Volunteers flock to give – and receive – puppy love

The shelter was in a state of happy chaos as dozens of delighted puppies bathed in the attention of almost as many volunteers. Family team Tracy Otto and her daughters Candice and Cara were run off their feet as donations poured in and energies were expended improving the shelter’s already impressive grounds and facilities.

Standard Bank and CTM did their bit for puppy hygiene, sponsoring a mosaic tiled floor for Ark’s Pooch Parlour, and individual volunteers added personal touches as they helped lay tiles.

“That’s what I want,” said owner Tracy, “so everybody feels they’ve got a piece.”

To help satisfy the demand for children’s parties and puppy play-dates, PWC sponsored and helped build a play area that will eventually include a trampoline and a jungle gym. Such events are more than simply a source of love and attention for the shelter’s puppies: they help educate children about pet care and responsible animal ownership, and socialise the puppies in preparation for adoption.

Yet more volunteers helped paint and decorate kennels to look like miniature townhouses, while Madmixer Catering donated all profits from its sales at the event to Ark.

But Tracy’s plans for Ark don’t stop with today’s work. She hopes in future to create a walk park, and to help the shelter become entirely self-sufficient.

For the present, however, Madiba was commemorated at Ark with love and plenty of puppy joy.