WATCH: Adopt; don’t shop – even older dogs

Rescued pups put their best paw forward on 11 April at the first Place a Pup market day in Ruimsig. The market was started to attract people to adopt animals (specifically dogs) instead of buying them. Owner of Place a Pup, Jessica Dias said a lot of the older dogs get overlooked because of their appearance and their age.

“We wanted people to come and physically meet the pups. We feel that if you meet them, you actually see their personalities and you will fall in love with them,’’ she said.

Residents were treated to a day of music, good food, surprisingly good weather and the occasional pup running around. Stall fees and donations were all going towards the organisation’s vet bills, vaccinations and sterilisations. Jessica said all the dogs at their shelter have been rescued from different areas and townships, and are usually found in terrible physical condition. She said, “Townships are just so packed with unwanted animals that we are getting an influx of puppies continuously. Today alone, I got a phone call about nine puppies that are coming in. There is enough to go around here, and you don’t need to buy one as there are unwanted pups everywhere. There is enough love and people to adopt so that you don’t need to breed.”

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There certainly was more than enough love and wet kisses (from the pups) to go around. Sharné Waters, a foster and volunteer, and now a new dog mom after adopting at the market day, said she and her new furry best friend just clicked. “When you meet a dog so desperate for love, of course you are going to adopt. If you can offer a good home, I think it’s something you should do,” she enthused.

Doctor Lo-An Odayar, specialist veterinary ophthalmologist and dog adopter herself, said purebreds often present with more eye problems and require a lot of medical care as opposed to mixed breeds. “Mixed breeds are more resilient and they do not require as much medical attention. So, adopt rather than breed,” she advised.

Mother and daughter, Ashleigh and Sally du Plessis, adopted their dog last year. “We have always loved dogs. When we saw ours last year, we could not say no to his face. One can never have too many dogs.”