Changing the lives of abandoned animals

Nicky Koekemoer from Umzinto is well-known for her love for animals and the work she does with them under the banner of the non-profit organisation, 4 Paws and a Tale.

It all started back in 2005 when she heard about a badly burnt cat with a litter of kittens struggling to survive in a house in a rural part of Umkomaas.

Nicky was devastated when the kittens had to be put down and the mother cat died.

This prompted her to take matters into her own hands and begin giving animals living in poor conditions an opportunity to enjoy a better life.

Her very first rescue was a female Africanis living in horrid conditions.

She named the dog Brakkies and cared for her for 10 years until her death last week.

“Brakkies was the first dog I rescued and word then spread like wildfire about my work so more and more people sought my help and we grew from there,” said Nicky.

Nicky then decided to register as an NPO so she could help more animals and start generating the funds to be able to do so.

4 Paws and a Tale rescues abandoned, abused and neglected animals in Scottburgh and the surrounding areas.

It also feeds, provides medical care and shelter for the strays and animals in townships and rural areas.

“We believe these animals deserve freedom from fear, abuse, hunger and thirst and we focus our resources on helping the urgent cases in our community,” said Nicky.

“We fight for the ones who have no voice, we give them hope and a chance to live a happy and fulfilled life.”

4 Paws and a Tale also re-homes dogs and cats throughout the province.

Nicky and her team currently feed about 200 dogs in the rural areas almost every day.

They provide shelter where possible, and take the injured or sick animals to a vet in Seadoone for medical care.

“We also sterilise as many animals as we can to prevent more suffering and unwanted, abandoned animals,” she said.

The organisation has a handful of fundraisers annually to raise money for the work it does and its now extended charity shop in Scottburgh also generates an income.

“The shop does well but can do better. It is always in need of goods to sell, as long they still work and are in good condition.”

You can get involved by either donating unwanted items to the charity shop; donating food for the animals in their care; fostering or adopting animals; spreading the word on social media or by making cash donations.

Nicky also welcomes volunteers to help with the feeding, but warns that they need to be ready to get their hands dirty.

“I know that saving just one dog can’t change the world, but it will surely change the world for that one dog.” said Nicky.

For details on how you can help, call 084-6265508.

HAVE YOUR SAY

Like the South Coast Herald’s Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram