반려동물 가족을 선택하는 기준 [정진아의 다르지만 함께]

On a certain day in May 2024, a one-hundred bag of abandoned kittens lay near a factory in front of a shelter run by an organization. Upon opening the bag, a cat was found lying motionless with no yowling. This 'breed-specific' kitten was abandoned for an obvious reason, but the reason soon became clear. As the kitten tried to stand, it fumbled around and collapsed.

Veterinarians determined that the kitten's cerebellum had not developed properly, making it difficult for the kitten to move on its own. The kitten, named Ohel, began its life at the shelter in April. Despite falling and getting back up, Ohel learned to eat on its own and use the bathroom. Over the course of more than two years, Ohel persevered and finally found its family in July.

The night it arrived at the new home, Ohel walked up the stairs step by step and curled up with its new sister. The day Ohel was adopted was the first day of its new name, Cloud. Adoption is a cold and harsh world. While the sorrow, anger, and empathy felt for the animals rescued from difficult circumstances may be overwhelming, the tendency to continue caring for the chosen family member is not common.

When looking for a family, many people prioritize personal preferences such as age, appearance, and breed. On the streets or in shelters, countless animals wait for their families. In the endless sea of animals seeking a family, those who are overlooked or given no chance at all may die in the shelter or on the street. Among the many factors considered when choosing a family, 'breed' carries significant weight.

While shelter adoptions are always joyful and valuable events, the likelihood of forming a family varies greatly depending on breed. Seeing dozens of breed-specific animals die in poorly breeding facilities before ever finding a family, while others live for ten years without ever getting the chance to find a family, creates a sense of sadness.

Amidst the illusion of a compassionate arena, the contrast of these situations is striking. However, beyond the impenetrable barrier of discrimination, hope shines faintly. In 2009, 'Dally' was rescued and lived in the shelter for 18 years before finally finding a family in the depths of his wisdom. Despite losing an eye and a leg due to human abuse, Gati was able to heal his wounds through another person.

While rare, stories like these are akin to a rare shower in a desert. In a profession where adoption stories are often sorrowful, this tale is a rare drop in the ocean. Whether someone is willing to give their heart to an older animal or gives more attention to an animal that has never had a chance before, these decisions are not easy for everyone.

But if we expand our adoption approach and look for family candidates from different perspectives, more animals can leave the shelter with a fair chance. Even if their journey is slow, eventually, they will curl up next to their companion on the bed, just like Ohel and Gati, who found happiness and peace in their families. Ordinary days, which are rarely given to any animal, can become a day filled with normalcy for some. Let us hope that more animals can experience the simplicity of an everyday life.