Thank You to all our Donors for their support without which we could not continue the work we do!
Thank You to all our Donors for their support without which we could not continue the work we do!
White City project Oct – Dec – every Tuesday 12h00 – 16h00 Day 4 – 22 October 2019
Persons attending Del Jones & Andy Robertson
The first hour was taken up with the following calls or complaints that needed attending to, as well as follow ups from last week:
Deliver dip and instructions to 17 Kareeboom for Japie Jantjies usage 36/29 Loop St - check on dog from spay day Cnr Tindall and Willie Meyer check for a black dog with mange 26 Kankerbos - bitch and pups from Saturday spay
7 warnings from last week were followed up most of which had complied except for 1: 77 Church St – this is a problem house I believe – the child and the dog were both sleeping outside the house – the child approx 6/7 years was very scared by our presence and didn’t interact and was locked out of the house – I will pass this on to the necessary authorities and will check on dog again next week.
After completing the check ups we received a call about a dog that had been run over outside How Bazaar – Helene Shand’s dog had been run over and was DOA – Robert from Tanagra had run the dog over – how very sad for both – and the responsibility and guilt felt by Robert or anybody that has run over an animal, is so great and is misplaced as the owner of the animal is at fault for allowing and not preventing such a situation from happening.
We then proceeded to finish up Church Street, and completed both sides of Kooigoedbos Street.
Again we came across a very bad mange case where both mother and puppies – owner not there but warning – we provided food and water for the puppies and bitch. Most of the other animals observed were in good condition, 2 cats with young kittens seen.
The following were carried out in the above streets that were checked:
50 houses checked 39 dogs, 17 cats were observed – checked where necessary 8 sterilisations were booked 4 written warnings issued – mostly short chain, food and water – 2 for denial of veterinary treatment 2 instruction letters given 2 puppies dewormed 4 advice letters given re food and vaccinations and deworming at the clinic
We were given a complaint by a lady regarding a dog in really bad condition at 4 1st Laan – on checking this address we found an emaciated dead dog lying on the steps of the house – covered in fly eggs and flies – been dead for over 5 hours at a guess. A warning letter was left here and photos taken – the owner not home at the time works in the hospital/clinic in Ashton – this will be followed up!!
A big, big thank you for Andy’s assistance and stepping in a last minute much appreciated.
White City project - Oct to Dec – every Tuesday 12 – 4pm Day 3 - 15 Oct 2019 Persons attending: Del Jones and Patricia Warren The warnings and letters from last week was the first area of focus. Out of the 12 follow ups carried out most had conformed to the requests – 2 were given a further opportunity to improve on their attempts of kennels. These will be followed up again next week. The 4 instruction/advise letters issued were mostly regarding treatment and/or sterilisations were acted upon and dip or treatment was sought at the Saturday clinic. After completion of the follow ups we were side tracked by a call that came in of a run over dog at 78 Church street – opportune being right there – on attending to the call – Bella a mast/lab cross of about 10 months old, intact female was found with multiple fractures of the fib/tib right hind. Painkiller/anti inflam was administered and we transported Bella through to Cornerstone for amputation and sterilisation – owners happy to pay towards the cost. On our return we took up where we left off last week at the start of church st. Generally we found fewer animals in Church St than in other streets. The ones that were observed were fair to good condition, very few on chains. A couple of cases of mange observed, 2 lots of dip dispensed others were advised to get dogs dipped at Japie Jantjies. Findings and actions taken; 14 dogs, 6 cats and 2 chickens were checked on (33 houses) 9 sterilisations were booked, 3 people to ask owner/family for permission 8 warnings issued (2 residual) 6 new contraventions again mostly shelter, water and chains 4 letters were issued to obtain treatment or advice of ownership 3 puppies dewormed 1 puppy treated 1 dog food handed out ad a collar given to a dog Followed up on a complaint where a child had been bitten at 40 Kamako st. There has been a good response from the community – not saying there haven’t been any heated words where necessary – but the results showing are good – response to owners bringing their dogs to last weeks clinic has doubled from white city, the amount of sterilisations booked. Of course this equates to more work for us so we have to keep our end up and ensure we sterilise what we have booked and timeously to avoid further unwanted litters.
