Bluff woman aims to curb hunger, spread love to man’s best friend

FOR almost eight years, Cindy Kennerley has dedicated her time to feeding, sterilising, and showering love on dogs in the Clairwood and surrounding areas, in honor of her beloved Boerboel, Storm, who died of spinal cancer on September 8 in 2014.

September also marks World Animal Remembrance Month.

Kennerley, 53, of Bluff, said despite the challenges, such as not knowing if she would have enough food to feed over 120 dogs, as well as how she would pay a vet bill which often reaches over R10 000, she would not give up.

“These dogs and their owners depend on me each month. I would not be able to sleep peacefully if I could no longer do this. When I was in a dark place after I lost Storm, who was just six years old, it was these dogs that helped me to heal,” she said.

Kennerley, a bookkeeper, said she had received an email about a dog feeding scheme in Clairwood and Jacobs areas on her birthday, September 23.

“A lady, from uMhlanga, had sent out an email about the feeding scheme she had been running, but was no longer able to do it, and wanted to know if anyone would be willing to take over. At that time, I was in a really bad state and was battling depression having just lost Storm. However, I decided that I needed to pull myself out of that bad space.

“I decided to contact her about a week later and said I will do it. It was the best decision I ever made. At the time, she was feeding about 30 to 40 dogs, living in truck yards, scrap yards, and some residential homes. However, the number of dogs grew over the years, and now I feed anywhere between 120 and 130 dogs,” she said.
Kennerley, who owns six dogs, of which five are rescues from Clairwood, said she now does the feeding every third week in a month.

ALSO READ: Dogs are actually a woman’s best friend

“I used to go out every second week, but with limited food supply, it became more challenging. I get about 30 to 40kg of bonemeal, which is donated every month. On the morning of the feeding, I wake up at about 03:00, to cook the bonemeal, and then add whatever other donations I received, such as vegetables and eggs. I also use about 40kg of dry dog food, which is added to the wet mix.

“Along with the hot meal, I also take between 280 to 300kg of dry dog food, which I provide to about 32 families. It is the best feeling when I get to the area, and the dogs are all so happy to see me. They will jump on me and shower me with kisses. I also return that love, as some of the dogs, such as those kept in the truck or scrap yards, don’t get that affection,” she said.

Kennerley said one of her main priorities was sterilisation of the dogs.

“This is to prevent breeding and unwanted pregnancies. The owners often reach out to me if they cannot afford to take their dogs for sterilisation. I also offer to do it, when I see that a dog has not to be sterilised. I also offer deworming, flea and tick treatment, and if a dog is very sick, then I will take it to our vet. When I am lucky enough to get a kennel, blanket, or any dog products donated, then I also give those out to the owners.

“I also try to find foster and forever homes for dogs, mainly the older ones, when the owner can no longer take for. I prefer to rehome the older dogs and not just puppies. I look forward to spending the day in the area each month, it brings me great joy to see the dogs so happy, wagging their tails and barking out of excitement, but also, being able to pay tribute to my boy, who brought me the greatest joy.

“I would appreciate any support, whether it be dog food or a contribution to our vet bill, as it will make a great difference in the lives of many dogs, ” she said.
If you would like to assist Kennerley, you can contact her on 083 239 2941.

For more Southlands Sun news, follow us on Facebook or Twitter. You can also follow us on Instagram.