Four Paws provides hope and home for township animals

As Fourways Review drove up to the entrance of Four Paws Animal Shelter, a huddle of small boys from nearby Diepsloot arrives. They have come to report a sick dog in the township – the second in two days.

“They know where we are, and they come,” said shelter manager Sacha Fraser as she leads me to the kennels.

Four Paws is owned by Merinda Brits, who has been involved in animal welfare for 15 years.

The shelter has occupied its present location since 2012, from which it operates rescue services for abandoned and abused cats and dogs. The shelter also operates mobile veterinary clinics in Diepsloot, vaccinating, sterilising, and treating the sick and injured.

Those requiring intensive care are taken away for treatment, but returned to their owners wherever possible. One of the shelter’s focus points is education of owners, to ensure the animals remain in caring homes.

Many of the animals that Four Paws rescues are never adopted, instead finding a permanent home at the shelter. Four Paws is pro-life, and unlike many rescue centres, never euthanizes animals to make space. However, due to Fraser’s efforts in networking and marketing, more and more are finding homes. She inspects potential homes for suitability, and new owners are required to pay an adoption fee that covers sterilisation and initial vaccinations.

Mandela Day will see a record number of volunteers descending on the shelter to lay grass for the dogs’ play areas and kennels, and to drop off donations. Those eager to make a difference without adopting are encouraged to join in by organising donations and collections for the shelter, or by making appointments to volunteer at Four Paws throughout the year.

Details: 083 377 3219; sacha@4ourpaws.org.za; www.4ourpaws.org.za