We’ve all heard at some point the snarky comment, “Take a picture, it’ll last longer.” Well, here are a few times I am so thankful a camera was present. Some moments are just too amazing to not capture, and these are moments I could look at all day. In difficult times it’s important to find something that brings a smile to your face, and these photos are sure to do that.
Canada. Department of National Defence / Library and Archives Canada / PA-134093
Able Seaman Daniel Ralph with the mascot of the patrol vessel Allaverdy, of the Fishermen’s Reserve, Esquimalt, British Columbia, 8 November 1941. A tiny cat sitting in a sailor’s cap is too cute a photo to not keep! The juxtaposition of a cat being on a ship is what really makes this photo stand out in the first place. However, the fun fact behind it is that cats were regular pets aboard naval ships in wartimes. They were highly valued for their rat-catching abilities and many felines were brought aboard ships to fight against rodents who would spread diseases and infest the crew’s rations.
CWM ARCHIVES / ARCHIVES DU MCG: Photo Archives 52A 4 29.60 / 20030014-220
See! Cats everywhere! Here we have a photograph of a ship’s kitten named Tiny sitting in its hammock below deck with a sailor in the background. The cat's hammock is marked "TINY MX-0001".
Penguins going for a stroll with a keeper at the London zoo in the 1930s. I only recently came across this photo, but it never fails to make me smile when I see it. Perhaps it’s the absolute trust the zookeeper has in the penguins, and faith that they will not run away. Or maybe it’s the thought of these wild animals just toddling along down the road with their little waddle. Especially now, it reminds me of the Chicago Shedd Aquarium’s decision to let their penguins roam free while the premises are closed to the public. Check it out on Twitter!
George Metcalf Archival Collection Canadian War Museum 20020173-001
Members of the Royal Canadian Air Force’s 414 Squadron are greeted on a runway by their loyal mascot. Man’s best friend, right? Just like cats, dogs were often adopted as mascots during wartimes. They were meant to bring up the spirits of soldiers during hard times and provide comfort, something they are still good for today. Don’t forget! Monday, April 20th to Sunday, April 26th is Museum Week this year, so if you want to recreate a photo like the Canadian War Museum did last year, try this one!
Photo Courtesy of Emma Puddicombe
Paul Puddicombe (Left), my dad’s father, with his best friend Scrivens (Right) in London’s Trafalgar Square surrounded by pigeons. The sheer abundance of pigeons at their feet, and the fact that neither they nor the two men above them are all thrown by the situation, really makes this photo great. Even more interesting is the fact that this location was once well known for being swarmed by feral pigeons 24/7! They harbored no fear for humans, and eventually “Can I feed the pigeons?” became a serious question for those planning their summer vacations in this area.
Photo Courtesy of Emma Puddicombe
Albert Frederick Gurr, my mom’s grandfather, with his cat (one of many). In times of great stress, animals have been known to calm those around them simply by being there. This cat seems to be very comfortable where he is, just perched on the shoulder of his owner. No matter what your stance is in the age-old debate “Which is better, cats or dog?” you must admit that this cat is pretty chill.
Through these tough times, it's important to remember that not everything needs to be taken seriously. Take some time to find little things that make you smile just because they do!
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