Pawsome Pets had a microchipping special on 16 April at the Goodwood Sports Club.
Pawsome Pets (Goodwood Lost and Found), under the leadership of Debbie Esterhuizen, is involved with animal rescue in Goodwood and surrounding areas.
Debbie and her amazing team of volunteers do amazing work in the community, especially among the many homeless in the area who are allowed to have pets and who absolutely love them.
With the assistance of many sister organisations they rescue, rehome, and rehabilitate pets. They have WhatsApp and Facebook groups, and are inundated daily for assistance with lost and abandoned pets.
According to Christa Ward, a volunteer at Pawsome Pets, the microchipping of the animals was inspired because of all the lost animals in the community without any form of identification.
“We are able to trace the owners of 95% of dogs found in Goodwood and 5% has to go to the SPCA.”
The dog chipping day was very well supported as 16 dogs and two cats were chipped. “Not bad for Easter Saturday,” Ward added. The event entailed completion of application forms, chipping, and registration. The public were also assisted with advice on vaccinations and sterilizations. “To raise additional funds, we sold koeksisters.”
The community donated much-needed dog food and cash and the branding for the day was sponsored by Hanlie Nieuwoudt, who is also a volunteer at Pawsome Pets and her husband.
Diane Mc Kenna, another volunteer at Pawsome Pets, said in doing the chipping they are helping the dogs have a voice if they got out, stolen, or lost.
The most recent incident that sparked the idea of microchipping animals and more specifically dogs was the incident which occurred on Sunday 10 April at 05:00. The security at Goodwood Swimming Pool phoned Byers security and notified them of dogs in the pool.
Ruan and Maurice, who did not want their surnames published, rescued the two dogs, dried them with their security jackets and contacted Debbie for assistance. Michelle and Imogen Weideman transported the dogs to Panorama Veterinary Clinic and Specialist Centre who treated the paws of the one puppy that was severely injured trying to get out of the pool. Thereafter the three dogs were taken Tygerberg Animal Hospital in Bellville to try and find the owners.
It was discovered that the dogs were stolen, and they were surrendered to Indelicate Pit Bulls. Ciel-Marie Kock of Indelicate Pit Bulls is assisting with their rehabilitation, and they will eventually be up for adoption after their recovery and rehabilitation process.
The dogs more than likely gained entry through the palisades of the big gates at the back of the pools.
It is suspected that one of the puppies fell into the pool and that the mommy jumped in to save her. One pup remained on the side watching in terror and unable to save them.
Judging by the condition of the pup’s paws they were more than likely in the pool for more than an hour fighting to survive.
Ruan and Maurice rescued the three dogs. Byers Security says they are genuinely concerned about dog theft in the area and the ever-present threat that these dogs will end up being used for dog fighting.
“Ciel-Marie Kock and her team of Indelicate Pit Bulls surprised us all by bringing the dogs for a visit and we also handed a thank you gift to our two heroes Ruan and Maurice. Byers Security provides amazing support to our rescue team. There has been a dramatic increase in lost, neglected, and dumped animals not only in Goodwood but all over the country. The situation is dire and even more so since Covid, which is heart breaking. Many of these pets innocently end up on the streets because of hardship and no fault of their own.”
Ward said: “Our mission at Pawsome Pets is not only to end homelessness, neglect and abuse that continues to grow, but also to educate and provide assistance i.e. feeding schemes etc. where needed.” This organisation emphasises the importance of sterilization and vaccination. Unfortunately, the organisation cannot do this on our own and they desperately need the assistance of our community.”
“Pawsome Pets wants the Goodwood community to be our eyes and our ears and report any animal concerns directly to them.
“We would like to thank our volunteers – too many names to mention. You know who you are. Donations of food and blankets are much needed for the winter period ahead,” Ward said.
Contact Debbie to make donations on 084 412 0295.
