My Domesticated Royal Family and Other Animals

 "If you tremble with indignation at every injustice than you are a friend of mine." Ernesto Che Guevara.                            Early in the morning homeless cats arrive from all directions to attend my "cats' table". After a while I got to know them, got attached and worry when one or two don't turn up. For five days I am missing sweet Mary. She's spayed and neutered, usually stays near my house and sleeps indoors. Some time in the past she had four babies that she took to an unknown place when a celebration took place with those extreme loudspeakers, suitable for a stadium.  This time we had three days of celebration, life music again loud enough for the deaf to hear. Strange custom. If that drove her away, why doesn't she come for breakfast, early in the morning when most folks are still sleeping and it's pleasantly quiet? I fear that she may have been killed by one of many cars parked in double rows during the party. Sweet gentle Mary, she loved to cuddle, I haven't quite given up hope yet that she might return. Two boys proudly declared that I feed their cat. I asked them to take their cat inside at night in order to be safe. One elderly neighbor passing by during feeding time was surprised to see a big gentle golden coloured tomcat among my guests and informed me that he was his cat, now the mother and brother are still living with him. Not all so called stray cats have always been homeless, it is noticable, they usually love to cuddle. Unfortunately children looming the streets tend to have here a disturbed attitude towards animals, they regard it as normal to throw stones at cats and dogs or use a stick. Apart from my husband and me not many adults seeing this say anything. "They are children", one of the most stupid sentences I hear, meaning kids don't need to be told the difference between right and wrong. It is natural for children to find out how far they can go, where the limit is, if you let them grow up wild, they will believe that their parents don't care for them and life with rules and regulations as adults will be very trying for those concerned. I watched a little boy, approx. 2-3 years old attempting to throw stones at a black  dog and wanting to hit him as well with a stick. I ran to him and told him to stop it, it is HARAM (forbidden, against the Quran). An elderly man watching, family member sitting on a chair in front of the house, saying nothing. I advised him that he must teach the child that such action is not okay, please teach your child culture, empathy, not to attack the dog. By the way I know the gentle black dog that belongs to a boy from the same street. Ignorant folks allowing kids to attack innocent well behaved dogs (and cats), youngsters who think it's funny - never heard an animal laugh about such twisted sense of humor - don't understand why may be one day animals try to threaten them and run away. As a rule I can say that even stray cats and dogs are better behaved than those neglected children. If parents are too lazy, sick or ignorant to teach their kids empathy and basic values, then schools should do so, as well as not to drop rubbish wherever they are. Watching adults do this they think it's normal. I tell them that they lost something or that the road is not their rubbish dump. So far no angry reaction. I can't help it, I studied educational sciences. - My amazing tomcat Malek, golden white coloured, blind on one eye, living with us for more than three years, once very sick with water in his lungs, is my highlight in the morning, never have breakfast without my boy on my lap, telling me that he loves me as I am, while giving me a massage. He has sympathy with orphan new family additions and allows them to pretend that he is his mother, even though he has no milk. Fortunately there is milk powder for baby cats on the market (in the past when it was not available many babies died without their mothers), not cheap and therefore I am very grateful for donations from Gisella Romdhani and Chayma Labidi, dedicated to save street cats and dogs though their animal protection organisation, Animal Hearts Tunisia, great women! But actually I don't find it always easy to feed the babies every four hours and they miss their mother, so they cry more than they usually would. I feel exhausted. My big four legged family finds it more easy to accept kittens than adults as new members. (But for heaven's sake no more please). Coming from different families they like to stick together and sometimes find an adult cat to cuddle with. Like humans some adults don't like each other though, some love my husband more than me (he is proud of that), others prefer my company. We sometimes joke who would have which cat in case of a divorce.

