Community helps to get tails wagging at Wetnose’s sleepover

Dozens of people slept in the doghouse in the Bronkhorstspruit area on March 1. Luckily they ended up there for a good cause – to support Wetnose Animal Rescue Centre’s Sleep-a-thon.

The “residents” at this shelter took their human visitors for a walk and an afternoon of play before dinner was served. Then it was off to the kennels for humans and animals alike.

After a torrent of rain, everyone was ready to snuggle down with the doggies in their kennels. According to Declan Rodocanachi, spokesperson for Wetnose, it was a night to remember.

“We had a lot of fun and it was heartwarming to see how the animals enjoyed their human kennel companions.”

Andries Hoole was drawn to two very scared dogs, Wiané and Wesley.

“He spent a lot of time with them and we saw significant progress with these dogs,” Rodocanachi told Streeknews.

“They usually look at us from a corner, wanting love but not really coming out from their corner. After the whole day and night with Andries though, they began to open up.

“When Andries was saying bye, they greeted him with wagging tails – which was beautiful to see,” said Rodocanachi.

Another sleep-over friend, Jackie Brand, walked many of the dogs and made friends with most of the people and animals.
She joined Ogies and 10-year-old Shortie in a kennel for the night.

Rodocanachi said not only did the centre raise money with this event, but they also received plenty of donations in the form of pet food, blankets and money.