Today is the Flag Day fundraiser of The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals(SPCA)!  Every penny that is donated allows them to assist animals that are abandoned, cruelly treated, injured or sick.  They can surely make a difference to countless lives!  So everyone do support this meaningful act and don’t forget to buy the SPCA’s flag day stickers today.

It is the 95th Anniversary of the SPCA, the first charity in Hong Kong to deal with all aspects of animal welfare.  

There used to be a number of stray cats living along the roadside up the Bowen Drive until in recent years, an Australian couple of a voluntary organization organising desexing of the cats here to prevent the breeding of unwanted kittens, and to manage cat-related problems humanely by returning desexed cats to their home territory or arrange adoptions that the number of strays decreases quickly.  At the entrance of the road, there remains a lonely cat we called him “Ah Wong” or “Ginger” as named by the Australian couple on account of the colour of his fur.  The couple usually feeds him at about 6 am early in the morning when we walk up to the Bowen Park for jogging or attending the exercise class.  We have seen “Ah Wong” living there for quite a number of years.   Why the couple don’t arrange adoption to find him a home as they did for other cats?   May be “Ah Wong” chose to be an arrogant lone ranger to safeguard this place!!!  Look at his keen and undaunting eyes.  Who knows what the answer is – he only meows to us when we greet him every morning.

Once a Vet told me that stray cats won’t live long out in the wild.  I pray that it is not the case for “Ah Wong”, the Lone Ranger of Bowen Road!!!

I used to see this kitten, who lived by the side of the Chai Wan Park, during the past few years when I walked up this path leading to the Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital.  I could find water, cat food and a home-made shelter were provided by some caring people at her side.  Though miserable, it seemed that she led at least a basic life out there.  Sadly on a recent visit there earlier this year, we could find no trace of her any more.  The shelter was torn apart and no food or water was provided there. Where was she now?  Got adopted, moved to another place, or dead?   My old friend, if you are still out there, hope to see you next time.  But, if you are in Heaven, hope you will forgive those who had not been kind to you and remember those had happened to be your friends!   Sighed,  No more dumping of cats!!!