PostScript The Good, the Bad and the Ignorant

 "If freedom of speech is taken away, the dump and silent we may be led, like sheep to the slaughter." George Washington

A lot is happening in Tunisia at present, the parliament has been suspended for thirty days (may be extended), the finance and justice minister, Prime minister and other high ranking politicians, including Ennahdha representatives are dismissed. The president declared his actions are all in line with the Constitution (Paragraph 80) and that 460 persons have stollen 13,5 Billion Dinar, equals 4,8 Billion Euro, of state money. Shocking news, in particular if one bears in mind that a big Tunisian state bank robbery by Ben Ali and his wife took place ten years ago, a poisoned fare-well present to the country. These greedy, corrupt, folks have no shame, no conscience. It is extremely hot, in particular in the South, where we have areas with no running water, bad infrastructure and poor people. Such news must be like a slap in the face for them. Many are happy with the president's actions. Some fear we could be heading towards a development like Agypt, since Aljazeera's offices have been stormed in Tunis by plain clothes police officers, no previous warnings, no warrants and other actions have also been taken against some journalists and various media. Aljazeera English made a lot of international prizes winning documentations about events that several states would love to hide underneath the carpet, therefore it is not surprising that countries like Israel, Saudi Arabia, USA and UAE attempted to destroy their offices or at least prevent them from continuing their investive works. Under Ben Ali's dictatorship freedom of expression didn't exist. People were frightening to talk about politics, one had to be even careful what one said in a taxi, it was forbidden to question tourists. - In the neighborhood three men tried to steal a poor man's motorbike, which he needs to get to work whenever there is some. Another neighbor taking his German Shepard for a walk had his dog suddenly pulling towards a house further down the road. When the dog owner discovered the burglars, he let his dog loose. The thieves got a fright and ran away, leaving behind their rope. We owe a lot to dogs, they often save lives (rescue dogs, police dogs, drugs sniffing dogs, Sheepdogs, guide dogs, etc) and yet, for unknown reasons, some ignorant people hate and want to kill them. This morning a German Shepherd arrived opposite my house, around cats' feeding time. I have seen him a few times before. The cats know that he is harmless and continued to eat. Two women appeared, I could see that they are frightened of dogs. One picked up a stone. I managed to prevent her from throwing it at the dog and shouted that he is gentle, there is absolutely no need to use a stone or stick. I believe that German Shepherd has an owner, he looks well kept and has good manners. I wish I could say the same about the kids in the neighborhood. The social behavior of African wild dogs, 6000 still exist in Botswana, is very interesting and they could be a model for quite a few humans. After the bitch has given birth she stays with her puppies for three months, feeding them her milk. During that time other dogs provide her with food and they do the same for old, sick or injured dogs of the community. Imagine life without greed, corruption, envy, hate, dirty tricks, theft, lies....... In Costa Rica stray dogs are caught, spayed and neutered, after two weeks if no family is found, returned to the street where they were found (the surroundings they know) prior to that photos are placed on the internet, they get marked, vaccinated and chipped. If they get adopted and later on placed out on the street again, the owner is held responsible. Various homeless types that normally wouldn't meet, resulted in interesting mixtures, every dog an original and beauty of his/her own. This gave some guys the idea to start a big adoption event stressing this interesting point. The success was tremendous, men, women and children proud of their very special great new family member.

The Good, the Bad and the Ignorant

This is Sousse

Activists in Ukrainek, and some other countries meanwhile, who had enough of animal abusers. 
Maybe one day the table will be turned.

 Men generally more judge by the eyes than by the hand, for everyone can see and few can feel. Everyone sees what you appear to be, few really know what you are. Niccolo Machiavelli

