The Long Waiting of Cheers and Joy

Eid Mubarak is coming in two days. I saw people had started their busiest days for the coming event. Malls and local chains were crowded with people, craving to shop. This is Bandung. The city of over five million inhabitants was so passionate to celebrate the end of the holy month, Ramadhan. Suddenly it happened to be a shopping week, an endless feast, the crisis of reality, and morality.

Cutie Topeng

To me, the holy month was about a lost fanaticism. I was on my way home after a short visiting friend. It was right in the middle of craziest traffic I’ve been for the last ten years. I took a public transport that successfully trapped me in a jam. It couldn’t move for five minutes, not even an inch. So, I decided to take a walk. Then there’s a question popped out in my mind. Why wouldn’t I be a part of this joy ride? What makes me so cynical to accept the holy month? What is this all about? Do I lose my faith that I kept in mind since I was a child? Have I become the unbeliever? It might be. Because there are two important reasons that makes me so.

First, we will leave Billy for two days to celebrate Eid Mubarak out of town. This is going to be my first experience leaving Bandung for Moslem’s holy day. It means tiring travel of eight hours back and forth. Since I’ve been married on last December, now I try to give a chance celebrating the feast at my husband’s relative. I don’t want to disappoint him though I know very sure he’s not really a ‘mudik’ person. We’ll keep Billy inside the house with his food plate and water bowl full. I believe he’s going to be fine.

Second, Topeng and Tomi will lose me for a quite some time. I won’t be here to feed them. The brothers have become a very close friend to Billy. They usually come twice, in the morning and evening. Tomi is braver, stronger, and more feral. He is healthy enough to live roaming around the neighbor and also suspicious to human. Topeng is more friendly though he’s weak and intimidated to human at our first meet. Now he more trusts me, isn’t afraid to be near me, and of course screams low to ask the food. Both Tomi and Topeng were born in our front yard. No one knows what happened to their mother and the other sibling, though we know the father is Garong. He’s the feral king on the block. I wish I could catch him and send for spaying. It has been too many neglected kittens born because of him. Of course it wasn’t his fault. He’s only a cat after all. It is we are, the human that should take the responsibility of overpopulated cats.

Now it’s almost eight pm. Outside the house is loud and merry with fireworks. Billy sleeps in the bed near to TV. I’m not sure what happens to the brothers Tomi and Topeng. But I’m sure they will be seeing me again tomorrow.

Band of brothers: Napping time!

Billy's First Lesson

A few weeks ago, I had my Billy neutered at veterinary clinic. It was a hard decision for us since we did not want Billy to get painful caused in the surgery though it comes in anesthetic. Moreover, we never thought the urgency in having our cat sterilized. Well, we have a male cat and there is no necessary to worry about if he's got pregnant.. :) which means Billy will never deliver kittens into the house.

Yes, we always discuss why cat is over populated. They are homeless, sick, abandoned, suffered, and living for nothing. Can you imagine how many cats we actually see in life? Among your neighborhood? In the traditional market? How many abandoned cats are living in your city street? Lucky cats are adopted (=bought) by people who can afford branded can food, take their cats for medical check and grooming. Cats who live in the street almost have no time to take care of their body since they are busy hunting for preys or even if they're just sneaking out for food in your trash bin.

Billy age 5 month

This is why I do not agree with animal trading thus made me a pet shop-hater. To me, animal trading industry has the causalities to the high demand of dogs and cats breed. Lets say, among six newborn kittens, there will be only two or three perfect kittens chosen according to quality control standard. So how these breeders deal with the unexpected puppies and kittens? They just throw the others dog and kitten away, in empty street, in busy traditional market, or in dumping site. How awful! I once heard that in China, breeders buried the unexpected kittens alive. This is what I called barbaric! What's the point in having a long haired cat, with exotic looks instead of adopting a poor little one next to your house? I do not against pure breed. In fact, I want to have a Siberian Husky or a Beagle, and Norwegian Forest cat as well one day. I found them really cute! But then I realized the risks of pure breed lying behind animal industry. Pets are not fashion, folks! They are mammals with emotion and thoughts just like humans are. Once you get bored with your old cap, you can hang it on the wall and get a new one. But, you CANNOT throw your pets away because they aren't cute anymore. Thus, think carefully again before you enter pet shops.

I adopted Billy from my relatives. When Billy's mother had five kittens come, I knew somebody should have the responsibility for the babies' future. Never buy kittens and puppies, or animal else from the pet shops. This is the effective way to stop the cruel animal industry. Other way is to neuter your companion dogs and cats. Yes, neutered pets wouldn't be able to wander around neighborhood without supervision. That's true! And that's why you must provide proper home and food, health treatment, and loving care for your pets. Once they get neutered, they should remain as a home-stayed pet. Just remember, the time you get a pet into your house, you should consider that you are dealing with a lifetime responsibility. Be a responsible owner!