Paws For Life comes to the rescue of 150 dogs, 80 cats

HALF-a-ton of dog and cat food donated to non-profit shelter for dogs and cats Adopt a Dog in Schaapkraal will go a long way in covering the cost of feeding the shelter’s 150 dogs and 80 cats.

The donation was by animal rescue organisation Paws For Life this week.

The value of the donation, which also consisted of animal blankets, was worth about R15 000, according to Natanya du Plessis, who was the representative from Paws For Life.

The organisation became aware of the plight faced by Adopt a Pet through newspaper advertisements.

“We raised these donated items with the aim of helping this shelter’s animals.

“We did it by exchanging Checkers little garden seedlings for a donation for dog and cat food.

“I own a 13-year-old cat, and we also adopted a little kitten here today.”

Adopt A Pet founder Cicely Blumberg welcomed the donation, saying, “at any given moment we look after plusminus 150 dogs and about 80 cats.

“We feed them, provide veterinary treatment, vaccinations, euthanasia, microchips for ID purposes, and tender loving care from staff.

“We do careful and strict home checks before we allow our dogs and cats to be adopted.

“We have a staff of four cleaners and about six parttime and full-time employees.

“Most of the money we spend goes mainly on veterinary treatment, rent for our premises, salaries, animal food, which I sponsor mostly.

“We don’t get funding from the government for sterilisation, veterinary costs, food, the running of a vehicle and building maintenance, such as fixing leaks, etc.”

Blumberg said Adopt A Pet also partners with the National Institute for Crime Prevention and the Reintegration of Offenders (Nicro) in community organisation work.

Adopt A Pet hosts a Madiba Day programme at its premises on July 18, every year.

They have invited pupils from their humane education programme to the event.