Please be a part of our journey to alleviate the suffering of the dogs of McGregor - our intention is to sterilise 20 dogs on Saturday 19 Oct & we ask for donors to sponsor each spay by R50 1 spay costs R250.
We also need volunteers on our weekly project inspecting the condition of dogs in White City and a call for any old collars, leads, food etc Call Del: 072 693 4545
Our Account Number for donations: IMPORTANT (please indicate your name + Spay) NEDBANK Robertson Branch - Branch code - 122110 Savings Account Number - 2011281334 Account Name - Friends of CARE Many thanks!
Celebrating animal welfare / Ons vier dierewelsyn in McGregor Eseltjiesrus Donkey Sanctuary / Sunday / Sondag 6 Oktober 2019 - 10h30
The Friends of CARE calendar is one of our most important sources of support ! We now have more space for advertising and writing in blocks. Advertisements on top half of the page will cost R120 Smaller block adverts will cost R50 per block (i.e. Birthdays etc and business adverts)
A STORY OF A MUCH LOVED VILLAGE DOG
There was this black dog, quite big, wandering around the village. Looked like he was the deputy mayor of McGregor. He was always in the village, frequent visitor of music shows at the courtyard and always looking for tourists that visited the village to give them a good impression of the village and in order to do that he stayed with them during the weekend. Robbie saw him at market and noticed that he has a huge lump in the back of his neck. Tennis ball size. He didn't appear to be in pain but Robbie wanted to help him. Robbie was told that he stays around the famous corner Long and Tindall, but he preferred to walk around the other part of village. Big, mid-sized, black with brown socked/shoes - friendly sweet dog.
Robbie saw him at market and showed Del the wound on the dog and they asked Helen, at Cornerstone Vet to look at it.
It became a sad story. Helen told is it was much more severe than thought. Severe Dermoid Sinus. She removed 1 growth from his back but then saw 4 more attached to the spinal cord. For operating that he would have to go to a specialist and Helen said if it was her dog she would euthanise him. Robbie agreed with her so black dog is no longer with us now. Friends of CARE funded the cost of the operation and burial.
STERI DAY 13 JULY 2019. IN ATTENDANCE AND SUPPORT DEL JONES DR HELEN MOORE MARION BROUWER DR MARIANNE VAN DER MESCHT KAT MANSEL PRINCE DZOTZIEL PAT WARREN ANNE BINOS MARGIE DEAGAN JUANITA ZIMMERMAN PLUS DAUGHTER HEIDI MULLER PAULA BLOUKAMP JANET FORRESTER JAN & CAROLIEN ILLANA VAN DER COLFF
OVERVIEW DUE TO THE FREEZING WEATHER LAST MONTH WE WERE WELL PREPARED FOR IT THIS TIME – RECOVERY AREA INSIDE, GAS HEATER, LOTS OF HOT WATER BOTTLES (DONATED BY THE COMMUNITY). FORTUNATELY IT WASN’T AS COLD AS LAST TIME BUT THE ANIMALS RECOVERED IN COMFORT – EVEN DURING THE OPERATION THERE WAS WARMTH UNDER THE SPAY CRADLE BY MEANS OF A HOT WATER BOTTLE. WE ALSO PREPARED THE DAY BEFORE ILANA AND MYSELF WENT OUT TO ALMOND GROVE FARM TO GET NUMBERS, LEAVE CAGES AND TO ASCERTAIN CONDITION OF ANIMALS. WE ALSO WENT AND SPOKE TO THE STAFF AT KONINGSRIVIER FARM TO PLANT THE SEED FOR THE NEXT SPAY DAY AS THERE ARE IN THE SAME AREA AND WE HAVE AT LEAST 3 TO COLLECT FOR THE NEXT SPAY DAY – AS TOO YOUNG FOR THIS ONE.
FINAL FIGURES FOR THE DAY 7 SPAYS 11 NEUTERS RUNNING TOTAL = 171
THE BREAKDOWN OF THE THEATRE LIST COMPRISED OF 3 DOGS FROM WHITE CITY (RESIDUAL FROM LAST SPAY DAY) AND THE REST FROM ALMOND GROVE FARM. THE REALITY OF DOING A SPAY DAY FOR FARM WORKERS IS THERE IS LITTLE OR NO RETURN IN TERMS OF MONEY.
