A month ago, I began writing about five sibling pups in search of their forever home. Today, my heart is full of joy knowing all four have found a family.
The five-month-old mixed breed sibling pups; Milo, Peanut, Jake, Zinger, and Flynn were born in the shelter and had never seen the outside world apart from their caretaker, Pais Nauro, and the centre’s vicinity.
At three months, Zinger was the first to be adopted, leaving four siblings still in search of their forever home. I had the chance to meet all five before Zinger left for his new family. Last week, Milo, Peanut, Jake, and Flynn were adopted by two separate families in Port Moresby.
Writing stories for pets needing homes is not a new concept in many parts of the world, but it’s a more unusual practice here in Papua New Guinea.
Typically, a family simply gives away a litter of pups to friends or relatives who want one. However, the RSPCA is changing that.
The moment I walked into the RSPCA center in Waigani, Port Moresby, my heart sank. These animals were so adorable, so healthy, and so ready for a loving home. The small center is divided into two sections: one for cats and one for dogs.
My first stop was the cats’ section, a cozy little room with plush beds, a feeding area, and everything a cat could ever dream of. Each cat had a unique personality, a unique story, and an immediate connection with me. I spent time getting to know them, and if I had the space, I would have taken a handful home with me.
Next, we moved to the dog pound. As soon as we entered, we were greeted with barks and the distinct scent of happy dogs. Despite the noise, I was amazed at how clean and well-cared for the dogs were. Wagging tails and puppy-dog eyes instantly captured my heart. True to their reputation, dogs are indeed a person’s best friend.
The shelter is a five-meter-wide shed-like structure with about 12 cages. To save space, some cages housed two or three dogs, while most of the sibling puppies were kept together. Their excitement was deep. They barked, showed off tricks, and sat quietly, watching us with hopeful eyes. It broke my heart to see these loving creatures in cages, waiting for someone to give them the home they deserve.
I knelt down beside a cage, and many of the pups rushed to lick my hands, as if to say, “Thank you for helping us find a home.”
I couldn’t help but think about all the empty homes and all the love that could be given to these animals. I imagined them listening to the sounds of the city, wondering what it would be like to explore the outside world, and longing for an owner to come back for them.
If you have space in your heart and home for a new family member, please visit the RSPCA. You can adopt a cat for K85 or a dog for K130 and give these wonderful animals a second chance at life.
