Pet Den

World Animals’ Day is today!

Be kind to our dumb friends

Today is a special day for our animal friends both at home and in the wilds. Animals are a part of our lives and we must treat them well - not harm them. Those of you who have pets will know how endearing animals can be. But even if you are not an animal lover, you should learn to treat animals with respect and not harm them.

World Animals’ Day is celebrated each year on October 4. It started in Florence, Italy in 1931 at a convention of ecologists. On this day, animal life in all its forms is celebrated, and special events are planned on locations all over the globe.

October 4 was originally chosen for World Animals’ Day because it is the feast day of Francis of Assisi, a nature lover and patron saint of animals and the environment. Numerous churches throughout the world observe the Sunday closest to October 4 with a Blessing for the Animals.

However, World Animal Day has now gone beyond being the celebration of a Christian saint and is today observed by animal-lovers of all beliefs, nationalities and backgrounds.Animal rescue shelters hold fund-raising events and open days, wildlife groups organise information displays, schools undertake animal-related project work and individuals and groups of friends or co-workers donate to animal charities or pledge to sponsor a shelter animal.

Rex, my best companion

I had a lovely dog named Rex. He was black and white in colour with a woolly coat. He was fat too. Rex was five years old.

When I came home after school, he wagged his bushy tail to greet me. He became very excited and jumped all over me. He followed me everywhere making strange noises until I petted him. Wherever I went, Rex was always beside me, at home. He was the best and only companion I had.Rex’s favourite food was rice and curry, biscuits, milk and chicken bones. He was very brave, smart and lovely. I fed him on time and bathed him every other day. I kept him clean and healthy.He played with me in the garden everyday in the evening. He lived peacefully with our cats.

My pet dog responded readily to commands. Everyday Rex slept under my bed. Rex comforted me when I was sad. Although he barked at every stranger, he never bit anyone.Unfortunately Rex had to go away from us, forever. But he still lives with me, in my memories.I still love and adore him because he was a brave companion.I wish my lovely Rex will be born again to live with me. My pet Rex and I were inseparable. He was like my shadow. Only a true friend can ease our troubled hearts and Rex always managed to do so.

M. Prabhasara Kanchani Leelarathne,

WP/Don Pedric College,Horana.