On Wednesday, September 4th, I went to KSPCA for the first time. We all met up at the buses and ate our lunches on the way, the seats filled with excited students. I was looking forward to seeing all of the dogs and making a difference for them, and though the drive there was long it was definitely worth it.
When we arrived a wave of nostalgia hit me - I remembered my experiences at KSPCA and was greeted with a bittersweet feeling. I recalled my love for the animals and the work, but also the sadness that stayed with me throughout my time there - I was shocked and disgusted by the way that humans treat animals. They show such contempt and cruelty towards something so defenceless and innocent and I wish that I had the power to bring it to an end. This is why I want to work for charity organisations and wildlife conservation in the future - I want to help those without a voice.
Walking past the cages large mournful eyes looked up at me - big dogs, small dogs, old dogs, maimed dogs, even tiny 4 week old puppies. I grew more passionate than ever, and wished that I could adopt them all, or donate enough money to give them all a beautiful garden that they could run about in (not the concrete cages they are currently in).
What particularly got to me was seeing the tiny puppies. I was so overwhelmed with grief that they had to live out their first weeks in such conditions - being born on the street and now growing up in a cage. I remembered our puppies (our dog gave birth to them in January), the love and care they had received from the moment that they were born, and yearned for every animal to lead such a life. I don't understand how these animals could be neglected - why would anyone want to harm them?
After we finished this we went to the other group to help them to give out the food and clean the rest of the bowls. The dogs were all so hungry, leaping up and whining when they caught sight of the food. However, they all looked very well fed and healthy, which boosted my spirits. Most of the dogs were very friendly, but there were two or three that barked and snarled when approached. I knew this was because they had been abused in the past, and I wished I could show them that not all people are so full of contempt.
We were soon split into two groups - one group was handing out the food to the dogs and the other washing the bowls. I was put into the washing group, and we were all handed vibrant yellow gloves. The work wasn't hard, but many of the group groaned as they saw the large silver bowls caked in grime. Personally I was grateful that we even had the gloves! I remember that when we used to go to the KSPCA we were required to clean up without anything at all! I didn't mind washing the dishes, and it felt good to see the appreciation on the faces of the workers as they saw the bucket full of clean bowls.
After we finished this we went to the other group to help them to give out the food and clean the rest of the bowls. The dogs were all so hungry, leaping up and whining when they caught sight of the food. However, they all looked very well fed and healthy, which boosted my spirits. Most of the dogs were very friendly, but there were two or three that barked and snarled when approached. I knew this was because they had been abused in the past, and I wished I could show them that not all people are so full of contempt.
We didn't have much time at the KSPCA because of the long drive, but as we all came together to say goodbye I felt proud of what we had done. Dogs need love and attention, and I was so happy that I could've provided this for them - even if it was just for one day.
As the bus drove away I cast one last look back and promised myself that I would fulfil my ambitions regarding animal rights, no matter the obstacles or price.
I enjoyed my time so much at the KSPCA, it's my passion and my goal and I wished I could've stayed in this trip the whole year. However, as I am now in the IB and schoolwork comes first I have had to swap to KCCL. This trip only goes every two weeks, as opposed to every week. I am less passionate about the cause at KCCL but I am going to visit the KSPCA in my free time, and will hopefully get to do just as much, if not more, work during these visits.
Maybe one day I can adopt all the animals!?
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| KCCL Mural - I will be doing something like this there |
I cannot explain how disappointed I was when I dropped out - there are no words. All I could see in my minds eye were the soulful eyes of the dogs. But I know that good grades will lead to success in this field in the future, and so, in a way, I am still helping them.
I am still pretty excited to go to KCCL, it integrates both art and service (two things I enjoy greatly), and is not as far away as KSPCA.
I am definitely very sorry to have left KSPCA but I hope that good things will come from KCCL - I look forward to meeting the children there.
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