THE DAY STARTED EARLY – DEL SETTING UP AT 7AM, WE BROUGHT IN 4 CATS YESTERDAY AFTERNOON TO AVOID ANY WAITING ON THE COLLECTION TEAMS – (ALMOND GROVE FARM QUITE FAR OUT). VETS ALSO MADE AN EARLY START. WE WERE FINISHED AND ALL ANIMALS RETURNED BY 2PM – LEAVING ONLY THE CLEANING AND SORTING TO BE DONE.
LOVELY EATS ONCE AGAIN – FRESHLY BAKED BREAD - ANNE, HEIDI AND PAT'S LEKKER SOUP TO WARM THE COCKLES, MYRNA AND JANET;S SWEET GOODIES FOR LOTS OF ENERGY AND CALORIES. HOT DRINKS PROVIDED – VERY NECESSARY
THANKS TO ALL AGAIN.
GENERAL COMMENTS
WITH US COLLECTING ANIMALS PREDOMINANTLY FROM ONE FARM FEWER COLLECTION TEAMS WERE NEEDED. BEING ANIMALS FROM THE FARM THERE WERE ALSO MANY MEDICAL CHALLENGES – TAPEWORM, BITE WOUNDS, FLEAS ETC THE IMMEDIATE STEPS WERE TAKEN SUCH AS FLEA/TICK SPOT ON ADMINISTERED, SHAVING OF WOUNDS ETC BUT THE REST WILL BE ATTENDED TO WHEN DEL AND ILLANA DO A FOLLOW UP VISIT TO THE FARM NEXT WEEK. SOME THING THAT MUST BE CONSIDERED IN THE NOT TOO DISTANT FUTURE IS THE NEED TO PURCHASE MORE TRAVELLING CAGES – AS MANY CANNOT BE REPAIRED, THE WOODEN ONES ARE NOT AS RESILIENT AND ALL THE ONES WE HAVE WERE DONATED – DUE TO THE CONSTANT USE REPLACEMENT MUST BE CONSIDERED. A GREAT DAY, RATHER TIRESOME IN HAVING FEWER PEOPLE BUT MUCH ACHIEVED. Steri day 15 June 2019. In attendance and support Del Jones Dr Helen Moore Marion Brouwer Alex Van As Kat Mansel plus friend Prince Dzotziel Pat Warren Anne Binos Margie Deagan Juanita Zimmerman plus daughter Heidi Muller Andrea Pulfrich JP Du Toit Overview Very cold start to the morning at a cool minus 3 early hours – yep lovely cool water to scrub up. Early start Del and JP collected the first 5 patients before 8 and the vet team set up and ready to go before 830. All round fair to good condition, animals from the farm had a tick treatment as they were full of ticks. Some of the steris from Naudes farm, some from white city and Onderdorp.
Final Figures 9 Spays 4 Neuters Running total = 153
The breakdown of the theatre list comprised of 1 rescue animals (in new homes), and 12 from the resource challenged areas.
Last surgery completed at 13:30 most animals were returned home by 14:30 everything completed and tidied and packed by 14:45.
Lovely snacks – freshly baked bread always a hit - Anne, Heidi's lekker soup and muffins and biscuits ala Janet. Hot drinks provided – very necessary
THANKs to all.
General Comments
Again the winter months bring their own challenges especially when the inside temp is colder than outside this making recovery especially for cats quite worrying perhaps we can consider small infra red heaters just to warm ambient temp. So recovery was outside for most animals chasing the sun, warm beds and blankets and much stimulation to increase circulation. It was somewhat of an eventful day – cat escapee fortunately caught, volunteer taking a bit of a fall, male dogs turning into pregnant females but all alright on the night. Three consults were conducted – 1 puppy supposedly run over – probably tick bite fever Helen kindly took the sorrowful pup in for diagnosis and treatment, another neuter had a sore leg run over last week – recovering, and a farm dog neuter obviously lost 3 toes through some injury – treated.
THANK YOU to all involved next we will probably take all from Colyns' farm workers plus perhaps a couple urgent ones from Onderdorp – see ya then.
I think next spay day we should have an open invite to those interested in helping, donating or sponsoring a monthly spay.
