I have four cats myself, like members of the family and cared for like little princes and princesses.
I do a bit of campaigning on animal protection causes too, and here in Ireland we have as many animal-related causes to occupy our attention as any country. One of my "specialities" is the campaign to ban hare coursing, an activity that involves capturing wild hares (jack rabbits) and forcing the unfortunate critters to run from greyhounds in confined areas...all for what some people think of as sport and entertainment.
All animal protection groups here oppose it, but it goes on, and many hares come to a bad end as you'd expect.
We've got a big boost recently to our efforts to save the hare from this obnoxious pastime...the publication of a fantastic book by one our campaigners, John Fitzgerald, called Bad Hare Days.
Nothing unique to Ireland there I imagine...I'm sure animal lovers all over will identify with that experience..the rollercoaster ups and downs...heart-breaking setbacks and occasional little victories along the way.
But the book isn't a gloom and doom affair...it's full of hilarious bits too. especially concerning the antics of the author's cat!
I've found campaigning for animals challenging myself, and occasionally very frustrating, but to be honest never as difficult to handle or cope with as the death of a beloved cat...replacing a pet doesn't take the pain away, not even in my case and I firmly believe in an afterlife for both humans and animals.
If anyone's has read Bad Hare Days, I'd love to hear what you thought of it.
