These are just a few of my favorite photos from an incredible little book called Cat People by Bill Hayward. I read about it somewhere on the internet last year, and immediately knew I had to track it down. Happily, used copies started (and still do!) at one measly cent on Amazon. I'm telling you, this book is a total masterpiece. Every picture is incredible, and the stories that go along range from hilarious to bizarre to downright insightful. Worth every...penny!
Not having a regular job to go to or a real life to keep me busy has meant that I've basically been glued to the BBC live update page concerning the Japanese earthquake since early Friday morning when, insomniac that I am, I saw the very first images of the tsunami coming out of the country. It's rotten to feel so helpless in the face of so much misery. One thing I have done is donated what I could to the Japan Earthquake Animal Rescue and Support (check out their Facebook page for regular updates). It's frighteningly easy to overlook how much suffering will have been imposed on animals of all kinds during this disaster, and if I can afford to chip in $10 I promise you can too! Should you need any further convincing (in the form of a punch on the heart), look no further than this photo that popped up in my tumblr feed yesterday. I can't even express to you what that photo does to me. Part of me wishes I had never seen it, as I know it will haunt me indefinitely. And while I'm sorry to share such sadness...it's a wake up call, and if it convinces just one of you to chip in even a little bit, well then consider my apology retracted ;n )
19 comments:
Oh, i think i need to get that book, it looks wonderful! I also need to get a cat (I just need to convince my boyfriend first that they are not dangerous and that it wouldn't kill him in his sleep).
I love cats :)
I'm going to check that facebook page, thank you!
http://sweetharvestmoon.blogspot.com
Thank you for highlighting this, I've sent some money. It's so heartbreaking - did you see the photo of the man being reunited with his dog after the tsunami? So heartbreaking and lovely x
Total cat person - must have this book! Every time my place is photographed my cat ends up in most of the pictures, such a scene stealer. Thanks for the tip C x
don't be sorry for bringing it up, the blogs are nice place of distration and fashion, but there's room for care and compassion, too (hey that kinda rhymed)!
and yes, the pet situation can be so easily forgotten. this image pretty much broke my heart and made me realize that animals in these situations need our help too (and believe it or not, will stay on my personal list of things to do, i.e. organize volunteer animal search & rescue teams, when i start working in the humanitarian/disaster relief field).
here's that pic...
http://blogs.dogtime.com/seattle-dogspot/2011/03/picture-from-japan-owner-and-dog-reunited
Thank you again for my Christmas copy of that book. I love it.
oh, that photo of the cat made me so sad.
thank you for posting this and reminding us to remember that our furry friends need help too.
the link to japan earthquake animal rescue and support chipin doesn't seem to be working, but arkbark.net is mentioned on the facebook page, and i will be donating there.
-filipa, nyc (longtime reader of your blog, but first time commenting!)
The ChipIn link should be back up, they were having some difficulties but it seems all good now!
Camille, I salute you! I often wish I had gone into some sort of animal rescue work, my heart is absolutely there.
And I did see that photo of the man and his dog, ah, it kills me. I can;t believe how bad the situation is in northern Japan at the moment--elderly and sick people are literally dying in shelters because there's no food, water, heat or power in many areas. It's hard to believe that more can't be done, especially internationally, and it makes me sick to just sit here and my hands feeling helpless in my nice, comfy New York apartment. Ah!!!
that photo truly made me feel nauseated. donating now. you're a sweet girl.
:) i'm actually studying in humanitarian logistics and will likely work in the "human" aid sector first and foremost, but i guess what i was trying to say is that the discussion about animals doing search and rescue, as well as helping animals in disaster situations, has affected me and i will definitely ensure that these are included in my future action plans and operations. so important to consider everyone and everything!
anyway i salute you for bringing further awareness about this to your readers! :) xo
that photo absolutely horrified me :( and the fact that we have no idea if that kitty was rescued. i am poorer than i have ever been in my life at this particular moment, but i may just consider a donation. oh my goodness.
cythia--I totally understand, I'm in the same boat! Broke as a joke and few prospects in sight. But after seeing that photo and being so overwhelmed, I couldn't not do SOMETHING. I sent in $10, I wish it could have been a LOT more but hey, it's a bag or two of catfood right??
really nice concept for a book without being corny. some of those images are amazing, my fav is the pair at the lake, by far.
i have been glued to the coverage, mostly because i just couldn't believe what i was seeing
those cat people photos are great!
and i keep checking the bbc updates at work and keep getting more and more upset. and it's so heartbreaking about the animals! i donated right away.
You have a really big heart! I've been convinced to donate (and to try to encourage my friends to as well).
Just donated-- and setting the website as my fb status! It's killing me to think of all those poor animals. :(
Siri, I chanced upon a copy of this at Sacramento's antique mall a couple of years ago and regrettably balked at the $12 price tag and didn't take it with me. It's haunted me since. Thanks for sharing. That lady with the blonde curly hair struck me as a poor man's Stevie Nicks until I realized -duh- she is all the richer for the love of that handsome cat.
Wow. The very 1st photo is so amazing. I'd love to hear that boys story. I love cats.
goodness gracious I LOVE CATS
Post a Comment