Our first Steri Day at the new, enlarged outreach structure - thanks to Stephan and Carolien Viljoen for their generous donation of a wooden house! The two structures have been joined into one, giving us a properly sectioned off operating room, storage room and recovery room. Del and her team worked tirelessly last week to get everything ready for Steri Day on Saturday 27th April 2019. Once 100% completed we will invite everyone for an open day to see how our funds are used for the benefit of the animals in McGregor who need C.A.R.E.
Steri day 27 April 2019. In attendance and support: Del Jones Dr Helen Moore Ilana Van der Colff Dr Marianne Van der Mescht Marion Bruwer Monique Van Wyk Kat Mansel Prince Dzotziel Pat Warren Anne Binos Myrna Robins Juanita Zimmerman Heidi Muller Andrea Pulfrich
Overview Set up at 7.30am to ensure all well and good and in good working order, given that this was the first day we had used the new upgraded facility. The vet team arrived just before 7.45 which was good as this allowed us time to familiarise ourselves in the new working space and the most effective procedure. Two cat neuters were first up on the table these being kittens we had homed. All cats and dogs were all in fairly good condition – some had fleas and ticks these were treated with spot on. Most animals were given a little food parcel for later as a treat when they fully come round – not only is this nice for the animal plays a big part in assisting the body after anaesthetic. The weather started off mild but sun was up and bright to allow the recovering animals some warmth.
Final Figures 8 Spays 4 Neuters Running total = 140
The breakdown of the theatre list comprised of 3 rescue animals (in new homes), and 9 from the resource challenged areas.
Last surgery completed at 12:45 most animals were returned home by 13:30 everything completed and tidied and packed by 14:15.
Lovely snacks – freshly baked garlic bread, lovely finger snacks, some soup and for sweetness - biscuits. Hot and cold drinks provided – very necessary
THANKs to all.
General Comments
The new space and conformation of the new “Bush steri unit” worked so well especially as its the first day working in the space. The space allowed for efficient and effective working conditions. The last 8 days have been spent in throwing slabs of large proportions (14m x 4m), dismantling houses, transporting pieces, re-erecting and putting everything together like a jigsaw, relocating ablution block by means of tractor pulling it, painting, roofing in front of house, reassembling all the plumbing, sinks, taps and solar system. We are where we want to be in terms of size of building from here we need to work on the wish list to streamline/better our service – such as scale, microscope and upgrade solar. A big thank you to Alex, Rob, Jeremy and Andy for their assistance in reconnecting water and assembling the solar system again. All help was greatly received, Kat also gave her time in painting and sorting blankets. We must not forget the time and expertise given by Cornerstone and the team without them this couldn’t happen.
THANK YOU THANK YOU DEL & THE CORNERSTONE TEAM OF VETS & SPCA VET THE TEAM OF HELPERS C.A.R.E (MCGREGOR)
WHERE FROM THOSE ANIMALS WHO HAVE LIVED AND HAVE DIED NOW IN SPIRIT AND THOSE YET IN LIFE THEY SPEAK OF YOUR GOOD WORKS THEIR HEARTS FILLED WITH GRATITUDE.
THE FEELING IN MY CHEST IS DEFINITELY NOT RELATED SADNESS, PAIN OR HURT. IT’S YOU KNOW…LIKE WHEN YOU SEE SOMETHING…FORMIDABLE HAPPENING…! ONE CLUTCHES ONE’S CHEST, THERE’S A KIND OF HUSHED FEELING OF…WOW…! AMAZEMENT AT SUCH A WONDERFUL GROUP OF PEOPLE LIKE OUR VET DELL JONES AND THE CORNERSTONE TEAM OF VETS WHO ARRIVE AT OU PLAAS AND WE ALL GET TO WORK. WHAT JOY…JOKES, LAUGHTER AND, TEARS FROM TIME TO TIME…
THE WONDERFUL PATIENCE OF THE LADIES WHO DRIVE OUT TO COLLECT THE ANIMALS FOR THEIR VARIOUS OPS AND DELIVER THEM SAFE HOME AGAIN…AND THOSE WITH THE ANIMALS WHEN THEY COME OUT OF SURGERY…BEING THERE TO SEE THEY ARE BREATHING WELL AND KEPT WARM AND THE 1000’S OF OTHER ETC’S THAT GO ALONG WITH THE SPAY DAY…
AND THE LADIES WHO SUPPLY THE DELECTABLE FOODS: COFFEE & TEA ETC FOR THE ‘WORKERS’. KEEPS US GOING!
