Devina Divecha's Journals

Kindness beyond currency: practical steps to help stray animals on a budget

  1. From just a bystander to more: my short story
  2. How can you help?
  3. Links to rescuers’ social pages

From just a bystander to more: my short story

I fell into the world of cat rescue quite by accident. I certainly wasn’t planning on it, but it all began with wanting to TNR (trap-neuter-release) the cats around my building. Some people were calling for their removal and I thought that ensuring no more kittens would be born would stave off these calls. And two rounds of TNR (12 cats!) later…

Managed to get 7!
Out of these 4, one had to stay back at the vet

These are 11 of the 12 cats I’ve TNR’d – the first was one of the three basement cats, Bruce, whom I mention shortly!

One cat – Galaxy – had to be kept at the vet for medical treatment. She’s still looking for a forever home (please get in touch if you’re interested!), but the rest were released back into their territory.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CsSuTzEJzO2/?img_index=1

A few months later, however, three cats in the basement were in danger again. So I set about trying to trap them. Two were removed successfully, and I can happily say that as of this month, both have been adopted into loving homes (one in the UK and one in Dubai).

Bruce getting cuddly in the UK weather
Ursula napping with her toys

The third is still out there, she’s evaded trapping so far.

Then one day I picked up a week-old ginger kitten who was dragging itself across hot tarmac on a busy street – seconds away from being run over. He’s been paired with another ginger kitten just two weeks older, and we’re looking for a home for them in the UK where they are flying to by mid-October (seriously, get in touch!).

https://www.instagram.com/p/CwsS8ujp4hz/?img_index=2

Throughout this process, I’ve gained a deeper understanding of what goes into rescue work: from TNR efforts, to providing medical treatment, covering bills, and even relocating them internationally for adoption. All of this is driven by individuals, highlighting the need for community support. And of course, not everyone has the ability to support monetarily all the time, or at all.

How can you help?

Share posts and educate yourself as well as others

I know it might sound simple, but in this case, sharing really is caring. We all have a voice on social media and a group of people we can reach. And what I’ve learned this year is that most of the general populace is really not aware of the state of street animals or what goes into rescuing them. Share that post about a cat or dog that needs a foster home or funds to get to their forever home… share the story, tell others what is happening. You never know who you might reach just by sharing.

Education is such an important piece of this as well. For example you’d be surprised at how many people think that cats can scratch cars and therefore want to “get rid of them”. You can’t imagine how some people will curse you for subverting nature (by neutering street cats); however, they’re not the ones dealing with dumped kittens whose eyes aren’t even opened or rescuing kittens with infections or worse. There’s so much more. But the point is, sharing posts can help keep this issue at the forefront.

Be a flight buddy

This is one of the easiest ways for you to make a difference! Many rescue animals (both cats and dogs) find fosters or adopters in the US, UK, Europe and beyond. While some go as part of a relocation flight for which funds are raised, some are waiting for their chance to be paired up with a human traveller – this is where they simply need to be added to someone’s ticket. It costs you absolutely nothing – all the expenses and paperwork is taken care of. All you have to do is get to the airport slightly earlier than usual to meet the rescuer and the animals, and usually, you’ll have to collect them at your destination airport. Then you meet the adopter/foster at the airport and hand over the animals. Congratulations, you’ve helped a rescued animal find a safe space. Search for flight buddy groups on Facebook or connect directly with rescuers on Instagram (I’ve linked to a few below) – just let them know where you’re flying, which airline and travel dates, and that’s it!

Become a foster

Two of my rescue cats spent more than 70 days in a vet’s cage (luckily, these were the two who eventually got adopted) because we couldn’t find a foster. We desperately need these. What does fostering involve? Well, you’ll be giving space in your home to an animal who really shouldn’t be in a cage, and allow them to feel loved and free again. A space where no one is kicking them, where they don’t have to starve or fight for food, where they can sleep without fear of being harmed. Most rescuers will provide foster kits and pay for any medical treatment while the cat or dog is with you, and will be on hand to help you with any questions you might have. I am eternally grateful to the fosters whom we eventually found; they gave all my rescues a chance at a real life. Fostering might work better for you if you can’t commit to having a pet because of your lifestyle or personal circumstances – and we greatly appreciate it. You’ll find plenty to foster from rescuers via the Instagram pages below, or from the Facebook groups I’ve linked to.

Adopt if you’re looking for a pet!

Please, please, please, I’m begging you: don’t buy. You might have already heard of the phrase “Adopt. Don’t Shop.” It’s used for a reason. You’ll essentially be saving a life, whether it’s because someone abandoned a pet or a street animal was mistreated. There are so many wonderful, sweet animals who’ve been abandoned or simply born on the street waiting for a chance to find a loving home. You’re also making sure that you’re not supporting illegal breeders where animals are kept in deplorable conditions and forced to breed again and again and again. For money. Supporting breeders means you’re not only taking away a chance at a home for a rescue animal who deserves it, but you’re also giving breeders reason to continue what they’re doing for profit.

And so…

As you can see, there are many ways to help. While it might be easier to turn a blind eye to the situation, or to say or think, “This is too stressful to think about”, or “I’m sure someone else will think about it,” change doesn’t happen with people turning away. Please don’t.

Anyone, truly anyone, can make an impact in the lives of these wonderful animals – regardless of their financial situation. If you’ve managed to read this far, thank you for being open and willing to understand more about how you can help and for being part of the solution.

Some useful links (will be periodically updated)

Rescuers to follow:

Facebook Groups you can check out:

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