“How could I make my will and not think of the RSPCA ACT as a beneficiary?
I adopted my black Burmese cat, Bubbles, from the RSPCA ACT eight years ago, along with his unusual name. He has been an affectionate, fascinating and very healthy friend. As I write, he is now only nine years old so, hopefully, he has another nine to go.
I served on the RSPCA ACT board for several years and was impressed to learn of its success in rehoming animals and that there are no time limits for animals to be rehomed.
I was also surprised and disappointed to learn that RSPCA ACT operates leanly, with limited income.
I had thought of the RSPCA as one of Australia’s most obvious and attractive charities and most likely in receipt of generous charitable support. This is not the case, at least in the ACT.
The annual budget was always tight when I served on the board and a generous bequest to help out was often sorely needed. Australians are not great philanthropists and it seems animal charities could do with more support.
Why do I love animals? As far as animals and wildlife are concerned, I appreciate their vulnerability, beauty, innocence, connection with history and their complex and varied relationships with the human race.
As for pets, as I live alone, I cannot imagine life without another living creature to care for and receive love from, I enjoy communicating with them.
I wish I could leave a more generous bequest than I am able to do. However, I know it will be put to very good use.”