KAT DEDICATES THIS SAD POEM TO THE SATURDAY 20TH OCTOBER 2018
ODE TO A BEAUTIFUL YOUNG BLACK DOG NEVER WILL YOU CATCH A BALL OR PLAY DOWN HERE I SHARE YOU PAIN EVERY DAY I FEEL YOUR STRUGGLE FOR BREATH EVERY SECOND I BLEED WITH YOU EVERY MINUTE MY EYES ARE BLINDED IN YOUR RED MIST BY THE SHOCKING SIGHT OF YOUR POOR BROKEN BODY TIED UP IN A BAG I CANNOT BEGIN TO IMAGINE HOW YOU FELT WHEN HELEN KINDLY SENT YOU TO YOUR LAST SLEEP ON EARTH AND PUT OUT OF YOUR TERRIBLE MISERY THAT ETERNAL RIVER WITHIN ME WELLED I WEPT BITTERLY FOR YOUR LIFE I WOULD REALLY HAVE LIKED SO MUCH TO HOLD YOU IN MY ARMS AND DIE WITH YOU
FROM KAT MANSELLSome "feel-good stories! Steri Day Saturday 16th March - 12 sterilisations carried out - see REPORT and Breakdown of monthly calls. Steri day 19 January 2019 - slideshow below and report hereunder:
Steri day 19 January 2019. In attendance and support Del Jones Dr Helen Moore Ilana Van der Colff Dr Marianne van der Mescht Margie Deegan Prince Dzotziel Li Deegan Alex Van As Juanita Zimmerman Kat Mansell Pat Warren Anne Binos Paula Blomkamp Myrna Robins Tatum Milosevich Janet Forrester
Overview Early start 6.50 due to some kids bringing their pup for a deworm and vac. All set up two cats made it first to the table. Marianne’s first proper spay day with us, accompanied by the rest of the team. All cats and dog were all in relatively good condition – the biggest challenge being fleas and some carrying ticks. Helen kindly provided zero spot on that was put on all the dogs. Some animals were in need of deworming – this accompanied the food given out when returning the animals. We were pleasantly surprised with the mild temperature of the day and a slight gentle breeze kept the awaiting animals cool.
Final Figures 12 Spays 1 Neuters Running total = 116
Last surgery completed at 15:50 most animals were returned home by 16:50 everything completed and tidied and packed by 18:00. Last couple of cats delivered 19:20
Lovely snacks – fruit salad, freshly baked flat bread and savoury tart followed by lovely crunchies and lemon cake with hot drinks, also Li provided us with some ice tea. THANKs to all.
General Comments
Some of the animals that were booked for today (3) were not done and will be carried over until next spay day. This was a decision taken whilst collecting dogs in Piet October Sgl, we were mobbed by a few owners – a beautiful seal point kitty with kittens that were half dying due to mothers lack of food – kittens were euthanased and mother was taken Immediately for spay, a dog that also had older puppies crawling in fleas and ticks was also taken in. These we believe superceded the ones booked.
We are planning to have the next spay day just removing and spaying dogs n cats in P.Oct Sgl and giving them both endo and ecto parasite medication.
A big thank you to Juanita/donkey sanctuary for the standby generator for electrical back up.
This is just to remind you that the MySchool MyVillage MyPlanet 21st Birthday Promotion is still open until the end of February.
