckily with lots of TLC and medical support she quickly recovered. Diva is one of the calmer cats who enjoys dozing and happily observing everything.

She can be sponsored. Please have a look under the category ‘Sponsoring’!

White Dragon (family member since 2010).

I got her from a local rescue center in 2010 whilst looking for a companion for Sissy (she was my first cat rescue). I saw two black kittens cramped into a tiny cage asking to be adopted. My intention was to get one but I could not leave a sibling behind so I took them both (sadly her brother Red Dragon died in December 2022). She loves to chill out in cardboard boxes, lol (you can buy the fanciest cushions, or cat houses, but if you put a cardboard box down cats will most certainly prefer that). Another one of her favorite pastime activities are laying on top of our custom-made shelves whilst watching what the strange big animals (dogs, her definition!) are doing all day long, and can’t understand why they have to be so active.

White Dragon can be sponsored. Please have a look under the category ‘Sponsoring’!