What do dogs and happy hour have in common? THIS.

By BERN MORLEY

I could sit here and write you a standard spiel about WSPA. I could tell you that the Collingwood Football Captain Nick Maxwell and Olympic Gold Medallist swimmer, Leisel Jones are the ambassadors for WSPA, the World Society for the Protection of Animals. Because that’s pretty impressive. It would also be easy for me to cut and paste the details about their campaign to raise awareness and funds for the charity through a cute imitative named ‘Yappy Hour’. But then, if I did that, you probably wouldn’t read it. And I want you to read it.

I want you to be if nothing else, inspired and aware of at least some of the wonderful legacies WSPA (pronounced ‘whisper’) are creating. I know, I KNOW, there are thousands of charities out there that need our help or attention, none more worthy than the next, I could not agree more and I have to tell you that as a cynical lass that abhors being harassed in the street by those charity collectors, it feels like we are being asked to dip into our pockets at every single turn.  But I’m not even going ask you to do that.

Today I’m just going to give just a tiny glimpse of what WSPA (who receive zero government funding by the way) are trying to do. What you do next is totally up to you.

Nick Maxwell:

“For one second I just want you think about this. You are a one year old bear, you’ve spent the first twelve months with your mother, then all of a sudden you are kidnapped, smuggled into Pakistan across the border.

You have a sensitive nose that gets pierced with a large bull ring so they can use it to tie you to a chain. Your claws are sawn off and your teeth are ripped out and for the next 5, 10, 12 years, you basically defend yourself against rabid dogs and try to survive. All for “sport”. This could be up to 9 fights a day and that’s all you do, that’s all you know. You drink water, you eat bread, you aren’t even given the nutrition you need to be able to survive or defend yourself properly.”

You may remember THIS  Asher Keddie story from last year in Romania about the bears.

The good news is that all but 35 of these bears are now being looked after in Bear Sanctuaries. Yet I think what I loved the most was that WSPA understood that although considered vile, these people that owned the bears, who forced them into these disgusting situations, were doing it as their only income source. This is where WSPA is different. They don’t simply intervene in a culture without providing a monetary replacement. Farms are purchased, better options are sourced and provided for the owners. And the bears are rescued and safely housed in the sanctuaries provided.

Other quick examples of WSPA’s work

– Immunising dogs in countries where rabies is prevalent. Once immunised, these dogs are fitted with a red collar, indicating that they are safe and shouldn’t be needlessly culled

– Despite efforts made by both the Australian Government and the live export industry to regulate the export process, tens of thousands of animals continue to die every year while being exported. WSPA are endeavouring to find a viable alternative.

These are but a few examples of how WSPA are working to protect animals. So what can you do? I’m glad you asked. You can change your next Happy Hour, into a Yappy Hour.

“This October turn your happy hour into a Yappy Hour and come together to raise much-needed funds to help protect animals here in Australia and around the world. Hosting a Yappy Hour is a great way to get your friends and family together and kick a goal for these animals’ futures.” Nick Maxwell – Collingwood Football Captain.

Hosting your own Yappy Hour is as easy as:

– Afternoon tea at work

– A BBQ at your place

– A pet party in the park

– Kids school fundraiser afternoon tea

– Drinks after work

– A Yappy Hour can be anything you like. Get your sports team and community involved, because the bigger your Yappy Hour, the bigger the impact for animals.

To participate and access your Yappy Hour pack – click here.

I think more than anything, if you’ve read this far, you understand that WSPA is a great organisation. And if you get the chance, hold a little something, just for an hour and start talking about animal protection.