Friends of CARE monthly report - December, 2018
Overview There were a few challenges presented, shortly before the day, but all went accordingly, albeit not a particularly rushed day & effective nonetheless. Not being able to get to the farm where we were collecting the steris beforehand meant that some dogs and the cats were AWOL on the day. We have completed most of Francois Naude's workers' animals – 2 cats and a dog left for next spay day. All operations carried out without any major problems and returned to owners. Final Figures 4 Spays 2 neuters Running total = 103 General Comments The donated solar unit worked well we will now place on the roof for the next steri day. The new shadecloth area has been erected and purlines have been placed in preparation for the extended roofed area. This will be completed prior to the next steri day . Some dogs had many ticks, fleas etc and those were treated with spot on. Champagne donated by Myrna Robins toasted the 100th spay a little Jack Russel, this has set the annual target – no less than a 100. Snacks and wine prepared by Anne Binos, Janet Forrester and Monique Van Wyk were delicious and added to the 100th spay, end of year celebrations and of course the farewell to Melissa. Melissa will be sorely missed, and certainly, for me personally, and I’m sure speaking for all, it has been so terrific working with her and we all wish her the very best with her new ventures. We have rectified some small issues – some plumbing and septic tank problem. We have started to plant some trees to allow for the future cutting of the port jacksons. Our next steri day will be in about the 19th January, with the new CCS vet, so we wish all volunteers and donors a festive Christmas and prosperous New Year. The next steri day will be the last stragglers at Naudes farm and then workers dogs on Colyns farm Come back in the New Year strong and eager and maybe we can do 200 ( : Del Jones
From Del Jones - Hi everyone. The year is closing and all I can say is THANK YOU. To all that have helped make this such a success and enjoyable with it. Happy to say we end the year with 104 sterilisations, and we will achieve the same next year. What an achievement, well done everyone! Melissa, all the best and enjoy your next chapter. November 2018 Friends of CARE NEWSFLASH!
An unspayed female cat, her mate and all of their offspring producing 2 litters per year, with 2.8 surviving kittens can total: 1 year – 12 2 years – 67 3 years – 376 4 years – 2,107 5 years – 11,801 6 years – 66,088 7 years – 370,092 8 years – 2,072,514 9 years – 11,606,077
See what CARE does : donations gratefully accepted towards running costs! Emergencies 24/7, after hour calls for the community,dipping services, clinics, advice, humaneslaughter etc. Del: 072 693 4646 Friends of CARE PBO : 930 035 696 Saturday clinic 2 week interval - 13 & 27 October Vaccines: 25 Cat vaccines: 0 Rabies: 17 Deworm: 30 6 hours Disp dip: 0 Flea powder: 2 Certifect: 2 Stitches: 3 29 km Advice: 15 Treatment: 12 Nail clips: 2 Euthanase: 2 Free dog food: 8 Number of calls attended to 29 calls 38.5hrs 202 km Sterilisations performed Spay day 20th Oct 14 performed 7 hrs Transport for drug collection, preparation, buying etc 2hrs Transportation 46km NEXT STERI DAY - 17 NOVEMBER 2018 LATEST STERI DAY - MCGREGOR OUTREACH UNIT - 20 OCTOBER 2018 CLICK HERE TO READ REPORT THANKS TO ALL SUPPORTERS!
Steri day Sunday September 2nd 2018.
In attendance and support:
Del Jones Ilana Van der Colff Hazel Cadet Li Deegan Juanita Zimmerman Pat Warren Ernest Bloukamp Dr Helen Moore Dr Melissa Sussens Prince Dzotziei Monique Van Wyk Trish O'Keeff Anne Binos Myrna Robins
This particular spay day had been postponed twice due to certain issues hence why was on a Sunday – out of the ordinary. The weather although welcomed could have been better timed – the rain set in early morning and continued up until the last operation was finished – that did not dampen anybody’s spirits – although put a few volunteers off.
First 3 patients were collected at 7:30 and set up started at just after 8 followed by collection teams at 9 ish. Working in the rain with limited covered area proved to be a challenge that was overcome and all carried out their duties drenched but in good spirits.
Theatre list was followed with one sick dog and a neuter with cherry eye taken back to Cornerstone to be diagnosed and operated on at the surgery.
Final Figures 10 Spays 2 Neuters Running total = 84
Last surgery completed at 13:50 all animals were returned home by 14:30 - everything completed and tidied and packed by 15:00.
Lovely soup and freshly baked homemade bread and lovely crunchies accompanied hot drinks – mostly hot chocolate were all delish and very welcome in the cold and wet weather. THANKs to all.
General Comments
Small but efficient team and braved the weather with such great attitudes. Many challenges presented, created by the weather, just taken in the stride.
Ernest Bloukamp allowed us usage of his gazebo which was indispensable in the end.
