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Mad Dogs Trust Penny Koch Shepherd

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Attitude towards animals should change. A pet can be a benefit to the family, elderly and young alike.

Pouring her heart out for the cause of the abandoned animals in the area, Penny Shepherd started Mad Dogs Trust in 2007. Inspired by Noel Coward’s song Mad Dogs and Englishmen, the trust was established after Penny witnessed the plight of animals here. As I walk into the premises, I am greeted by barks and three tails wagging at hundred kilometers an hour. These guys are curious and come sniffing for attention but none of them try to knock me down or jump. They follow me into the old bungalow which is surrounded by a lot of green. None of the dogs have collars or chains and they are extremely well behaved. Penny comes to greet me with a big smile on her face. “Are you afraid of dogs? No? Come on in” She gestures towards a diwan where two cats are snoozing in peace. As I settle in, a lady from England comes to inquire about fostering pets. Penny’s day revolves around her family of cats and dogs. At one time there were even two goats, a cow and a buffalo. Her love for all creatures great and small moved her all the way from England to Kochi.

Back in the UK, Penny used to work as a tour director. It was on a globetrotting trip with her late husband that she chanced upon Kochi. A couple of friends had planned to meet up in the city for Christmas and that stay just got extended. Penny was concerned about the way animals were treated here and felt she had to do something about it. She volunteered at a government hospital where she befriended the vet with her perseverance and hard work.  Though the conditions were rather poor, her steadfast belief resulted in the Mad Dogs Trust. As we talk into the evening, dogs and cats take turns to welcome me and get petted. Wooster, the Dalmatian is the king of the castle, keeping the young ones in check. Tous, the black cat looks like she wants to be part of our conversation. Fighting like cats and dogs? Definitely not here at Mad Dogs Trust.

penny 2Tell us about the Mad Dogs Trust

We house animals with love and care here. We have a cage free and chain free policy. When animals are allowed to be free and encouraged to interact with people, they cease to become aggressive. The ABC (Animal Birth Control) program was initiated to protect the strays. We neuter and vaccinate animals through vets in the area. We also have a lot of volunteers who pitch in to feed and care for the animals. There are about four cats and five dogs at the moment but the number keeps changing. Animals are free to roam around and they also do venture out of the gate. Because everyone knows them in the locality, we have had no problems at all.

How do your house guests get here?

We do not turn away from any case though I do not encourage animals that have been caged or chained. These animals are not used to the freedom here and tend to be hostile. We receive calls throughout the day or sometimes even at night about puppies or kittens left in the gutter or road. Some people come and leave their pets with us when they can no longer take care of them. There are also a few accident cases, which is how the goats moved in. Sometimes it is a disease that makes people abandon animals. I am upset though by the fact that we have cases where these innocent creatures are just tossed over the gates onto our paving.  Little kittens and puppies are just left because people are worried that we won’t take them in or be asked to pay a heavy price.

penny 3So what is the procedure?

We keep records of every guest we have. We note down the date they are adopted, where they were found, details of vaccination and sterilizing etc. First thing to always do is to vaccinate your dogs so that they are safe and humans are too. These animals are taken care of properly. They have access to water around the clock. The dogs and cats are fed once a day on feed and mince. We go through a sack of feed in a week. They are encouraged to play. We take the dogs out swimming once a week and they absolutely love it. (I take note of the fact that the animals are well kept and healthy).

Describe your daily routine

I can’t sit still for a minute and have to be kept busy. I go to bed around 1am and rise at 7. People here are such early risers. My dogs start barking at 5am when the town gets active. Sometimes that wakes me up. No day is complete without cups of filter coffee which I absolutely love. The rest of my day revolves around taking care of the animals and attending calls. On fixed days we organize vets to come and check up on the animals. Weekends see us usually down at the beach for a swim.

What do you like about Kochi?

I have travelled a fair share and I feel safer here than I have felt in a lot of countries. I can get out at two in the morning for a walk and not be scared about getting mugged or shot. I had a lot of support to set up the trust. When times were hard, the locals really helped me out. Once a friend had suggested that this was the worst place for animals which was a reason I came back here. Since I have started, I can sense a change in the situation. People are getting more involved. There are some restaurants that allow pets especially where they know me. It is also interesting to see the various kinds of nationalities and religions here. Liking animals has nothing to do with either. You either like animals or you don’t.

What would you change?