Happiness is having a beautiful fur angel (or more) purring on my lap, thus telling me: I love you, it's great to be with you. You are all I need. Perfect love! Animal abusers don't know what they are missing. In Tunisia you can find absolutely gorgeous cats out on the street. Often placed there by families that did not appreciate what they had. Some try to find an alternative so that they can feel alright. Sorry, I am not your solution. My husband and I, as well as our fur family have reached our absolute limit concerning space, energy and finance. We are neither rich nor young and are self-financing. We would love to help all animals  and all unfortunate folks, but that is totally unrealistic. The situation of animals, in particular cats and dogs, is depressing. The other day a woman tried to persuade my husband that we can and should take her cat with the four babies. While she didn't see herself fit to look after the little family and didn't understand her responsibility for the babies (spay and neuter if you don't want your cat to have babies), we are expected to do miracles. Very strange. I hear cat babies screaming, one golden yellow behind my metal fencing, between my cactus plants and another one, black and white, shivering on top of my yucca plant. They were placed there by some selfish persons, who just don't care whether I can cope with more additions or not. And then there are those clever folks who believe it is Haram (forbidden according to the Quran) to have cats and dogs spayed and neutered. Killing them though is okay? A man viewed a dog having sex on the street and believed this would entitle him to beat the dog to death. Twisted mind. I hope he will be held accountable for his evil deed. Strange things are going on in some folks head. Hope it won't get worse with Corona, which effects the brains of several survivors. While in the beginning of the pandemic it looked good and promising in Tunisia, we now managed to have the highest death rate in the world. In view of our poor health service system, we urgently need experts and international help. Many continue to ignore the protective measures. Like children, only follow if this is controlled. In Kairouan military does this with success. In Sousse folks seem to be free to accept or ignore the restrictions. In the German newspaper TAZ was recently a long article printed about the present situation in Tunisia. They stated that even diplomats are shocked how Tunisian customs work and compared it to the colonial time. Not surprising then that important articles, e.g. imported medicine, is maktur (at present not available). Veterinarians complain that products are unnecessarily held back at customs. I remember during Ben Ali's regime being blankly asked by airport officials to give them small presents (shampoo, chocolate, etc). This has stopped. We have a lot of diabetics, medicine often maktur, nevertheless many cereals, fruit juices, etc sold with an extra portion of sugar or honey, very strange. My only alternative is frequently to drink water or with some luck fresh fruit juice without additions. There appear to be more beggars, their story may or may not be true. Be careful if you get out your purse that it won't get stolen. I viewed five sheep in the neighborhood bought to be slaughtered for the big religious celebration. Prior to this the sheep spends a few days with the family that will try to fatten it and the children take it for a walk, play with it, all too often without regard that it is an animal that feels stress (taken from it's usual surrounding), fear and pain. Buying a sheep is a big expenditure for a poor family, in my opinion not a must. A woman married to a poor sick man, selling self-made flat round bread, told us her daughter's biggest wish is that they buy a sheep and wanted us to donate for this. My husband told her no, we ourselves won't buy a sheep and when you are poor there are better ways to spend your money and you ought to teach your daughter to be modest with her wishes, that will make life easier for her and her family. One can buy a piece of meat instead. A few days later that woman's husband arrived and told us that they have no money for food.

Don't Worry, maybe joking helps

 You can't be funny by yourself. Funny is only what others know about you. Chris Rock

An Israeli arrives in Paradise. He discovers that there are many Palestinians in a huge dinning room, enjoying a big buffet with the most delicious food and fruits, etc, while in another dinning room for Israeli there is only a choice of two dishes served. So he complains. Why aren't we treated equally? The Angel replies: You are so few, a big buffet wouldn't be appropriate, besides, equality? Don't you come from an Apartheid state?

Dictators from various countries in an aeroplane. The aeroplane crashes. Who survives? The world.

A North African asks his Iman: I don't understand why so many Christians have more money than me. Iman: I know you, you are lazy and unreliable. The guy thanks and goes home. There he prays: Allah please make me diligent and reliable, but not straight away.

Teacher: Ali, how much is 2+3? Ali: 7 Teacher: No, how much is it? Ali: 9. Teacher: No, wrong again. Ali: Teacher you are always criticising me. I hate school!

An Iman and a mini bus driver arrive at the same time at Paradise gate. The Iman is asked to wait while the mini bus driver is allowed in. Complains the Iman: What does that mean, don't you know who I am? Reply: Sorry but, when you were preaching many didn't listen, while when he was driving everybody prayed!

An Angel visits a good citizen and says: I am going to show you heaven and hell, you can choose where you want to go after death. In heaven he finds people with excellent manners, singing and praising. In hell there is a big party going on, much laughter. So he decides it must be more fun to be in hell. The Angel advises him to choose carefully and he can still change his mind before he passes away. Well, he doesn't. Arriving in hell he discovers a totally different situation, it is horrible and a real hell. He complains to the head devil: What is going on here, I don't understand and would have never chosen this place had I known! Replies the head devil: Sorry mate, the first time you arrived you were a visitor, now you are an immigrant!

Meeting of an Iman, a Bishop and a Rabbi. Says the Bishop: Wouldn't it be nice if we could all together enjoy a beer and a nice piece of pork. When will this be possible? Replies the Iman: At the wedding of your son, Bishop.