The solar unit we have donated is charged and in working order but to install we need to erect the panel and purchase lugs and we can only get them in Cape Town – Alex Patterson of Vera farm is going to get these on Thursday and help us erect the unit. This hopefully will be completed before next steri day
We will continue with the farm dogs on the next day.
Big thanks to everyone and we will see you at the next spay day – dry day hopefully. Del Jones and the Friends of CARE Committee
STERI DAY REPORT BACK - Saturday 30 June 2018 In attendance and support:
Del Jones Marlen Van wyk Elana Van der Colff Juanita Zimmerman Isabel Menzies Pat Warren Hazel Harris Paula Blomkamp Margie Deegan Janet Forrester Dr Helen Moore Dr Melissa Sussens Alex Van As Prince Dzotziei Li Deegan Ken and Cora Stephanie Taljaard Judy Eccles Anne Binos Myrna Robins Overview
Again we have decided, due to shorter daylight hours and cooler temperatures, that it is more beneficial to both animals and staff to make hours from 8am to 2pm. A good, effective, efficient day and well supported - animals were collected mainly from White City and farm workers at Francois Naude’s farm. Marlene and I did some prep work on the Friday - we set up the tarps to act as walls to stem the forecast cold weather - this worked well and we really need another tarp sheet for the other wall. We arrived on site at 07.30 with the first 3 patients, to set up. Vet teams arrived 08.15, and support teams thereafter. We performed all ops as per our theatre list - unfortunately one dog didn't recover from anaesthetic - a post mortem was performed.
Final figures
10 spays 8 neuters 1 abscess
12 rabies and 7 vaccines were administered and all animals dewormed. Every animal was returned with a parcel of food.
Last surgery completed at 14.25.
Again the refreshment teams were fabulous; wholesome soup, homemade bread and lovely cake and crunchies - tea, coffee and hot chocolate.
General
A small solar system has been offered so I will check this out during the coming week and hopefully set up before next date.
It's so nice to see our assets growing; our spay sets, the tarps, our new clippers - all being put to work making the operation more efficient.
As we grow so our needs also grow - now the winter days are darker, we are in desperate need of better inside lighting. Stef is going to research prices and see if we can find a kind donor.
Other items are always in need of are - blankets, towels, sponges etc. We use our recovery blankets to keep the animals warm after anaesthetics – while more donated towels and blankets are left with some of the more needy animals on their return home. CLICK HERE - we will arrange collection of any donations.
Del Jones
Friends of CARE NPO: 205-517 / Friends of CARE PBO : 930 035 696 Account Number for donations: please indicate your name and contact details for official receipt to be issued NEDBANK Robertson Branch. Branch code - 198765 Savings Account Number - 2011281334 Account name - Friends of CARE
REPORTBACK - STERI DAY SATURDAY 12TH MAY 2018In attendance and support:
Del Jones Dr Helen McClean Marlen Van Wyk Dr Melissa Sussen Anne Binos Prince Dzotziei Juanita Zimmerman Li Deegan Isabel Menzies Marianne McClean Pat Warren Cecili Janet Forrester Des Stevens Marion Brouwer Margie Deegan Shirley van Staden Overview The decision, originally, was to have a full spay day every sort of 6 weeks. We had carried out a full day 4 weeks back, but as Del Jones was going on leave on 20 May it was decided to have a half day spay day to bring the time lapse a little closer before the next spay event. Again another good turnout, well supported and each time we are becoming more efficient and effective. We had two collection and return teams and approx. 4 support persons. Arrived on site to set up 07h30, vet teams on site for 08h00 and collection teams on site for 08h30 – 09h00, this staggered start works very well and allows for efficient utilisation of peoples time. Del brought the first 3 sterilisations with her whilst setting up to allow vet teams to start without any delay. We had no deviations or treatments to the theatre list and all went smoothly without problems.
Final Figures 9 spays 5 neuters
Final surgery was completed at 12:45 and last animals were returned at 13:30, everything completed – cleaning, packing and tidying up by 14h00. The refreshment team again went the full mile and everybody had their fill of food both savoury and sweet. Thank you gals.