Malayalis are wonderful people. I just wish people were a lot more open minded about things and know that one doesn’t have to be afraid of animals. Sometimes I feel everyone here in a rush to eat their meals. I like to sit down and enjoy leisurely. (She laughs)

What is in the future?

I really want to have better facilities for the trust. We are hoping to raise funds to set up a homestay, café, shop and kennels. Therefore tourists could stay with us and participate in our charity. I have contacted some companies in the UK for the same and will be travelling there soon. The proceeds will go to the upkeep of the animals.  I am dreaming of having our own place with good plumbing, electricity and wifi. Once a dog died when I was away in England visiting my daughters and I was really upset that he couldn’t get the care he deserved. Ensuring proper care and awareness for these creatures is my priority.

(The article was first published in FWD Life November 2014 issue.)

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Netflix’s Cleopatra: A Controversial Provocation Egypt Could Do Without

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In the realm of streaming content, Netflix’s Cleopatra has recently grabbed attention, trending on most-watched charts amidst a contrived controversy over the casting of a Black actress in the iconic titular role. Produced by Jada Pinkett-Smith, this installment is the second in her ‘African Queens’ series, which has stirred debates surrounding representation and historical accuracy. However, the current state of Egypt, grappling with numerous challenges, suggests that this provocative series is the last thing the nation needs.

The portrayal of Cleopatra has always been intertwined with fascination and debate, particularly centered around her appearance rather than her race, in historical accounts. The Hollywood industry, historically dominated by white executives, had marginalized Black talent, deeming them unmarketable and unworthy of significant roles. The industry’s limited embrace of Black stories in the past was primarily driven by profit rather than genuine progressivism.

In the case of Netflix’s Queen Cleopatra, the casting of a Black performer in the lead role was destined to ignite controversy, especially among Egyptians increasingly hostile towards Afrocentrism. However, the preceding installment of the ‘African Queens’ series, Njinga, did not generate significant interest or impact, lacking the depth to stimulate intellectual discourse.

Director Tina Gharavi’s previous works, while sincere in their storytelling, did not display visionary filmmaking challenging the conventional Anglophone documentary style. Despite this, Netflix and Pinkett-Smith effectively employed marketing tactics, leveraging the race card to generate buzz around Cleopatra, ultimately leading to its elevated position in the charts.

Disappointingly, Queen Cleopatra fails to offer any fresh insights into the Egyptian icon. The four episodes follow a predictable and formulaic narrative structure, focusing on Cleopatra’s rise and fall without delving into her race. The series, featuring medium close-up interviews with academics predominantly from American and British institutions, coupled with lackluster dramatizations, fails to engage viewers or provide an aesthetically distinct perspective.

The show’s emphasis on Cleopatra’s physical beauty and sensationalized elements aligns with Netflix’s faux-liberal gender and sexual politics, which are often presented simplistically and lacking depth. While the representation of minority groups in film and TV is an important concern, solely focusing on representation can overshadow other vital aspects, such as artistry, film history, and the political use of aesthetics.

Critics and viewers fixated on the racial depiction of Cleopatra, generating substantial media coverage and overlooking the artistic value and storytelling approaches employed in the series. Amidst the heightened racial discourse, the nuances of Egypt’s complex relationship with blackness have been lost. Egypt’s struggle with economic crises, political challenges, and external influences leaves the nation feeling helpless and disheartened.

In its current state of turmoil, Egypt seeks a savior and is grappling with collective defeat, making the Netflix provocation an unwelcome addition. The nation, deprived of agency and self-determination, holds onto its historical heritage, which has been plundered by the West for centuries. In such circumstances, a reframing of their own history, even in the form of a fictional series, elicits a strong reaction from a nation grappling with numerous challenges.

Ultimately, while the casting controversy surrounding Netflix’s Cleopatra has sparked discussions on representation and historical accuracy, Egypt’s broken state and desperate need for stability and self-determination make this provocative series an unnecessary and untimely distraction.

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Unleashing the Power: Scorpio Lunar Eclipse on May 5th Signals Major Transformation Ahead

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The cosmos are gearing up for a powerful event: the May 5th lunar eclipse in Scorpio. This celestial spectacle promises to be a transformative experience that will shake us to the core. As the full moon aligns with the sun and the Earth casts its shadow, Scorpio’s dark and intense energy will be unleashed, inviting us to confront our deepest fears and desires.