In a train an Algerian, a Moroccan and a Tunisian travelling together, with them they have a sword as a present for someone. A fly molested the Algerian, he tries in vain to chase it away. So he takes out the sword and with one movement cuts it in half. A little while later another fly arrives, this time molests the Moroccan. He takes the sword and quickly cuts the fly in four parts. The next fly decides to molest the Tunisian. He tries very hard to chase it away, it keeps returning. Getting funny looks from the other guys, he finally feels forced to act. He takes the sword, one swift movement and...... the fly flies away. Well, says the Tunisian. that fly will never have any children!

A group of men meeting, all of them what you might call good-for-nothing, some burglars, other thieves of life stock like e.g. sheep, some drug dealers. Says one: Our work used to be much easier when Moslems didn't like dogs, thought they are dirty. Now dogs are kept in houses, on roofs, it is difficult enough with Corona more folks in the house. Yes, says another, even on airports sniffing drugs. And dogs are out on the fields, barking when we arrive and trying to chase us away, interrupted another. So we all agree, remarked another, dogs are bad for our business. A young guy declared that he may have the solution: let us find out whether there is rabies anywhere in the country and then call it a big problem. Luckily some folks in power also don't like dogs and they will be happy to act. Who needs dogs!!!

A Comparison, Cuba and Tunisia

 Wealth is not about having a lot of money; it's about having a lot of options." Chris Rock                                   

Both countries had dictators, a revolution,are not very big in size and have approx. 11 Million citizens. While Cuba is like an open air vintage car museum (vehicles that the mafia left behind when Fidel Castro and Che kicked them out), Tunisian streets are congested with new cars (most of them "belong to the bank" I am told). Those cars in Cuba are well worth seeing. I asked my husband to pretend he is about to enter one, so I can take a nice picture. A man appeared and nicely asked whether he can now have his car back. By the way, getting spare parts being impossible due to sanction measures restricting/stopping imports, the inventive genius Cuban folks helped themselves with spare parts from Russia or created these themselves. In Tunisia bad streets lead to more repairs to vehicles and the owners facing bills they have difficulties to meet. Education and health services are considered a human right in Cuba, free and open to all citizens. People not only from other American countries, including USA, can only dream of this. In Tunisia much requires improvement, insufficient hospitals, in particular in the south, the poor are more or less supported, not everything is for free, medication is often maktur, meaning sold out, no longer available (may be stolen, given to non- untitled persons), in particular imports. In Cuba more is own production, now also  Corona vaccines. They even send medical specialists to help other countries, often poor ones. They are great people. It is amazing how much they can repair with little resources, here you quickly hear that items are beyond repair, so much, too much is thrown away. I love Cuban music, my favourite is Bona Vista Social Club. Tunisia has of course also good music, at festivals/ celebrations often played at an ear splitting sound level, unfortunately. Animal rights generally exist in Tunisia (Penal Code, article 310 and 317 Section IV 3), 4) ). This comes as a surprise to many, as cats and dogs (not all strays), are shoot or poisoned on the streets at night, many of them, through authorities, in various places. Frankly it depresses me and viewing photos or videos is hard, I often cry. The result of this murdering of innocent animals is that kids/youngsters seeing it become insensitive, lose empathy, throw stones at animals, hit them, treat them like vermin, seldom stopped by their ignorant parents, who may even kill cats and dogs themselves. It is sadly not unusual to kick out a cat or dog that becomes inconvenient, perhaps sick, has unwanted puppies (the little family may even get brutally murdered). So not all straits originate from the streets. It shows, lovely gentle  animals with a shocking destiny. When Cuban citizens demanded animal protection laws, these were introduced (sadly still allowing traditional cock fights and religious sacrifice): Animal welfare and raising awareness in our population on the care and respect of animals is a demand of our society objective to achieve a harmonies relationship between human beings and other species in despensinate condition for the existence of all. Animals must be cared for and protected by man.- At presence we  can only dream of generally animal rights in North Africa, why folks here can be so brutal and believe it's okay to abuse, torture or even murder them, only the devil knows. It is against the Moslem religion (HARAM). The Mufti of Tunisia declared those who kill dogs and cats will go straight to hell after death. We need to educate the ignorant and their kids, teach empathy, respect and appreciation for animals and nature. Too many strays on the roads? The solution is simple, learn to take responsibility for your pet. In order to reduce the number of unwanted ones get them spayed  and neutered, authorities could partly finance this instead of their killings. If you want tourists, don't shock them with inhuman senseless and gruesome actions. By the way, Prophet Mohammed (constantly praised here) loved and  kept animals, his advice: Have sympathy with the animals on earth and then Allah will also have sympathy with you.

