What I learnt on World Day Against Pet Abandonment

By Nimrod Ngui,

At first, July 28th—World Day Against Pet Abandonment—felt like just another calendar event. Something you acknowledge in passing.

But this year, I chose to be part of it. I didn’t know then that the day would leave a permanent mark on me.

This year’s World Day Against Pet Abandonment was commemorated at the Nairobi Feline Sanctuary (NFS) in Tigoni, Limuru. When my cousin and I arrived, I was struck by the people present. Just a small group of animal lovers, representatives from Petstore (a company that has been donating food and supplies to the shelter), staff from NFS led by founder Rachel Kabue, and a crew from KBC, a local TV station, setting up near the gate.

That was it. Just a handful of us. Yet somehow, it felt like a national event. Weighty, emotional, and deeply significant.

We lit candles in honor of the departed and abandoned animals. It was a quiet moment—but it spoke volumes.

I had my camera with me. And immediately got down to work as I interacted with fellow animal lovers. I began snapping shots of the shelter, the animals, the volunteers… each frame felt like a story frozen in time. Every face—human and animal—carried a history.

As I walked through the shelter, a tabby cat named Tannie rubbed against my leg. I crouched to take a photo, but before I could, she climbed up my arm and settled on my shoulder. I froze—surprised—but she purred softly into my ear, like she had chosen me, even if just for a moment. Somehow, I had to multi-task—taking photos while carrying a super affectionate cat on my shoulder.

“She does that when she feels safe,” someone said gently from behind.

I turned to see the person speaking. My cousin introduced her as Rachel—the founder of the shelter.

Rachel’s voice was calm, but full of purpose.

“We may be small now, but every life we save matters. Even if it’s just one.”

Then came the moment I’d been waiting for: we were allowed behind the cages to interact with the cats. I kept taking photos of volunteers playing with, feeding, and comforting the animals—capturing love in real time.

In just a couple of hours, the event wrapped up. It was quiet and simple—but I left feeling different. Not sad, just more aware.

I had never truly experienced the reality of animal abandonment—until that day.
But I also saw something else: love. In the eyes of animals still willing to trust, in the kindness of strangers, and in Rachel’s quiet determination to make a difference.

Later that evening, as I went through my photos, it hit me—I hadn’t just attended an event.
I had witnessed a story. Lived it. And deep down, I know it was only the beginning.

And I knew, deep down, it wouldn’t be the last time.

I’m all eyes on the next animal lovers’ event.

Whisker Wonders Reflection

World Day Against Pet Abandonment reminded me that animal welfare is about more than shelters—it’s about presence. About showing up, listening, and honoring the quiet stories behind each paw and purr.

Rachel didn’t wait for the world to care. She began with compassion—and it grew into something real.

At Whisker Wonders, we believe every animal deserves love and dignity. Whether you rescue, adopt, or simply care—your presence matters. Sometimes, all it takes is a quiet visit and an open heart.

Have you ever visited a shelter or supported a rescue in your community?

We’d love to hear your story. Because every small act of love leaves a mark—and sometimes, it begins with a purr on your shoulder.

Read: How to become an animal magnet.