In times of crises or tragedies, I have always said, "As long as I have my dogs, books and sheesha; I am ready to handle the worst."
Well last week, as a safety precaution against Covid-19, all restaurants and cafés were closed for a month, except for takeaways and deliveries. Today, I read in the BSPCA Facebook group that the shelter in Askar will be closed until further notice .
Though I can manage without my sheesha for a month, it will really be a test from God on how I will cope without my furry friends. I am sure my fellow regular volunteers are as devastated as I am. The doggies must be taking the hit even harder, when they notice no one showing up.
I still have my books and my new buddies Netflix and PS3. But my furry buds have nothing to cope with the confusion and sadness. So let's pray for them and hope some adoptions do happen during these troubled times.
Last Friday, I hung out with Safina, Shane and Winona outside. Indoors with Oreo and Charlotte.
The moment I stepped out of my house, I noticed the puddles and the cloudy skies and I told myself I ain't coming home clean.
Safina was reluctant to go out for some reason and we ended up walking around inside the parking lot area; with me being dragged about as the Duchess wanted to explore every single corner of the place. She took a special interest at the vet door and wanted to walk in. I may indulge her with her whims to go anywhere, but there is a time when you gotta put your foot down.
So we just ended up sitting on the bench and enjoying the gorgeous weather.
Next up was Shane. That gal was raring to go and got even more excited when she got a whiff of the treats in my pocket.
At the gate, there was alot of muck about and I was gingerly walking through it in my attempt not mess my shoes more than usual. But Mademoiselle Shane had other ideas. Every few minutes she kept jumping up at me and after half an hour with her outside, I was totally muddied up head to toe.
I finally figured out how to get her to stop. She doesn't like being hugged, so whenever she jumped up against me I just pretended to bend down to hug her; it freaked her out a couple of times and she finally quit.
Once we got back, Shane cooled off in the tub and when I tried to chill with her in the shade, she was having none of it and wanted to head back in.
Next up was the young vivacious Winona (not the actor). It was first time walking with her and it was a real treat. She was very affectionate and ever willing to show it.
Yep, you guessed it. Covered in more mud. At that point I just gave up and ended up splashing around in a muddy puddle with her. I felt like I was 9 years old again.
At this point, it was getting a bit hot and we decided to head back in.
As there was still some time left and yet I was too tired to walk again, I walked into Charlotte's and Oreo's and locked myself in with them. It was absolute bliss with the two of them on either side of me getting petted and scratched. Charlotte even threw in a dollop of kisses to boot.
I have no clue when this crisis will end and when the shelter will open up again, but for now all we can do is be sensible, be hygienic and pray. For the dog owners out there, I envy you. I wish I had a furry family member too to weather out this storm with me.
Stay safe and hope you, your family members (including the furry ones) and loved ones come out of this unscathed. I already miss all my fellow regular volunteers and my shelter furry darlings...
If you are interested in adopting Safina, Shane, Winona, Charlotte or Oreo, do please give the BSCA shelter a call.