Amazing Amira her Life and Death

Rest in peace, my lovely one, thank you for the love you gave us. We will never forget you.

 "We must learn to live together or perish together as fools." Martin Luther King

When we arrived in Kairouan 2013, many lovely cats came to our house to welcome us, among them the gorgeous Amira, white with orange and dark brown patches. She chose us and we chose her, love at first sight! A very sportive little darling who liked climbing on roofs, in the beginning not easy for me to watch, always happy to have her return safely to spend the night with us and during the day checking that we are okay, a real treasure! When the young lady decided to get engaged, she did so at least four times, as far as I could see. We provided the food for the short- lived engagement and as Amira was our first Tunisian cat, there was no need for "family planning" at that time. So in May 2013 Amira gave birth to Tiger, Sandy, Bijoux and Soleigh. All looking differently, only Bijoux resembling mummy (this is usual here). Amira allowed me to be present a great experience. Her babies were so cute. Tiger and Sandy, meanwhile eight years old, are still living with us. Bijoux suddenly fell ill and died in November 2019. Soleigh, a beautiful white feline with yellow patches went outside in Sept. 2019 and never returned, most probably stolen, as we tried in vain to find her and she had no reason to stay away. One day, my husband was sleeping, Amira decided he might as well be her babysitter and brought her babies, one after the other, to him in bed. (My hubby just continued snoring) Great girl pity I didn't make a video. I studied her education method: watch your kittens, interfere only when it's necessary. Don't scream at your babies, show them that you care for them and that they are very special to you. Gentle mothers have gentle well behaved kids/kittens. We moved to Sousse, Amira and her family got a new home and had to adjust to a different life style. The street with all those cars, motorbikes, racing from time to time around our house, we considered too dangerous for our little treasures, as a substitute we offered two terraces, the big one on the roof. One day Amira ran out on the street and returned after a little while. When her children were old enough we had the whole family operated. Amira stopped liking her gentle son, even though a bit of a gentleman with other cats, I guess she feared he may see her as the female rather than just mummy. So we separated them. The vet discovered that Amira had just started to fall pregnant again when she operated her. We hadn't expected this and felt very sorry for our little darling. She had lately changed her way with her kittens, maybe so they perhaps leave and make space for a new family? Anyhow, it turned out that she wasn't very happy with us accepting more and more cats in our house - nothing we originally planned. We didn't buy them but we were and still are confronted with street cats needing help or simply folks dumping their unwanted felines at our door step. So depressing and irresponsible. Anyhow, beautiful Amira decided to leave us. She walked out, only returned once for a bit of food and another time to day hello from the roof of a house opposite. I tried in vain to persuade her to come down and live with us a again. It hurt so much. For some time we tried to find her in the neighborhood. Not very long before she left we discovered a lump on her tummy. The vet diagnosed that the growth may be cancer. We had her operated, actually twice. Our sweetheart unfortunately did not think that she would need to be looked after much. We felt so helpless. Time passed, after 18 months we had to fear the worst, leaflets with her photo brought no result. Nobody seemed to have seen her anywhere. A few days ago an adult cat, looking tired, sick and dirty, came to my house, calling me. I did not recognize Amira at first, her voice had also changed. I felt so happy to have my wonderful love back. While combing her fur, I was shocked to see a new big growth on her tummy, shaped like a thick cone, looking bloody. Amira refused to eat, just drank water. She had pain. We contacted an animal surgeon. The blood test showed that her kidneys were not working as well as one would wish, age and living rough took its toll. While the operation would be recommendable, it's not without risk. We decided to take the risk. All went well, but Amira again refused to eat, just wanted to drink a lot. I cooked chicken with rice and carrots for her. She just took the broth. The veterinary gave her an infusion, also the following day. It started to look promising, but then Amira had a lot of pain. On account of her kidney problems we were advised not to give her any drugs. I cuddled with her, stroked her fur, gave her a massage, fell asleep holding her. She enjoyed it, but her pains remained. She collapsed on the toilet, I gently lifted her on her bed again. During the three hours I slept my lovely precious darling passed away. I can't describe the loss I feel, she didn't deserve all those pains. I am grateful for the love she gave and all she taught me. 

