Ace Shuttler Asks Fans to Adopt a Dog or Cat From a Shelter or the Streets
Just before heading to the Commonwealth Games (currently being held in Glasgow), badminton player Ashwini Ponnappa took time out of her busy schedule to team up with People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India for a brand-new ad that encourages her fans to open up their homes to a homeless cat or dog. In the ad, Ponnappa is relaxing with rescued dog Shifu next to her badminton racket. The ad’s caption reads, “Love All. Adopt a Dog or Cat From an Animal Shelter!” Ace photographer Sam Mohan shot the ad, and Ponnappa’s hair and make-up were done by Ralph Daniels.
“[Stray dogs] don’t have anywhere to go, and they’re chased a lot by people. They’re beaten up. … [They] also get run over by cars”, she says. “Instead of buying a dog, please go and adopt stray dogs and cats who need a home. And [it will] help them out and help you out, because you [will] have a companion at home.”
“Pedigree” cats and dogs, who have been bred for certain exaggerated physical traits such as squashed-in noses and long ears, are more susceptible to developing medical problems, including cancer, kidney disease, joint ailments, hip dysplasia, heart defects, epilepsy and eye and ear infections. Right now, homeless cats and dogs all across India are fighting for their lives. With only scraps to eat, many go hungry. Others sustain broken bones and wounds that become infected, are killed by vehicles or are abused by cruel people. Countless more wait behind bars in animal shelters because there aren’t enough good homes for them.
Indian cats and dogs make wonderful, loving companions. They are highly adaptable and quick learners. Best of all, when you make an Indian cat or dog a part of your family, you’re not only saving a life but also making a best friend for life.
Ponnappa won the gold medal in women’s doubles in the 2010 Commonwealth Games. She also won the bronze medal in the women’s doubles tournament in the 2011 BWF World Championships.
