“HE WHO FEEDS A HUNGRY ANIMAL, FEEDS HIS OWN SOUL – Charlie Chaplin

In our busy schedule, we sometimes never give a second thought to animals like cats, dogs wandering in our neighborhood and generally tend to ignore them.
Sometimes, it’s the bark of a dog or chilling howl of a cat that grabs our attention for a short spell and then we forget, but we don’t realize that what we forget as humans is that we have a responsibility to help, care and look after the needy and helpless creatures who depend on us.

Difference between stray and domestic animals

It is important to remember that there is a difference between animals you have as pets at home and those roaming outside your house. Stray dogs and cats live in harsh conditions, so they carry germs and diseases as they eat out of garbage and things lying on the floor, which domesticated/pets do not. Therefore, the ones at home are pretty clean and with fewer germs and the ones outside have a lot of germs infesting on them. So, if you decide to help and care for any stray animal, make sure you are at a safe distance.

Stray animals usually get bad treatment from people around them; they get hostile and sometimes attack. Why? Because they have hardly seen love and care; all they have come across is human cruelty, hatred, and torture, hence their defensive and harsh attitude towards humans. So, don’t get close to stray animals immediately. It takes time for them to realise that some humans are caring and are showering their love on them.

Weather affects everyone and everything, even non-living things are not spared. For instance, if you leave plastic, iron, or any material out in the sun, or unattended for a while, you will notice the change in colour and texture of the material. Imagine the plight of those who have no shelter and are victims of the intensity of the weather. Whether it is rain or scorching sun or even the chilling breeze in winter, stray animals suffer because they have no choice. Being helpless, they try to cope and search for shelter under the vehicles or anywhere they feel secure. You may have seen many such animals?

the reason, therefore, he should not move or throw it. Perhaps a cat or a dog finds it and takes shelter in it.

I have seen people feeding birds on the pavement, on the rooftops, balcony or anywhere they find it feasible to feed birds, mainly pigeons. Perhaps the reason is to get the divine reward.

I wonder why people don’t think the same for cats and dogs. Are dogs and cats not innocent souls that need help from humans too? I personally asked someone the very question and got this answer: “Cats and dogs are filthy, full of germs and diseases! I don’t want to have anything to do with them.”

There is no denying the fact that there are germs in stray animals, but do you know that birds also have germs? If you get hold of any bird, like pigeon, parrot, or even sparrow, all of them have germs and small fleas in their feathers, posing skin rash, irritation, and in some cases swelling. You give them food or water while staying at a safe distance without the need to get close to them.

Place some useless plastic containers in your house outside your building or house so that cats and dogs can also have some water, just like water is placed for birds by people. Provide them your leftover food by not throwing out it with the garbage, but make a separate bag of the leftover food and put it aside to dispose of someplace where these stray animals are likely to find them.

Parents play a major role in making their kids learn good or bad habits in their early years. Telling kids to stay away from stray cats and dogs is not wrong and so is telling kids to hurl something towards these animals. Why do we have to shoo away stray animals by hurling something, especially if the dog or cat is at a safe distance? This leads us to develop a dislike for stray animals and treat them harshly without even being sorry for their helplessness. It is something we see elders (the ones we trust) doing and it is what we also do. I have seen people throw stones, sticks, or anything they get hold of, and become delighted when the animal runs in fear of being hurt.

It is important to understand and realise that these animals depend on humans, as they are living on the street or road, which is not their fault. They are born there, so if they are approaching a person, they must be hungry or in need of attention. We all can benefit from the companionship, affection, and relationships with these innocent animals throughout your life.

Stray animals never get enough food and are constantly hungry and thirsty, and are seen scavenging the garbage dumps just to get a mouthful. They suffer silently in pain, which ends in a prolonged painful death. Stray animals don’t have any shelter be it from the sun, rain, cold, or winds. Every day is a battle for them It is only their strong survival skills that allow them to live long and only those who are fit and strong have shelter and a few scraps of food to fill their hunger.
So the next time you see a stray animal where you maybe make sure you stop by and feed them and make them feel secure and safe.