Helping animals runs in this Delmas family’s DNA

Mother and daughter team Jolandie and Jorinda Verwey took it upon themselves to help animals in distress. They have run the Delmas Animal Shelter (DAS) since 2018 as an NPC and a no-kill shelter, which currently cares for 300 dogs, cats and farm animals.

Owners usually drop off these animals at DAS because they can no longer care for them. Sometimes, severe abuse saw the animals taken from their owners. Among these animals are pregnant dogs about to have puppies, and with that comes veterinary bills.

“I recently met a wonderful mother and daughter from Delmas, who decided they wanted to be the voice for all homeless animals in the Delmas/Bronkhorstspruit region,” said Brigitte Bando, the DAS’ new bookkeeper.

Bando told the Streeknews she would relieve the strain on Jolandie and Jorinda by helping with bookkeeping and administrative duties.

“Jorinda, as a schoolgirl, already decided she will one day work with animals. In high school, she convinced her parents to adopt two homeless horses about to be put down,” said Bando.

“With Jorinda’s love, talent and much hard work, she immediately stepped in to care for the horses and ensure they were tame before offering horse riding lessons to earn money to take care of them. After a stranger heard Jorinda’s story, he asked why they had not started a shelter,” Bando added.

Bando said that was the solution Jorinda had prayed for because she wanted to be a vet but did not have the heart to put animals down.

“With Jolandie and Jorinda, both big animal lovers, it was an easy decision, and they started the DAS to give homeless animals a home and care for them while they find new families for the animals.”

The duo only have eyes for the animals and spend their lives caring for them.

“Running and owning the DAS is not always easy because funds are limited, and they rely on donations. But even that cannot get the ladies down because those little animals’ grateful eyes give them such a warm feeling in their hearts they cannot help but keep going,” Bando added.

“We invite you to adopt an animal if you have the heart and space to care for them. You can sponsor an animal for a year with monthly affordable donations.

“We also need blankets, kennels, pallets, water and food bowls for water and food for the animals. The DAS would appreciate anything. Please help Jolandie and Jorinda care for the animals.

“Everyone is welcome to visit the DAS premises, so bring your family to meet the animals. With over 300 in our care, we are sure you will find a pet that will become your best friend. Most animals are not kept in cages or behind bars but rather in large enclosures,” Bando said.

“We invite schools to arrange visitations with Jolandie or Jorinda.”

For more information, call the DAS on 076 808 6684 or 060 613 1048.

Make monetary donations to:

• Delmas Animal Shelter, (NPC 2018/275291/08);
• First National Bank;
• Business account number: 6276 6608 255;
• Branch code 250655.