We would build the book around community dogs and cats that people already know by name
The current idea covers animals known across the city, animals known on one street and animals that neighbours still remember after they have gone. We would also report on the people, care systems, conflicts and public data around them.
Neighbours explain how each animal got its name
These stories show how people identify one animal among many and keep local knowledge current.
We introduce animals that many people already know
Possible stories include the 37 indies adopted by city police [DH], Cubbon Park regulars and familiar campus cats.
We spend time with animals known on a single street
A darshini cat or a dog that sleeps near one gate may have a small group of people who know its habits well.
Neighbours remember animals that are no longer there
We record what people remember, what records remain and how the street changed after an animal left or died.
We credit the people who share care and local knowledge
Feeders, guards, shopkeepers, residents and clinic teams speak in their own words and review how we represent them.
We show what everyday animal care involves
A reported clinic day could cover ear notches, costs, transport and the work that volunteers do.
We explain the evidence and its limits in plain language
The book could cover census data, fertility control, vaccination and the limits of city-wide estimates.
We give readers a simple way to add what they know
The final pages could explain the registry and invite readers to contribute a verified record from their own area.
We would include cats throughout the book. We would also report on bites, fear, conflict and grief alongside care. Endnotes would identify the evidence and separate established findings from working assumptions.