This month, I’d like to dedicate my column to Roxanne Davur from the organization Probably Paradise for the amazing work she does. I recently read an article, written by Jennie Baluch, about Roxanne and how she’s devoted her life to the welfare and protection of India’s animals, and thought her efforts deserved further recognition.
But first, I’d like to take a moment to address anonymous letters mailed to both myself and Berj Haroutunian at the BCAC. The letters included a copy of my recent Black Car News; column; and written across the top of the page were the words, “We joined the BCAC hoping your #1 priority would be trying to save the industry. But you rather save animals.”
I have to admit, I was a little stunned and hurt by the letter. With the help of the BCAC’s executive director, Ira Goldstein, my fellow BCAC Board Members and our lobbyists, we are constantly working to help stabilize the industry in what we all know are difficult times. For example, I’ve already met with the TLC’s new Chair, Ms. Jarmoszuk, and scheduled a second meeting to discuss the role traditional Black Car bases will continue to play in the future of our industry.
Since both Ira and Neil Weiss (editor/publisher of Black Car News) report monthly on industry-specific issues, I thought people might enjoy reading something a little different. I wanted to lend my voice to animals in need, and encourage people who are suffering from stress (who among us isn’t?) to consider adopting a pet, which is a win-win for both the pet and the person adopting it. Few things in life are as consistently rewarding and beneficial to your mental health and overall wellness than coming home every day to a pet’s unconditional love.
I promise you: I am capable of multi-tasking. I run my business, devote a significant amount of time to assisting the BCAC’s efforts to save the industry and I am also able to spend a little time each month writing a column supporting the great work being done by the North Shore Animal League. For as long as I have breath in my body, I’ll fight not only for the survival of the industry that I love dearly, but also for the animals that so often suffer in silence.
Because I generally have my hands nearly full dealing with industry matters, I am thankful for people like Roxanne Davur, a truly remarkable woman, who runs the Probably Paradise Animal Shelter in Karjat, Maharashtra. Ms. Davur calls her organization “Probably Paradise” because, she says, she thinks “paradise” as we think of it, could actually be boring for animals.
I learned about the amazing work Roxanne does in an article shared with me by a colleague who visited the shelter. Probably Paradise Animal Shelter is home to over 100 animals, including dogs, cats, horses, donkeys, pigs, cows and an array of other permanent and temporary residents. Many of the animals are abandoned, some are accident victims, and still others are rescued from abusive environments. Many of the animals are crippled, thanks to human carelessness and cruelty, with very little chance of being adopted. This makes Probably Paradise their “forever home.”
Over the years, with help of volunteers, donors and supporters, Probably Paradise has changed the lives of hundreds of animals, but there is no dearth of abandoned, injured or abused animals, and Roxanne never turns away an animal in need. You can watch videos of Probably Paradise at https://lifebeyondnumbers.com/animals-probably-paradise-roxanne-davur/ and https://www.yesfoundation.in/probably-paradise-shelter-rescued-animals-karjat.
I urge anyone interested in donating food or other much-needed supplies directly to Roxanne through Amazon India to please contact me at diana@bigapplecar.com, and I will offer my assistance.
In closing, I promise to continue working tirelessly for the industry’s survival and ultimate recovery. Thanks for listening and thank you Roxanne for helping animals in need in a way that most animal lovers can only dream of. God bless you!
