With Jana Ina Zarrella (46), Christmas fever has long broken out. “Our Christmas tree has been in the living room since the beginning of December,” reveals the moderator while visiting an animal board. The 46-year-old has been an ambassador for the “Tierisch Engaged” initiative for animal welfare for many years.
Jana Ina Zarrella: Yes, we Brazilians always start decorating early. I want to have the Christmas spirit at home on the 1st of Advent, so I get everything out of the garage very early to decorate. Even our Christmas tree has been in the living room since the beginning of December.
Zarrella: My mum is coming to Germany and we’re all celebrating with us. Our families get together and we celebrate Christmas Eve. We pray, eat, sing and open gifts. I love it when everyone is together and the house is full. It reminds me of my childhood when all my cousins would be there and we would celebrate together – I’ve always loved Christmas because of that.
Zarrella: Christmas is a family celebration and that’s why it would never be an option for me to celebrate without my family. We all love being together, there’s nothing quite like it.
Zarrella: That’s right. Economic crisis, inflation: we are all currently feeling this in our wallets, and of course it is also having an effect on the animal boards throughout Germany. The situation is dramatic: More and more people who keep animals are dependent on the support of animal welfare organizations due to the rising cost of living – but at the same time donations are decreasing. That breaks my heart personally: Because especially in these currently challenging times for all of us, pets are an important support for many people. It’s terrible when they find it difficult to look after their loved ones or even have to give them up in the end.
Zarrella: Tiertafeln depends on donations. The local helpers are happy to receive monetary and material donations. If you don’t have an animal sign nearby, you are welcome to stop by a Fressnapf branch. As part of the “Tierisch Engaged” initiative, there will be wishing trees in participating markets until Christmas Eve. They have notes on them with wishes, such as a special food, a berth or a collar. Customers can take these slips of paper, fill them in and place them under the tree. After Christmas Eve, the presents are handed over to the animal table. For those who prefer to donate time or want to: animal boards, animal welfare associations and animal shelters are always looking for volunteers.
Zarrella: As an ambassador for the “Tierisch Engaged” initiative, I’m very happy to help draw more attention to the issue of animal welfare – I take the time for that. Also, we often forget how lucky we are and how others struggle every day. That’s why I like to give something back! This year I was allowed to accompany some great and important actions.
Zarrella: We are blessed – we are healthy, allowed to do what we love, have a great family and a beautiful home. I got to see my family again and my brother now lives in Germany and works with me. I can only thank you for everything.
Zarrella: A world where children don’t have to think about the pandemic or war – that’s all I wish for.
