Jana Ina Zarrella shows her big heart for animals. Together with the "Animal Committed" initiative, she fights for animal shelters in need.
When presenter Jana Ina Zarrella (43) adopted a small mixed breed dog from the animal shelter, it not only comforted her about the loss of her beloved dachshund Tyson, who died in March at the age of 17. Little Cici also inspired the mother of two and wife of Giovanni Zarrella (42) to do even more for four-legged friends. Together with the "Animal Committed" initiative founded by Fressnapf, the 43-year-old encourages others to do good together for animals and their helpers. Just in time for the annual World Animal Protection Day on October 4th, she is now presenting a specially designed bracelet, the proceeds of which will go directly to animal welfare and other aid projects.
Since May you have a new dog by your side with Cici. You adopted the new addition to the family from an animal shelter. What made you do it?
Jana Ina Zarrella: It was clear to us that we were an "animal family". Without a dog we are simply not complete. We have been supporting local animal shelters for a long time, so our decision was quickly made: We wanted to give an animal from an animal shelter a second chance. And then we immediately fell in love with Cici.
How much is Cici upsetting your family life?
Zarrella: Cici keeps us busy, but most of all she brought a lot of joy into our house. She is young and full of energy, which is good for us to all move around often. But of course we had to get used to a young dog first. Our Tyson was already very old and at some point didn't want to go out. Cici is completely different.
Who cares most about Cici, Giovanni, you or the children?
Zarrella: We all take care of Cici. The children are now big enough to take on responsibility and take them for a walk. But I'm definitely the leader for Cici. I train her and go to dog school with her. When we're gone, she'll stay with my in-laws. My father-in-law likes to go for a walk with her – that also keeps him fit. And I've never seen my mother-in-law so closely with a dog. You and Cici love each other. Cici is loved by the whole family and of course gives us back this love.
Just in time for World Animal Day on October 4th, you and Fressnapf brought a specially designed bracelet onto the market. What's it all about?
Zarrella: You could say: Cici inspired me to do it. In Germany alone, over 300,000 animals are waiting for a new home in animal shelters. And all of these animals need to be looked after. This not only requires a lot of committed helpers, but also money. For food, supplies and much more. When Fressnapf asked me with its "Animal Committed" initiative whether I would like to support the annual customer donation campaign with my own donation bracelet, I didn't think twice about it. Here I can bring my love for animals and design together. There is a special edition as well as "normal" bracelets.
Because of the Corona crisis, many animal shelters are even more dependent on donations and help than usual. How is the pandemic affecting animal shelters?
Zarrella: The pandemic naturally also affects animal shelters. There were no donations or volunteers who walked or visited the dogs. Many drive past the animal shelters and bring a donation. That didn't work for a while. Now more than ever, the animal shelters need donations.
Who can animal lovers specifically help by buying the bracelet?
Zarrella: The proceeds go directly to local animal welfare projects, the German Animal Welfare Association and the VITA Assistance Dogs Association, which trains assistance dogs for people with disabilities – especially children and young people. With a small gesture, specific help can be provided here. But there are of course many other options: whether as a walker in the animal shelter, through a small donation or the adoption of an animal from an animal shelter. I am happy when I can encourage a few more people to just join in and do good together!
Could you imagine taking in another dog?
Zarrella: I am often at the shelter and every time my heart beats faster when I visit. If I knew we were always at home and had enough space, I would adopt a lot of dogs and let everyone live with us. Incidentally, that's a dream of mine: I'll see us at some point in our beach house with grandchildren and dogs – a lot of them. That day I know that I did everything right.