In 2002, sisters Mirrsha and Resha Ganthan first came to public attention through a newspaper article after rescuing a litter of abandoned kittens in Kuala Lumpur. At the time, Mirrsha was five years old and Resha just three. While walking home from kindergarten, Mirrsha heard faint cries from a cardboard box on the roadside, discovering eight newborn kittens struggling to survive. The sisters convinced their mother to take the animals home, and soon after encountered another group of abandoned kittens, bringing their total to 16.

Faced with the challenge of caring for so many young animals, the Ganthan family turned to a leading local newspaper to help find adoptive homes. The public response was overwhelming, resulting in every kitten being successfully rehomed. The article not only aided the immediate rescue effort but also sparked a lifelong dedication to animal welfare for the sisters.

Over the years, Mirrsha and Resha rehomed more than 40 cats, rescued abandoned puppies, and rehabilitated injured birds. Among the rescued animals was a kitten named Ducky, who became a permanent member of their family. Their early involvement in animal rescue earned them the nickname “Animal Whisperers” among family and friends.

An update on their journey was published eight years after their first story. By then, the sisters had matured into committed animal rescuers, with their parents hoping the coverage would encourage wider community adoption of pets rather than purchasing them from breeders. Both sisters credit the exposure for fostering their passion and allowing them to continue making a difference.

Mirrsha, now 29, works as a science writer, while Resha, 27, is a medical doctor. Both reside in New York City but maintain close ties to their home country. Despite living abroad, they continue to care for rescued animals in their own homes and remain engaged with developments in Malaysia through online access to the newspaper that first spotlighted their work.

Their story underscores the impact of media in shaping individual lives and community attitudes toward animal welfare. For the Ganthan sisters, what began as a roadside rescue transformed into a lasting commitment to helping animals in need.