[PHOTOS] Donate some warmth this winter

Fora now faces the annual winter obstacle, trying to warm the sheltered animals, especially puppies and elder dogs.

June 23, 2015

Chantelle Fourie 2 minutes read

Linda Scrace holding a puppy clothed in a jearsy and a thick cape.

The Friends of Rescued Animals (Fora) shelter is yet again under the cold pressure of winter, still trying to provide a long and healthy life for all 450 animals living there.

“I wish I could set up a tent and live here with them,” Linda Scrace, manager at Fora, said.

Linda explains that during winter, the demand for blankets dominate the usual demand for food. Fora need to warm 300 dogs and 150 cats throughout the cold months.

This is my "What's that thing you're pointing at me?" face. — This is my “What’s that thing you’re pointing at me?” face.

With her serious demeanor, acting like a mother to all the once-forgotten animals, Linda tells that the cold and rainy weather causes an unsettling atmosphere among the animals.

“If the enclosures are too full, the older and weaker animals usually become victims of fights among the dogs,” Linda said.

The animals fight for a dry and warm spot.

“We cannot take in any more animals than the shelter’s capacity.”

Fleece blankets are preferred, as the dogs tend to easily shred other material blankest to pieces while in a game of tug-and-war.

Unfortunately, intakes at Fora are higher than adoptions. The closing of Krugersdorp’s SPCA also adds more pressure to the already stressful task of caring for the many animals.

“We have had an influx of abandoned cats since the SPCA closed its doors.”

Coreen Klark, an animal-enthusiast working at Fora, took the News on a tour of Fora, surprisingly calling out most of the animals by name.

“Sometimes I forget everyone’s name, but it soon hits me,” Coreen laughingly said.

This Bull Terrier, wrongly known as an agressive dog, seems to like reading the paper while taking a stroll outside his cage.

“We try our best to provide a quality lifestyle to each cat and dog that calls Fora home.”

Fora ultimately needs doggie jerseys for smaller dogs and fleece blankets for older dogs.

Linda also explained that if your dog becomes cranky and more aggressive, the reason is probably medical.

“The cold may affects your dog’s hips, causing discomfort and pain.”

The winter definitely can be discomforting to anyone. When it is cold, normal things suddenly become harder to do. The News advises its readers to take extra care of their furry friends this winter, and to support those that do not yet have a home.

Support the News’ sister newspaper the Roodepoort Record’s drive to collect food, blankets, clothing and more for Claw.

Click here to view more photos of Fora’s four-legged residents.