They say that a dog is a man’s best friend. But let’s generalise a bit here. It’s not just dogs. And friendship is not limited to men. In return for our love and care, all animals respond with affection – they don’t judge us and, in moments of sorrow, they are the best shoulder to cry on.

Which is why, whenever I see an animal locked up in a cage, denied love and a bit of space to roam, making eye contact with them is one of the more painful experiences in life.

But while instances of animal cruelty generate plenty of bad press, the counterbalance is there, in the form of people who dedicate their free hours to animals.

Volunteers come from all walks of life, from students doing their SOK project hours and retired people wanting to stay active, to animal lovers who spare a few hours a week to help give abandoned cats and dogs a good life.

Dog walking is the most popular volunteering activity but there is so much more to do.

Cleaning and feeding might be tedious and boring at times, but it certainly makes it more interesting when Malta Society for the Protection and Care of Animals (MSPCA) staff digs up some donated costumes so you can do the cleaning in fancy gear.

Mary Caruana, a canine carer assisting a vet who is examining Tina, which was found very sick roaming a field.Mary Caruana, a canine carer assisting a vet who is examining Tina, which was found very sick roaming a field.

Whenever I see animals locked up in a cage, denied love and a bit of space to roam, making eye contact with them is one of the more painful experiences in life

It helps the animals get used to strange sights and, for you, it’s a selfie bonanza.

Volunteers can also get their fix of cuddles in the kitten or puppy room, but only after getting a quick brief on keeping the little ones safe and happy.

Veterinary student volunteers have a hands-on opportunity when the vet visits to assess the animals – sometimes, they even go on site to farms to help with vaccinations.

Sorting through bedding, making toys, and preparing signs with information related to the available animals is something you can do while having a coffee and a laugh in the staff room.

Maintenance is obviously a big thing at the MSPCA since the premises are old and in constant need of repairs, including plastering, painting and specialised work such as welding.

Francesca Walker became a volunteer at the MSPCA’S Paws 4 Cause shop six years ago.

“A friend who volunteered here had suggested it may be something I would enjoy and that the shop could always use more volunteers,” she said.

Mrs Walker is particularly fond of dogs and, in her 26 years residing in Malta, has rescued three dogs.

“I was pleased to find something I could do to help the MSPCA. I volunteer one morning a week and thoroughly enjoy it. We have some fabulous loyal customers – some pop in on a daily basis and when they see we are busy, they lend a hand, taking donations or even sorting books.”

Mrs Walker says that people are very generous and donate a lot, from clothes and books to furniture.

“Being a volunteer at the Paws 4 Cause shop is such a rewarding and positive experience. I would definitely recommend it.”

Second life

Francesca Walker lost her dog Billy to sandfly last October. It was a devastating experience.

“I have never actually made a conscious decision to have a dog since coming to live in Malta,” she says.

“However, through various circumstances, I’ve had several dogs in my life.

“My first dog Tramp literally jumped into my arms during the floods of 1995 and lived a long and happy life until he was 16 years old.

“When Billy died unexpectedly, my friends encouraged me to adopt another dog, but I was reluctant. I did not want to have to choose a dog – they are all special in their own way, so I decided to leave it for fate to decide.

“Last Christmas, I told the rehoming manager at the MSPCA that, while I would not actively look for another dog, I would consider adopting one of the older dogs who was finding it hard to be adopted.

“That is how our lovely Wilbur, a German Pointer who had been residing in the home for five years, came into our lives.

“He has a few health issues and is getting on in years. That is probably why he was overlooked for a loving forever home.”

Mrs Walker urges people to consider adopting an older dog.

“These dogs have ended up at the sanctuary through no fault of their own. For example, the owner would have passed away or had to relocate. They have mostly been used to living in a home as a much loved pet and sometimes the trauma of ending up in a sanctuary can depress them, so you may not be seeing them at their best.

“Wilbur settled into our home immediately – he is just so laid back about everything, loves his walks but is just as happy snoozing on his cushion or in the sun.

“His health has improved and I’m convinced he has a few happy years left. When Wilbur does pass away, while there will be some sadness, to know this lovely old guy spent the last few remaining years of his life with us, enjoying life, and not in a kennel, will more than compensate for the sadness felt.

“Taking Wilbur into our house has made it feel like a home again.”

Be my Buddy

Buddy was brought in as a kitten but was overlooked for three years. Moreover, other cats would bully him and the carers had toisolate him.

On his birthday, someone adopted Buddy and everyone at the MSPCA hoped that everything would turn out well. However, the adoption didn’t work out and Buddy was back at the centre after 10 days.

The carers feared this would hurt his chances of ever finding a home. But a few days later, Buddy caught the eye of a new volunteer, a photographer. He agreed to visit Buddy almost daily until he would greet him like one of the staff when he entered the room. It took a few weeks but it worked wonders.

Buddy is now the king of his castle with love and cuddles lavished on him.

Be fair to cats

Moira Azzopardi has five cats at home, who were all strays. She also feeds any strays she meets.

“I love all animals but cats are my greatest passion. I just love the species. I have five cats which were all strays. They all have different characters. If I had the space and more resources I would have much more with me at home,” she said.

“Cats have such a strong maternal instinct. This is one of the main things that makes me love them.”

Ms Azzopardi feeds her cats food recommended by their vet, buys them plenty of toys and tries to spend quality time with them every day. When she goes on holiday, she also makes sure that they are taken care of.

“I also feed a lot of strays. Unfortunately not everybody is a cat lover. Sometimes people are very cruel to these poor creatures, as if it’s their fault they are on the streets. That is why it’s important to adopt strays and not buy any, “ she says.

“My cats are a big commitment, although much more independent than dogs, still they are my family and that is the way it should be. To adopt a cat, young or old, first make sure that you are committed to it.

“You need to be prepared to have cat fur all over your house or scratches on your sofa. But these are minor issues, considering the love that you will get in return.”

Sheila’s story

Sheila found herself at the MSPCA in January 2010 at six months of age. She turned out to be a rather timid dog around strangers, especially men. Hiding at the back of a dark kennel did not help her chances of being adopted as people would just walk past and think there was no one there.

After Sheila was moved to the front kennels there were many people who took a liking to her and wanted to help her find a home. Every person who met Sheila was asked to sit still at one end of the yard and to wait for her to approach them in her own time.

Slowly but surely her confidence around strangers improved as did her ability to engage in play with them. Fiona, one of the animal carers was on a mission to find her a home and every evening she would make sure Sheila would meet every visitor. Sure enough one of the visitors fell completely in love with Sheila and took her home.

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