 

Scorpio, known for its enigmatic nature and passionate intensity, is the zodiac’s most enigmatic and mysterious sign. It’s associated with death, rebirth, and transformation, making this lunar eclipse an auspicious time for letting go of old patterns and embracing a new, more authentic way of being. The Scorpio energy is all about digging deep into the shadows, exploring our subconscious minds, and facing the truth no matter how uncomfortable it may be.

During this lunar eclipse, we can expect intense emotions to surface, bringing to light buried feelings and hidden desires. Scorpio’s energy is not one to shy away from the taboo or the uncomfortable, and neither should we. It’s time to confront the parts of ourselves that we’ve been keeping hidden, and to embrace our true selves.

 

As we navigate this intense energy, it’s important to remember to practice self-care and self-love. Scorpio’s energy can be overwhelming, so be sure to take breaks and ground yourself when needed. The lunar eclipse is an opportunity for growth and transformation, but it’s up to us to take the necessary steps to harness this energy and make the most of this powerful celestial event.

 

In conclusion, the May 5th lunar eclipse in Scorpio is a powerful and transformative event that promises to shake us to our core. It’s an opportunity to face our fears, embrace our desires, and transform ourselves from the inside out. So, get ready to unleash your inner Scorpio and embrace the intensity of this celestial event.

 

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8 Best Podcasts of 2020

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To the people who doesn’t know what a podcast is- it’s pretty much like a radio show and is released in a streamable or downloadable format through various sites. You can access to millions of podcasts in many genres from anywhere you have internet access.

Here’s a list of podcasts for you to listen:

The Musafir Stories – India Travel Podcast

The Musafir Stories is a wonderful online podcast that talks about iconic and, in fact, all sorts of travel destinations. The podcast series is hosted by Saif Omar and Faiza Khan who talk to fellow travellers about their various adventures across India.
Available on iTunes, Google podcasts, JioSaavn, and Spotify.

https://themusafirstories.com/

Second Life


This online podcast is hosted by Hillary Kerr from the well-known fashion publication Who What Where and it chronicles the career changes of its many guests. It spotlights successful women who’ve made major career changes.

You can listen to her episodes on Apple podcast, Spotify, and Podbean.

https://www.secondlifepod.com/

In The Dark


In The Dark’s content is about uncovering the world’s most iconic crime cases. In short, it’s an investigative journalism podcast, hosted and narrated by Madeleine Baran.

You can listen to it on Apple Podcast, Stitcher, and Podbean.

https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/american-public-media/in-the-dark-apm

The Passion People Podcast


The Passion People Podcast is a series of conversations about following a passion and how to manifest it. There are several conversations with experts, entrepreneurs, and icons that inspire the listeners, and the show is hosted by Naga Subramanya.

You can find the podcast on Stitcher, Apple Podcast, and JioSaavn.

https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/naga-subramanya-b-b/the-passion-people-podcast

GayBCD


GayBCD is an online podcast that seeks to understand what it means to be queer in today’s time. It’s hosted by Sunetro Lahiri and Farhad Karkaria and is created by IVM Podcasts. You can expect to find funny and comforting discussions about coming out and how a sense of humour, wisdom, and parlance play such an important role in understanding yourself better as a person.

This podcast series is easily available on YouTube, Stitcher, JioSaavn, and Apple Podcast.

https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/indus-vox/gaybcd

Harry Potter at Home


Harry Potter At Home is a new series by the Wizarding World that has famous names from entertainment, music, and sports reading chapters from Harry Potter And The Philosopher’s Stone, and the magic is still alive. They currently have the first two chapters out – the first by Daniel Radcliffe and the second by Noma Dumezweni.

You can listen to the series on Spotify and a video version is available on Wizarding World.

https://open.spotify.com/show/2JUljwaD9fNSeq8Vy3UAUp

Maed in India


Maed in India prides itself on being India’s first indie music podcast and features conversations with, well, independent musicians from India and abroad. From unreleased music to unknown music stories, they have it all. It’s great for discovering new music, too.

You can listen to this podcast on iTunes, Spotify, JioSaavn, Podbean, Google Podcasts, and Stitcher.

https://maedinindia.fanlink.to/podcast

The Corner Flag


Indian fans of the European and Worldwide football can rejoice in this chat show about sports with comedian Amogh Ranadive. If you like hearing commentary on the latest Premiere league (or other) antics with an Indian twist this might just be the Indian chat show for you.

You can listen to this podcast on Spotify

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