ODIN recognition well deserved
The October George Good Citizen of the month is Colleen Smith and her team at Odin (Oudtshoorn dogs in need). Mikaila Hendricks of We Are George spoke to Smith about Odin and what people can do to help.
How did Odin begin?
I went to adopt a puppy for my son the Oudtshoorn municipal pound nearly five years ago, and came across a harrowing situation and realised I would have to step in and see to the welfare of the animals in the area. Soon I had a fantastic team which is still with us. It all started in Oudtshoorn, spread to farms and adjacent towns and now our adoption centre for our abused and neglected rescues is in Blanco in George.
What does being chosen as the George
Good Citizen mean to you?
It shows that people care for animals. Especially the amazing Georgians that recognise the hard work, sacrifices and effort Odin has put into the welfare of our animals and the education of the community. We do not get any money from municipalities or the government. We rely solely on the goodwill of our supporters.
What exactly does Odin do?
We focus on education - being proactive instead of reactive. We educate instead of driving in and collecting sick dogs to put to sleep. Our focus is on outreaches. We work day and night at both kennels with a small team of only 13 people.
Magda Davel and I conduct outreaches and our working committee member and volunteers - Lizelle Mouton, Anemie Church, Linda Nel and Ansa de Jager - see to the township animals after hours and weekends.
They also oversee our kennels (housed at the pound) seven days a week. Both kennels are open to the public for participation
Monday to Sunday. We are always happy to receive visitors.
What do you want to educate people
the most on?
Compassion. That your pet is family. No animal should ever be chained or be kept in a crate.And proper care - sterilisation and no breeding.
How can the public support Odin?
We started a Club 100 after I had the idea almost two years ago and slowly but surely the monthly contributions of committed supporters help us pay towards operational costs. We don’t nearly cover our expenses, but it is definitely the most sustainable means of supporting animals in need.
We are always desperate for funds to build kennels, pay our vet bills of R90 000 per month and complete our boarding kennels - which is an absolute must, since it is a sustainable income.
We always need dog and cat food, cat sand, good quality puppy food, blankets, electricity and even a wendy house.
But most important - just pitch at the kennels any day, any time. We are open seven days a week and always need people to spend time with the animals, giving them attention.