One of the most interesting aspects of the temples in Buddhist countries like Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and Myanmar are the animals that live in them. The people who care for them - the monks and nuns and other laypeople - are also fascinating to watch and get to know. Often, when someone is unable to care for an animal in Southeast Asia, they take them to the temples because they know the monks have taken a vow to care for them. It's because The Buddha told his followers 2,500 years ago never to harm fellow living beings.
I'd be happy to answer any questions about what I learned about the temple animals and the people while on my trip there.
Cheers,
David