Monday December 14, 2009
By JEREMY TAN
IT’S the time of year when we’re all busy buying gifts for friends and family and making their Christmas wishes come true but for a group of unfortunate animals, the only gifts they wish for is a home and a chance to live.
Of the thousands of stray and abandoned animals that come through the doors of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) in Penang, only a very small percentage ever find new homes.
The unlucky ones are put to sleep, because the num- ber of animals received far exceeds the shelter’s capacity to house them.
To help these poor animals avoid that sad end, the SPCA, together with New World Park in Penang, recently launched the Give A Gift Of A Home project in conjunction with the Christmas and New Year celebrations.
SPCA Penang president Datuk N. Ramanathan (in yellow) checking out the pictures of dogs and cats up for adoption which adorn the Christmas tree.A big Christmas tree was lit up recently at New World Park, decorated by shiny baubles as well as images of around 60 dogs and cats that were up for adoption at the shelter.
The adorable animals with dreamy eyes looked as if they were begging people to give them a loving home and a chance to live.
Just below the pictures are details of the animals like their names, characteristics and vaccination history.
“This tree signifies man and animals in unity. We hope some of these animals will find a home in time for Christmas,” said New World Park senior manager Clarence Tan.
A few puppies and dogs have been adopted since the tree was put up, but there were as yet no takers for the cats.
SPCA administrator Lily Leng said that the felines up for adoption at the shelter had been vaccinated, spayed and were free of diseases and in perfect health.
All dressed for Christmas: A dog visiting New World Park with its owner for the SPCA Penang Christmas tree lighting ceremony.She added that the centre also screened prospective pet owners to ensure they were matched with the perfect animal based on their lifestyle.
The centre’s staff also offer advice on the care of the animals.
“The most im-portant thing is whether the owner can care for their adopted pet and provide it with basic needs. We also try to encourage kids to come to our shelter and spend some time with animals,” she said.
So, why not save a life this Christmas and adopt one of these unfortunate animals?
While they may not be of the best pedigree breeds, deep inside, they’re equally capable of showering their new owners with lots of love, affection and loyalty.
Head over to New World Park and check out the many pictures on its Christmas tree.
You might just find a cute little furry companion that will bring lots of joy to your life.
Visit the shelter’s website (www.spca-penang.net) for their pet adoption gallery or call 04-2816559 for more information.