In the dog box is the place to be
‘I had heard about a man who slept with black mambas and I thought, if he survived that, surely I can sleep with a dog for 24 hours.’
Being in the dog box in the proverbial sense of the word is certainly not a great place to be. However, if you have a passion for animals as Paul Möller does, the dog box is where you want to be.
About 10 years ago Möller started the Sleepathon trend in support of animal welfare. While living in Mpumalanga, he took great pains to save a dog he named Liefde, living in the veld. After three months’ patience and much trouble, he won her trust and safely found her an interim home at an animal shelter. One fine day, as he was driving to visit Liefde, he had a bright idea.
“I had heard about a man who slept with black mambas and I thought, if he survived that, surely I can sleep with a dog for 24 hours,” Möller explained this week. Before long, his brainchild gained momentum. At one of the centres where the Sleepathon idea became particularly successful, the Wetnose Animal Rescue Centre, up to 400 people participated, raising R402 000, according to Möller.
Next week, in support of the Garden Route SPCA in Mossel Bay, Möller will be participating in a Sleepathon from 20 to 22 May. Not only will he be braving the cold as a testimony to his love for animals, but the weekend also marks the celebration of his 72nd birthday. “A Sleepathon is not ideal in winter time, but this way we will experience the cold, the way homeless animals do.”
The 72-hour Sleepathon boasts other local “celebrities” who will be rooming with their furry friends. They include municipal councillors Anton Dellemijn and Annatjie Janse van Rensburg. Mrs SA finalist and radio personality, Berenice Kogana will also attend the festivities.
“Animal lovers who cannot join us, are still pledging their support. Someone even sponsored their teddy to sleep with us,” says Vanessa Barnard from the SPCA. She urges members of the community to get involved by challenging or sponsoring someone to join the Sleepathon.
“But that’s not all. On Saturday, 22 May it ends with a big birthday bash. Visit us from 09:00 to 14:00 for a car boot sale, eats and drinks and other fun activities. We will also be open for people to adopt animals.”
To join the Sleepathon, to book a spot for the car boot sale and for more information, call Vanessa Barnard (082 444 3712).