Darryn Potgieter ups his rank to become a kennel manger
After spending three months in Thailand for a holiday, he ended up volunteering at the Soi Dog, realising this is what he wants to do for the rest of his life.
Darryn Potgieter has always been passionate about animals. After he has spent three months in Thailand for a holiday, he ended up volunteering at the Soi Dog, realising this is what he wants to do for the rest of his life.
“I spent three months in Thailand and only when I came back did I want to start something that involves animals.”
He told the CHRONICLE that when he came back, the country was in lockdown and while he was at home he wanted to do something that involved animals.
“I studied to become a puppy trainer and an animal behaviourist. While we were still in lockdown, I was still looking for a job and I decided to volunteer at the JSPCA,” said Potgieter.
He explained that he has been in many fields of work, from hospitality to the information technology field.
“It did not feel right working in that environment. Working with people can be a lot of work. Some are appreciative and some are not. I just did not like dealing with people anymore. When I am with dogs on the other hand it is a different story, they are always grateful.
“I believe I have done everything I wanted to do and I thought it was time for me to do something really meaningful. Every day when I come here I feel like I have made a difference. This is where I want to stay for the rest of my life,” he said.
As a kennel manager, he has to make sure the animals are fed correctly and checks their physical and mental wellbeing.
“I am quite a dog lover but I like cats for their personality. I own a dog and maybe I will own a cat someday. It takes a lot of courage and dedication to take care of and love animals. Everything I do can be learned but you have to be committed to doing this job.”
He said throughout the years of taking care of animals, he has gained a lot more compassion.
“I have always been an animal kind of person. Just to know what the animals go through and yet they still put all of their trust in us. Every morning when I walk through the kennels no matter whether I had a bad day, I feel good when the dogs bark happily when they see me.”
Potgieter advised that if anyone wants to have a dog they must think about it first.
“It is a lifelong commitment to have a dog. Don’t just have a dog because it’s cute but have it knowing that it is something you can take care of every day,” he said.
