After serving the animal shelter for the past 12 years, Hazel laid down the reigns as kennel manager to enter early retirement. Since the SPCA’s main objective is to prevent cruelty where animals are concerned, Hazel said she never backed down from her duties, which meant at times that she had to climb trees, jump fences, and run through ditches.

“I often encountered snakes while chasing animals through the veld, but I will always treasure the memories I have. It has been a great life experience, but also an eye opener as to how some people live,” she said.

She thanked the community for their support and asked that they continue supporting Nigel SPCA and to always report cruelty towards animals.
Hazel will spend more time with her family and said she is eager to explore her green fingers, but added that she will not be completely lost to the shelter, as she will later become involved in fundraising projects.

“I wish Nigel SPCA and its staff with whom I had the privilege to work with, all the success and happiness they deserve,” she said.

Friend and colleague Lynette Potgieter said it was a sad moment to say goodbye and she will miss her colleague dearly, but as friends they will also stay in touch.