Spend time with animals and consider adoption during the festive season as Wollies face an influx

With the festive season approaching, many animal shelters in Pretoria North are expecting an influx of abandoned pets.

Wollies Animal Shelter, a well-known facility, is no exception.

As December nears, shelters are filling up rapidly, raising concerns about the ability to care for the growing number of animals.

The founder of Wollies Animal Shelter, Cilla Trexler, has encouraged residents to visit, spend time with the animals and learn more about the adoption process.

“The shelter is full and more animals are expected to be abandoned over the holiday season.

We need the community to step in whether through donations, volunteering or adopting a pet.

Adopting from a shelter not only saves lives but gives the animal a second chance at happiness while also offering you a loyal companion,” said Trexler.

The shelter urgently needs pet food donations, toys and other supplies.

Consequently, a local high school learner Lea Dirker has taken the initiative to organise an Activity Week at Wollies Animal Shelter.

Dirker hopes to encourage community involvement in supporting the shelter by donating food, volunteering time, and most importantly, considering adoption.

Dirker’s concern for animals grew from a deep understanding of the challenges faced by shelters like Wollies.

She highlighted the struggle to secure a consistent supply of food, during peak periods such as the holiday season.

“Shelters are doing their best to provide nutritious meals, but they need the community’s help.

By organising this activity week, we hope to raise awareness about the importance of animal adoption and encourage people to volunteer.

“During the festive season, shelters are often overwhelmed with animals in need of homes, and adoptions can offer these pets a second chance at life,” said Dirker.

A key feature of the activity week is the involvement of young people, especially during the school holidays.

Dirker has developed a schedule for children to participate in shelter activities, teaching them valuable lessons in empathy and responsibility while giving them a meaningful way to spend their holiday time.

“It’s a chance for them to learn about animal welfare and make a positive difference in their community.

The initiative also serves as an opportunity to keep children engaged in a productive environment, away from TV and video games, as they join other young people in helping care of the animals.”

Dirker hopes the event will spark ongoing support for Wollies and other shelters facing similar challenges.

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