Eloise

Eloise continues with chapter 7 ofour bedtime story

Today, kids, I am going to tell you about the Jamaica Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, otherwise known as the JSPCA. More than 100 years ago, the JSPCA was set up 'to protect animals from cruelty, neglect, injury and abandonment, and to defend and promote animal rights'. The property, which is in St Andrew, houses a shelter for animals, offers boarding for people's pets, and provides a veterinary clinic that 'is equipped with a laboratory, surgical suites, isolation unit and maternity ward'.

Sibling rivalry

My son, Yoda, and I have visited the JSPCA many times. The vets there are kind and gentle. They always rub our tummies and talk to us. We have been there for operations, injections and other boo-boos. Our human Mummy likes our vets too. We always hear her bragging that they are the best!

A couple of months ago, our human Mummy and Daddy brought us to the country to visit our three doggie cousins: Da Vinci, Truffle and Shadow. Normally, we all get along well, but this time was different. Da Vinci was not very nice to Yoda. It is probably because Yoda is growing into an adult, and Da Vinci is an Alpha male dog. This means that he is the leader of the pack of dogs. Even though Da Vinci has known Yoda since he was born, and has always liked him, he now wants to show his dominance over Yoda. This can be dangerous for the younger male dog, even if he does not fight back. As a result, our human Mummy had to find somewhere to keep us for a week.

Mummy was worried

That is how we ended up boarding at the JSPCA. Human Daddy checked us in because Mummy was upset about leaving us. Anytime she has ever left us, it has been in the country with the cousins. For some reason, she was just worried. We were not! From the moment the car turned into the driveway, we started to wag our tails and bark with glee.

Of course, boarding anywhere is not the same as being at home, but once you are looked after well, that's all that matters. There are lots of other dogs that stay at the JSPCA, so they have to keep us all in cages that are right next to one another. When Yoda and I were there, we were fed good food, taken for walks regularly, and treated with kindness by all the staff. It is very important to our human Mummy that we behave properly, and so we always try hard to do so.

While we were there, Yoda had to have an operation. I have had an operation at the JSPCA too, so I knew that he would be okay. The vets and their assistants are good at their job and the JSPCA always has the best interest of the animals at heart.

Scrubbed squeaky clean

Before going home, animals are always washed. Yoda and I were no exception. We were scrubbed squeaky clean and then taken to the reception area where, who do you think was waiting for us? Our Mummy! We were so happy and excited that we started jumping up all over her and licking her hands and feet. You might think we would be angry with her for leaving us, but when dogs know that their owner loves them, then they are certain that their owner will return. Boarding at the JSPCA, where they took such great care of us, also helped!

Emmadaltonbrown@gmail.com

POSITIVE Parenting