Feline Lives Matter

 "Only the one who walks his own way can't be overtaken." Marlon Brando

Spring is here, no more cold and damp nights, life could be easier for the homeless, but Corona created a new problem, less places where food can be found, travelling restricted, restaurants closed, folks with less money. Most of my usual visitors to my Cats' Table still turn up, but some that have become dear to me are missing. Unfortunately I can't provide shelter for all. Gaby, a young inexperienced cat mum had two babies in a box I provided for emergency cases. Just like some humans she didn't seem to be willing to spend too much time with her little ones, after two days her first baby died, the other poor little darling after another week. I don't know what became of Mary's kittens after she took them away on account of excessively loud music last year. Lately Mary was on heat again, I hope I can get her operation (spayed and neutered) financed before the next generation developes. Last month I found five black/ black and white kittens in front of my door, the next day another black cat appeared, all approx. 6 weeks old. At least no longer new born babies, still blind. Looks like my message spreaded that if separated from the mother so extreme quickly their chance of survival is zero. Anyhow, another two yellow golden kittens followed. That is not the end of it, the latest arrival a little kitten, grey, yellow. white with both eyes sealed. I ignored her telling me to leave her alone. With Physiol solution I gently cleaned her eyes and then put a drop of Tobracort 3M in both eyes. And wow, the sweet little treasure managed to see the world again. Just as well there is mother milk powder on the market, even croquettes for kittens and thanks to my vet I knew how to treat her eyes. Quick reaction is important, the little treasures can end up blind otherwise. It is a hard world for the innocent darlings. The special croquettes I bought for my babies they enjoy, but they also want to try those for my big girls and boys who in return are interested in baby food. Experts say that cats ' IQ can reach that of an average two year old child. They can be little mischiefs as well. All are not alike, some are very gentle and love to cuddle, others are shy and prefer human to feline company. My Suzy is very fond of eating, it shows, and from time to time she likes to act like a male but she is always gentle with me. Suzy has got lovely fur with a red shine and managed to keep her full teeth, she's been with us since 2017. Next week we can celebrate Tiger and his sister Sandy's eights birthday. Their gorgeous mother was our first Tunisian cat, we are still very sad that she's no longer around. Having many cats doesn't prevent us from feeling deep sorrow every time one passes away. In the mornings I get very spoiled, woken up with purring (Tiger and Sandy) and a massage by Sandy, later on another one by Malek. His name means Angel. I couldn't have found a more suitable name for my lovely golden and white big boy, blind on one eye, part of our family for three years now. Great to have him! A young lady turned up, she wanted a cat, white, Turkish (in Europe called Persian), with vaccine, checked by a vet, spayed and neutered, could she choose one from my house? I advised her that though I have many cats there aren't any to choose from, most of them have become part of my family, only one of my cats has vaccine, I can't afford that treatment for so many. She was shocked. Folks here know what they want and they want it for free. You can have everything in Europe, including a chip, so if lost or stolen your cat can be traced. But there is a snag, you have to pay for all that and it's not at all cheap. By the way, the number of very young kittens secretly left at my front door lately adds up to eleven. I could of course ignore them and risk that they get run over by a car, which unfortunately happens around here from time to time, in particular to the inexperienced little ones. Another danger are sometimes dogs ( some folks even train their dog to hunt cats) and stone throwing kids, which my husband and I managed to reduce. The kids in the neighborhood all know that we won't tolerate this and several now even come to inform us if a cat gets injured and needs help. Positive changes are possible, they require patience. At present I don't know how to finance vet treatments including the family planning (spayed and neutered) and the extra food when my babies start growing up. I hope they can get adopted one day. They deserve a good family, not where they are treated like toys or worse.