Christmas Day, for the vast majority, is a day of rest and relaxation, often with family or close friends. Very few of us have to leave the house for any reason… and especially not for work!
But there are those special individuals among us whose roles simply demand a presence, no matter the holiday.
One such person is Animal Welfare Officer with the USPCA, Maria.
Maria (40) has worked with the animal welfare and rescue centre based in Newry for eight years and this will be her third year of going in to check on all the centre’s rescues on Christmas Day.
Maria said of her typical on-duty Christmas day: “The routine for the day starts just like any other day – we complete essential work like feeding, medication, and cleaning.
“When that is all done, we like to spend some time with our rescue animals individually.”
And, we know what you’re thinking! Do the animals celebrate Christmas just like our beloved pets would at home?
Of course they do! The USPCA ensure that each has a present prepared and this is something Maria always looks forward to, adding: “We open their Christmas boxes with them and make a big fuss about them, because they deserve it!”
The dedicated employee sees the work she does on that very special day as a “privilege”.
“I personally love working on Christmas day,” said Maria. “There’s always a really nice atmosphere. Everyone is jolly and the work is rewarding!
“We have some truly amazing and dedicated volunteers who come in to help out too. To be honest, it doesn’t even feel like work.”
And this is something that extends beyond the holiday itself, with Maria genuinely delighting in the work she does all year long.
Continued Maria: “My favourite thing about my job is making a difference to the animals in our care. It’s so lovely to watch their personalities develop.
“They come here to heal and as their confidence grows, they begin to trust again. I just love to see them go to their new forever homes.
“It’s lovely to think that the animals that were here last Christmas are spending this Christmas with their families.”
She also has a few do’s and don’ts for responsible pet owners over the holidays, adding: “The main type of advice we give over the season is in relation to responsible pet ownership. To remember that pets are not just for Christmas.
“They need a lifetime of care and owners need to be prepared to welcome a pet as a member of the family!”
When she’s finally tidied up at work and has sufficiently spoilt each and every animal in their care, she will return home to her husband and their four children for dinner, board games and hopefully some kitchen karaoke!
