If your ideal weekend includes your fur baby by your side, a good atmosphere, and people who love animals just as much as you do, then Fourways Crossing has something special waiting for you.

Every Saturday, the centre teams up with Woodrock Animal Rescue, a non-profit organisation, to create a space that feels less like an event and more like a community at their Bark Park. This is the kind of place where both you and your fur baby can feel right at home.

At the heart of it all is Woodrock’s mission. “We rescue, rehabilitate and rehome animals. We do focus on dogs and cats, but of course, we’ve got all animals… we have pigs, we have bunnies, we have goats, so there’s really an array of animals,” said Jax Martheze from the animal rescue.

Read more: Woodrock shares hacks to keep furry friends happy this festive season

And you feel that the moment you arrive.

There’s no rush, no pressure, just people walking around with their dogs, stopping to chat, letting their pets take in new smells and new surroundings.

Martheze said what makes it even more special is the mix of people who come through. Families, kids, animal lovers, all sharing the same space, all learning in their own way.

“We have kids that are registered with us… they come through and engage with our animals every Saturday. There’s training involved, they learn about behaviour… and the dogs benefit from that interaction too.”

She said there is also a lot happening behind the scenes to make sure every animal is well looked after.

“Once a month we have someone come through who does nail clipping, gland care and general check-ups… because we want the animals to be healthy.”

Also read: Woodrock is saving lives one paw at a time

And if you’ve recently added a puppy to your family, Martheze said Sundays are just as worth it, with training sessions that help you build a strong foundation early on.

“Some people think rescue animals are damaged. They’re not damaged; they just have a past, like all of us. And that’s not the end of their future.”

The marketing manager of Fourways Crossing, Beverly Sefuralo, said the centre loves being involved in community initiatives.

She said that for May 2, the Spur restaurant gave them something for the kids.

“We are grateful for that. We have amazing tenants here who are also determined to give back to the community, and for that, we are grateful.”

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