Barry and Paul's gift is leaving animals a better world

Can you imagine a world without animals? Barry and Paul can’t!

Barry; a dog lover, and Paul; a lover of cats, are passionate about doing more to ensure the future is bright for animals in need. That’s why they’ve decided to leave a gift in their Will to RSPCA Queensland.

Barry’s had a long connection with animals and the RSPCA over the years. Not only does he volunteer his time at our Bundaberg RSPCA, but Barry and Paul are also foster carers.

Surrounded by animals his whole life, it’s clear that animals play big part in Barry’s happiness.

“I grew up on acreage, so we've always had cats, dogs, guinea pigs, everything. I just always had a house full of animals and the RSPCA has always pretty well been involved, in one way or the other.”

Paul says that while you can’t always choose your family, you can choose animals, and cats are close to his heart.

 “The kind of unconditional love you get from cats; you can build a better life. Once you bond with a cat, that's so soulful.”

Paul found his adoration with cats later in life, “When I did get a cat, I realised just how much I'd been missing and how amazing they are, and how important it is for us to be their advocates.

“Cats have allowed us to lead a really happy life.”

For Paul, he’s found that cats have also been great for his health, “With my chronic arthritis, our RSPCA Queensland cat, Boo, has just been a lifesaver. He sits on your arm and his warmth and purring is therapeutic.”

Both Paul and Barry know how incredible animals are and enjoy seeing their transformations over time.

“When Boo first came home she didn't want anything to do with us, other than be fed slowly. As the years went by, she started to react to love, and she slowly started to become close to us, to the point where now she sits right next to us.”

Barry and Paul say their choice to leave a gift in their Will to RSPCA Queensland is based on trust and knowledge and they wanted to do something worthwhile with their money after they’ve gone.

Barry says, “Yes, there's a lot of animal charities out there, but when push comes to shove, the RSPCA can really be trusted.”

“We can't imagine life without animals. It's our responsibility to be their voice,” says Paul.

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