Life took a positive turn for Miriama Qio when she began working as a kennel hand for the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA). Previously, she had a career in pest control, a field focused on managing and preventing pests like insects and rodents that can harm crops and buildings. This transition from pest control to animal welfare illustrates a significant shift in her professional journey.
Miriama, who grew up in Kadavu, has always been surrounded by animals, having been raised in a pet-loving family. “At home, we always had a pet,” she shared. Her mother instilled in her the responsibilities of cleaning, bathing, and feeding their pets, experiences that ultimately prepared her for her current role.
Interestingly, Miriama initially aspired to become a lawyer and believed that her journey led her to advocate for the voiceless. She discovered SPCA after seeing an advertisement on Facebook and decided to give it a try.
Her daily routine starts at 6:30 a.m. as she prepares food for the pets, who eat three times a day. To minimize the gap between their last meal and breakfast, she aims to feed them at 7 a.m. After breakfast, her day is filled with cleaning and spending time with the animals, ensuring they are well cared for, despite the distance from her home in Nakasi to the shelter in Suva.
Miriama has learned important life lessons from the animals in her care, as they have helped her manage her emotions and improve her communication skills. A piece of advice from a woman she met resonated with her: while human tears are heard by Jesus, animal tears reach the Creator directly. This has inspired her to cultivate a greater sense of empathy and compassion.
Despite the challenges of working with vulnerable animals, Miriama remains focused on her mission. “This job has made me want to become a better human,” she stated.
Shaneel Narayan, the SPCA clinic manager, recognized the importance of collaboration with various stakeholders to enhance policies and legislation related to animal welfare. He mentioned ongoing efforts to establish stricter rules regarding pet ownership, ensuring dogs remain contained within their yards.
Additionally, Shaneel highlighted the significance of education and awareness programs in schools, stating, “If you want to change the mindset of people, we have to start at the grassroots level.” He expressed hope that these initiatives have led to a marked increase in animal welfare awareness over the past five to six years.
Animals, with their unwavering loyalty and affection, remind us of the importance of kindness toward all living beings. The SPCA and animal-loving organizations continue to advocate for compassion toward every creature.