We had the pleasure of receiving the book A Prayer for the wild at Heart to review. Animal-loving author Lucy Duckworth has produced her third book to support The Society for the Protection of Animals Abroad (SPANA). It is a small book with the most beautiful photographs of homeless moggies from the countries in which SPANA operates. Each lovely shot of stray cats is accompanied with famous quotes – some humorous, some poignant – to complement each picture.
It is a book you can pick up, turn to any page and in less that one minute you will have read a meaningful quote and have your spirits lifted.
The Society for the Protection of Animals Abroad (SPANA) was established in 1923 and is one of the oldest, international animal welfare charities, providing free veterinary care, training and education throughout the world. SPANA was founded over 85 years ago by Kate Hosali and her daughter Nina, after they witnessed the mistreatment of animals on their travels through North Africa. They couldn’t bear the thought of working animals suffering needlessly and so Kate returned, as soon as possible, to treat as many as she could, while Nina set up SPANA in London.
SPANA provides vital veterinary care to working animals in developing countries, and also offers education programs to school children in Africa and the Middle East, teaching them about animal welfare and caring for animals, a network of hospitals and clinics, providing free veterinary care to animals in need, a global outreach program, supporting sustainable, community-based animal health projects and an emergency program that gets rapid, life-saving help to regions blighted by conflict and disaster.
In many of the poorest countries, qualified vets are scarce. There they do exist, even the smallest of gees will put their services beyond the means of the most impoverished animal owners. This can have grave consequences when a whole family relies on a donkey, mule, horse or camel for survival.
The book would be a perfect gift for a friend, family member, supporter of animal welfare or anyone who has a soft spot for animals. Those with a unique love for cats would be particularly appreciative!
The great thing is all the proceeds will be going to SPANA. By buying this book and supporting SPANA you can ensure that more working animals receive the care they deserve.
