New Year’s Wish Cats Big and Small

New Year Melancholia

Every year end, no matter how I try to fight it, melancholia seeps into my heart and stays for a few days.  I reflect on the past and miss loved ones and times gone by.  I am an optimistic person by nature, so this bit of sadness creeping in feels unfamiliar, like my heart and stomach are being squeezed.

 This is not a recent development, I remember feeling the blues as a child and even going to bed early so not to be fully aware of saying goodbye to the old year and welcoming the new one. The non-stop year in review round ups are to be avoided.

I do not watch the ball drop in Times Square and instead watch Netflix or read through the midnight hour.  This effort to keep the new year away is futile, I know, yet I persist. Somehow, when the sun rises and it is January 1, everything seems to be a little better.

Instead of Resolutions Make a promise to care

This year instead of making resolutions, and hiding from the new year,  our wish is that more people will care for all animals, big and small.  We wish those who are indifferent to the plight of our wild cats, will open their hearts and minds to see we are all needed to make a difference.  African lions, tigers, cheetahs, leopards, jaguars, mountain lions and all wild cats need us now more than ever. I wish people would care.

Small Actions Can make a difference

Helping  big and small cats can be as simple as starting a discussion with a friend or family member.  You might be surprised to learn that many people are unaware of the risk of extinction facing wild cats. For those of us connected to conservation projects, this seems impossible, but I ask you during this coming year to bring up the topic of big cat conservation, whether it is how the Lion Guardians are making a difference, Panthera’s Tiger Project, Cheetah Conservation Fund’s  Guarding Dog Project, the Mountain Lion Foundation, or any other project for which you are passionate.  Throw in some discussion about elephants, bears and frogs too!!

Promote Adopt Don’t Shop To Help Shelter Cats

You can also promote adopt don’t shop to help shelter cats find forever homes.  Or discuss the importance of caring for feral cats and what each of us can do to help. Donate time to a shelter or drop off much needed supplies.

New Year’s Wish For more Wildlife Warriors

This New Year’s Eve instead of feeling anxious, I will focus on feeling excited to think we will have more wildlife warriors discussing how we can all help protect our animals.

If we all begin a discussion, and if we could all melt just one cold heart, together that is a lot of hearts that could join us in helping save our wildlife.

Remember, small paws united make a big difference.  Thank you for caring for all animals big and small.

We wish you peace in the new year.