Do you know what we're talking about when we read Gotcha Day ?
September 15th is Gotcha Day, a celebration of adoption made in the USA.
At first the concept of adoption was exclusively linked to the human side, in fact Gotcha Day was also used as a birthday for the adopted child without knowing the actual day of birth. Or it is used as a second birthday, celebrating the day of adoption as a real anniversary.
Today, after many years, Gotcha Day is not only for human adoption but also for our beloved four-legged friends adopted from shelters and catteries around the world.
Why Gotcha Day
The greatness and moral progress of a nation can be judged by the way its animals are treated.
(Mahatma Gandhi)
It goes without saying that the purpose of this international day is to raise awareness of the importance of both human and animal adoption.
It is estimated that worldwide, the number of stray dogs out of a population of 900 million, is around 200 million. In Italy, one of the G8 countries, it is estimated in 2019 that the number of stray dogs is around 700 thousand specimens against 40 thousand adoptions per year.
It is clear that the problem is far from being solved, especially in southern Italy, which in some regions hosts a good part of the Italian stray population.
The issue of stray cats is even more disconcerting since a census has never even been carried out to understand the numbers of the problem. The only certain data is the truly negligible number of catteries in Italy, we are talking about about 96 in 2020 across the entire national territory compared to over 1200 kennels.
Just by reading these few numbers one can understand the gravity of the stray situation both in Italy and worldwide.
So Gotcha Day becomes fundamental to raise awareness among the population about the problem of stray animals and the wonderful solution of adoption.
Gotcha Day Every Day
Gotcha Day is celebrated on September 15th, but everyone has their own personal Adoption Day . A real birthday with gadgets, cake and lots of friends.
Gotcha Day – Success Stories of Adoptions
Ferdy the cat and his extended family
The cat has one of its main certainties in its territory . After separation from its mother, which occurs between the seventh and ninth week of life, an attachment to the territory develops. This also happened to Ferdy, a small provincial kitten , who found himself without a mother and without siblings, familiarizing himself with a common space in a building on the outskirts of Rome.
And so, every tenant of that building adopted this beautiful kitten. One day the couple on the third floor, another the boy who works as a delivery driver to make ends meet. Another the grandmother on the first floor who feels lonely and wanted someone to cuddle, another the family in the attic, because one more mouth to feed doesn't make a difference.
Ferdy, now accustomed to wandering from one apartment to another, loved by everyone and tied to the territory where he was born, found an extended family in abandonment.
Story of “sciura” Marisa
Mother and cubs abandoned in a forest in the Marche, alive thanks to an animal protection volunteer who happened to be passing through that area. After the mother was treated, the cubs were able to survive the first month and grow enough to be adopted.
While the mother remained with the volunteers in Marche, Mallorca and Minorca, the two little sisters were transferred to the Aquila Project Centre in San Giuliano Milanese in the hope that, in Lombardy (a region notoriously fond of dogs and adoptions) they could easily find a home.
In fact, Maiorca was already awaited by her new mother and father and she didn't have time to settle into the gardens of the Aquila project that she went towards Milan to get to know her new home and new life... with the name of Marisa!!! In a short time she became a Milanese citizen in all respects, between walks in the center, aperitifs and wonderful days at the park today she is known by all her friends as Sciura Marisa !
A story with a happy ending that takes on even rosier hues because even the little sister Minorca lives loved and pampered by her new parents!
10 Awesome Gotcha Day Gifts
Fairy Tale Latex Game
A fun and super colorful game , even a little magical for its shapes that evoke myths and legends. A beautiful colored burning star and a spectacular unicorn. A fun game that will entertain your four-legged friends.
In some ways, animals are like us, so they need to have fun. Games help the animal develop mentally and physically .
Dancing Fish Plush Toy
Dancing Fish Toy for Dogs and Cats moves and swings simulating the movement of a real fish! Equipped with USB charging and a detachable motor from the main body for convenient and quick cleaning of the plush. It is a perfect gift for your cat or dog, to stimulate his natural curiosity and interact with him.
Bahamas Hammock
Bahamas Pet Hammock , bring the feeling of being on the beach to your home, with the Bahamas wooden hammock, you can offer beach relaxation to your four-legged friend even in the apartment. Made of wood and striped fabric, just like a real hammock!
Hamster Cushion
Hamster Pet Cushion is super soft, perfect for your four-legged friend to relax…or for you! The cute hamster will embellish and make your living room or bedroom more playful!
A truly trendy accessory, even for those who don't have furry friends at home.
Fluo! Carrying Bag
Fluo! Pet Bag : fun and very yellow, practical and breathable. Super light. On the beach or in the streets of the center, the must-have accessory of summer 2021.
A super-resistant PVC and Nylon bag to always carry your four-legged friend with you with ease. Equipped with a shoulder strap and a safety hook inside to attach the leash. The bag is made in a bright fluorescent yellow color to always be fashionable during walks!
Eco PetWipes Wet Wipes
Eco PetWipes Wet Wipes for Animals are cleaning wipes made of Oeko-tex 100 E FSC certified fabric. 100% biodegradable and flushable. Effective cleaning ensuring softness and comfort.
Will Pillow
Will Animal Pillow is a tall and very padded rectangular pillow that supports the animal's body and promotes optimal rest. It is removable with a zipper, making cleaning easier. The cover is machine washable or hand washable at 30 degrees. Non-slip bottom that prevents slipping
Domus doghouse
Domus Pet Bed is the first truly technological cat bed. The Domus bed guarantees maximum comfort for cats and small dogs: the adjustable temperature from 15°C to 35°C creates a perfect environment both in summer and winter, the relaxing sounds stimulate complete relaxation, the modern design enhances any type of furniture. Removable and washable internal mat.
Crazy Buddy Pig
Crazy Buddy Pig Game is a soft interactive plush toy that will entertain your four-legged friend, moving and laughing like crazy! Shake Crazy Buddy Pig and throw him on the floor, your dog will have fun.
Euphoria Silvervine Cat Wand
The Euphoria Wand Silvervine Peacock game , in addition to being beautiful, is composed of a super stimulating Silvervine stick for your cat. Does your cat lick, chew or drool when in contact with the game? Don't worry, these are normal effects! Natural product, without contraindications.
Gotcha Day – a discount code for you!
From October 4th you can use the code GD1021 to get 10% off at checkout on all products*.
*Usable from Monday 4 October 2021. Not cumulative, not convertible into cash. Usable only once per account. The code is valid on all products on the Croci.net website except for products already discounted. The code is valid without a minimum purchase.