IOL Pets Issue 2

Editor's Note

COMPILING the list of adoption shelters on this page reduced me to tears. I could not help scrolling through every site, looking at the forlorn faces of animals in cages … their eyes all seemed to say the same thing.

If I could, I would adopt them all … The theme of this month’s Pets magazine is “Adopt, don’t shop”, an adage that has become a clarion call in the past decade as shelters burgeon with rescues and SPCA centres around the country sound out daily pleas for animals waiting for their “forever homes”.

Their fate, without rescue, is often death.

As I looked at yet another pair of sad eyes staring back at me on a shelter site, the sweet purr of my darling Katarina jolted me. Feed me now, was the clear message. I was a dog person until a little grey kitten with black stripes and the cutest white feet, that created the illusion of socks, walked into my life. Appearing out of nowhere, she took up residence in the back garden, and then, rather cheekily, moved into a playhouse we’d set up for our cocker spaniel, Toby (he never bothered with it anyway).

Quickly realising that this kitten was planning on staying, I dashed out to buy cat food. She was nervous about contact at first, as was I, but we developed a bond that grew steadily over the months.

Then came the feeding bowls and blankets and cat treats … and a year later, Katarina is part of the family.

She is a purry little madam who loves being stroked and having her tummy tickled. The mischievous twinkle in her stunning green eyes as she lazily stretches out to show off her sock toes, and the special purr that follows, makes me realise that this is an animal who knows she’s found a home.

The magic that pets add to our lives cannot be fully explained or comprehended. Indian author Ruchi Parbu came close, saying: “Pets understand humans better than humans do.”

When considering getting a pet, how ethical is it to buy from breeders when there are so many animals waiting for homes at shelters and rescue centres?

It is even possible to find a specific breed of dog, with the right amount of looking – if that is your preference.

The IOL Pets team implores you to open your hearts to fur babies around the country looking for forever homes. Saving a life would be a pawfect way to end 2020.

Nelandri