Puppy love***

Ever since I can remember, I have had this huge love for animals, all animals. I feel this deep connection with them; it’s hard to explain… I'm not talking about the "aaahhh cute, I want to hold him" (although I do say things like that as well), I mean a deeper care for animals.

I often drive past informal settlements and underprivileged areas where I see a wide variety of stray and injured dogs, or horses that are tied up with no water and nothing but sand, rubbish and dry grass to eat. I can’t tell you the amount of times that I drive with tears in my eyes; it upsets me in a way that I have no control over… I realise that NGO’s and NPO’s such as the SPCA, African Tails and PAWS can only do so much, but I feel very strongly about government who has a responsibility towards these animals. On two occasions I have driven on the N1 where a man was holding two puppies by their necks on the side of the road, wanting to sell them to people driving by. I contacted the Traffic department and Police station both times, but each time they were very unhelpful as they obviously had better things to do with their time than collect the puppies and sort the man out that was selling these puppies illegally. I would’ve stopped myself, but was not comfortable with being alone with a stranger who could easily jump in my car and high jack me… However, next time I experience this, I will be stopping and taking these puppies away from these people who do not understand that these animals are also created by God just as we are and that they also have feelings and needs as we do. Animals, unlike humans cannot fend for themselves, and that is why I feel that it is our responsibility to take care of these precious creatures.

My dream is to one day create my own shelter for uncared for and unloved animals, to give each dog, cat or horse a loving home. I want to own a piece of land which is dedicated to providing homes to these animals. I know it may seem impossible to give every animal a home, as there are too many, but each person can make a difference. Many of my friends share the same dream and I feel that we can each make a contribution to the lives of these animals. Providing each animal with the love and caring they deserve in their lives… One day, my dream will become a reality! J