This kennel finds a home

It was about four months ago that Jeanie Abbot was made aware of the illegal dumping of an old dog kennel on the corner of De La Rey Road and Zulu Street.

In that time, she managed to complete the worthwhile task of its refurbishment and now, thanks to her efforts, the kennel was recently donated to Gideon’s Animal Outreach, a non-profit organisation that does most of its work in townships and impoverished areas.

Abbott explained it was a big job to undertake. She had to give the kennel an intense wash, sanitise it as it had a foul odour, prime it and paint it. “It was a big process to restore it but I did it with love and that’s all that matters, it is better it did not land up in a trash heap somewhere.”

Now it will go to a good home where it will do its part to protect an animal.

Gideon Morar, owner of Gideon’s Animal Outreach, collected the kennel which will now be donated to a pet owner living in Jacksonville Squatter Camp. This family has two dogs who, before this donation, slept in a makeshift shelter.

Morar was contacted by Abbott after she saw the projects the organisation was involved in and enquired if he would accept this refurbished kennel. “We always take in second-hand kennels and we give them to dogs that either do not have shelter or those kept in really bad conditions without protection from the elements, as owners do not have the means to buy these kennels,” he said.

The animal outreach owner hoped more people would give to causes like his, as Abbott did. “One simple gesture of donating pet supplies or giving of your valuable time would go a long way.”

Abbott concluded that it was an honour for her to be able to do this, as ‘it was the difference between animals living and dying’. “I did this with a lot of love and hopefully it will go to a family that appreciates it.”