Sarah bares her soul for Kloof SPCA

THE Highway Mail caught up with the Kloof and Highway SPCA’s devoted operations manager, Sarah van Heerden. The charismatic Everton resident shared a few of the stories she has accumulated during the six years at the non-profit organisation and shed light onto the inner workings of the beloved Kloof animal shelter.

What was your motivation behind applying for a position at the local SPCA?

I was at that stage in my life when I realised that you will only really be happy and successful if you do something you absolutely love. I have always found people a little over- rated and have never been disappointed by an animal.

How many pets do you have and what are they?

I have one cat that was found in a roof in Mont Aux Sources hotel, which is approximately 15, and I have seven rescues, ranging from a mentally damaged Greyhound and a three-legged Africanus to a feisty little chihuahua and a few in between.

What keeps you motivated to do the emotionally draining work at the Kloof and Highway SPCA?

Knowing that we get results. Knowing that we have the support of one of the most amazing communities. Knowing that cruelty cannot go by unpunished. Looking into the eyes of so many animals and knowing you are their only hope.

Is there a rescue story that has stuck in your mind?

It was a little lifeless puppy that was found on the side of a dump. Most people had probably presumed he was dead, hardly moving. A kind gentleman brought him to us. In that weakened state, he still managed to wag his tail. He was skeletal and pathetic, yet the look in his eyes was one of pure love. We sent him to the clinic and they persisted with him ? good nutrition, skin meds, socialising and he has now found the most beautiful home. In fact, he is quite a little terror.

ALSO READ: Brigitte’s heart beats for Kloof SPCA

When you are not at work, what can you be found doing?

I absolutely love the outdoors and spend time running and doing endurance events on my mountain bike. As a family, we enjoy spending time at home as well as going on family holidays to our happy place in the Transkei.

In what ways can readers help support the Kloof and Highway SPCA during the lockdown?

People have been incredible with their support. We have had a good response for food and it has helped us so much as our inspectors are trying to do as much work in the outlying rural areas and disadvantaged communities, where the people are so grateful for any food for their animals. What we need is not always the answer that people want to hear, however the truth is that to keep our doors open to be there for the thousands of animals that we treat and house, we need funds. We receive no government funding and currently all of our fund-raisers have been stopped and a lot of our Village Green shops have been closed. We needs funds for our clinic to continue their vital work, funds for our inspectorate team whose vehicles need to be kept on the road and cases need to go to court; funds for staff to look after the animals, including vets and vet nurses. So yes, we are desperate for any financial donations and we can provide Section 18-A tax certificates for the amount.

If you were not working at the NPO, what job do you think you would be doing?

I have always loved the appeal of a farm life. I cannot quite see myself as the domesticated type, but the thought of the wide open spaces, the simpler things being appreciated and enjoying everything that truly matters. I think this is a normal process of maturing – not aging!

ALSO READ: Barbara’s love for animals knows no bounds

What is the biggest misconception people have about the SPCA?

The name says it all: the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. We are not a kennel and adoption organisation first and foremost. The core of our work is our inspectorate department. We are here to make sure that cruelty is punished and dealt with and when appropriate and necessary prosecuted. Cruelty in any form is unacceptable and we are here to uphold the law. Secondly, our clinic is vital so we are able to sterilise and inoculate and educate the impoverished communities who love their animals dearly, but cannot afford private vet care, or help people who have fallen on difficult times financially to still take care of their beloved animals. Strays and unwanted animals were the responsibility of the municipalities who no longer wanted to handle this and the SPCA?s picked up this responsibility for fear of many animals suffering an unknown fate. So yes, we do adoptions of many animals and it gives us immense satisfaction and joy, but this is not our core function.

What are four of your short term goals?

– To find ways of keeping our doors open through this incredibly difficult and stressful time.

– To take one day at a time and focus on everything positive, no matter how small.

– To help and support anyone in and around our immediate community who is struggling in these times ? they need to know we are here for their animals.

– To find a way of getting through to the authorities and government that animals and animal welfare matters.

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