P RTtalk Issue 17 ••• DECEMBER 2011
Louarna’sFarm
She may always look beautifully presented at work, but at home she is super mum to 23 pets, which sees her getting up before dawn to tend to all of her children and then still come into work everyday and happily talk to St Kilda Town Hall visitors. Here she tells her story… “At 5.20am, while most folk are still snoring, my day starts with me organising my family for the day. My family consists of three pugs, six cats, two lovebirds, eleven hens and a rabbit.
been without a pet in my life. When I moved out of the nest in my early- twenties, I adopted a single kitten from an animal shelter. Then I adopted him a friend. And on and on it went.
Once I’ve walked the dogs, replenished water supplies, poured pet milk, cleaned cat and rabbit litter, chopped fruit and veg, distributed grain, seed, cat and dog food... it’s hair, makeup, wardrobe, and out the door. My weekends are spent cleaning out coops and hutches and I relish every second of it.
I foster animals too. I’ve hand-reared many kittens that don’t have mummies. It’s a lot of work, but so rewarding. City of Port Phillip employees Belinda Evans, Amanda Swinton, Maggie Pridmore and ex-staff member Eva Parkin have each adopted one of my hand-reared babies. It is such a joy to watch them thrive.
Why so many pets? It’s the best contribution I can make to animal welfare. I have such a strong connection to my pets, they bring me so much joy and comfort, and oh how they make me laugh! Whenever I’ve lived alone, they have been my company; during years of crippling depression, they have been my reason to live. I pledge with each pet adoption, that I will care for them for their entire lives. I have had to make some big sacrifices: I can’t live overseas, holidays take a lot of preparation, spontaneous weekends away are impossible, house inspections are a production... but I wouldn’t change a thing. I never stood a chance, both sides of the family are crazy about critters. I’ve never
As you can imagine, I’m a regular at my vet. I once remarked to him that I’d never be rich and he pointed out that there are many forms of richness and I’m very rich in love and happiness. That really resonated with me, I think he hit the nail on the head. Most people have items on their bucket list like volunteering in a thirdworld country, travelling to an exotic location, participating in extreme sports. Not me. Mine is full of different dog-breeds and cat-colours. I want to add to my family, plus I want to be a goat-owner before I die. After City of Port Phillip I would love to own my own doggy day care centre or cattery, and in my next life, I’m planning to be a big-cat handler.”