General Comments Again a good working team and the atmosphere so relaxed making it a pleasure, not a chore. Big thank you to Cornerstone again for their equipment and time – although this time we christened our own spay sets. The tarps have been purchased and are available for those chilly days when warmer areas are needed.
We have been offered a small solar system for the area which will be of tremendous use – Del will collect and set up on her return from leave. We have purchased our own clippers they will arrive for the next spay day so all in all we are improving all the time – and that will be seen in the numbers at the end of the day – fantastic! We are looking into the idea of bringing in animals from the local farms at our next spay day. Meetings will be set up and hopefully go ahead.
So a big thank you to all and will see you for the next day in approx. 6 weeks.
And the winner of the beautiful, hand-made throw raffle is Mira Weiner!
Thanks to all who supported our fund-raising effort! Bridget, who made the throw, drew the winning ticket with Li Deegan who sold the tickets at the Saturday morning market.
REPORT BACK: MCGREGOR ANIMAL OUTREACH UNIT - SPAY DAY - SATURDAY 7 APRIL 2018
THE PEOPLE WHO MADE IT HAPPEN! DR HELEN MCCLEAN DR HELEN TIFFIN (CONSULTING THE FOAL) DR MELISSA SUSSENS (FINAL YEAR) MARIANNE VAN DER MESCHT ALEXANDER VAN AS PRINCE DZOTIZEI HAZEL HARRIS DEL JONES JANET FORRESTER MARLEN VAN WYK JUDY ECCLES ELANA VAN DER COLFF PAULA BLOUKAMP PAT WARREN SY TCHAO STEPHANIE FROLICH VAL GRAHAM ISABEL MENZIES MARK AND VICKY MARGIE DEEGAN LI DEEGAN
OVERVIEW A GREAT DAY, WELL SUPPORTED AND MUCH ACHIEVED. WE SPLIT THE COLLECTION TEAMS INTO TWO SHIFTS ONE SHIFT 8 – 14H00 AND THE SECOND TEAM 12 – 1700 – THANK YOU TO ALL ! WE WERE, IN FACT, QUITE TOP HEAVY WITH PEOPLE AND SOME WERE ABLE TO LEAVE EARLIER WHICH IS GREAT - I WILL BE MORE STREAMLINED IN ORGANISING THE NEXT ONE.
ALL MET AT VENUE AT 8AM - SOME A LITTLE EARLIER WHICH IS ALWAYS GOOD – ALL SET UP IN THE THEATRE AND PREP AREA FIRST; A LITTLE CAT NEUTER ON THE TABLE - BRIGHT ‘N EARLY. UNFORTUNATELY THERE WAS A LITTLE TIME LAPSE DUE TO A GOAT THAT WASN’T PLAYING THE GAME AS FAR AS CASTRATION GOES.
AFTER THAT ALL WENT TO PLAN – HELEN TIFFIN CONSULTED THE 2 WEEK OLD BLIND FOAL, THE WAS A LITTLE PUP TREATED FOR BILIARY (WAS NURSED OVERNIGHT BUT UNFORTUNATELY DIED SUNDAY AFTERNOON), SOME DOGS TREATED FOR PARASITES, MOST ANIMALS VACCINATED AND ALL SENT HOME WITH A SMALL BAG OF FOOD.
ONE OF THE STERILISED CATS ALSO HAD TO HAVE A PARTIAL TAIL AMPUTATION.
LAST DOG ON THE TABLE WAS PREGNANT.
FINAL FIGURES 19 SPAYS & 6 NEUTERS - AWESOME!
LAST ANIMALS WERE RETURNED AT APPROX. 5.45PM AND AFTER A LITTLE CLEANING UP ALL COMPLETED FOR 6PM. THE LAST TEAM DELIVERING HAD A BIT OF A DELAY BEING SATURDAY EVENING AND ONLY RETURNED HOME FOR ABOUT 7.30PM
THE REFRESHMENT GIRLS OUTDID THEMSELVES – SUCH A SPREAD WAS AVAILABLE – THANK YOU – WAS QUITE A TASK TO KEEP THE MEMBERS WORKING WITH SUCH TEMPTATIONS.
GENERAL COMMENTS.
GREAT ATMOSPHERE, OVERWHELMING SUPPORT – GOOD INTERACTION AND WORK ETHIC.
AGAIN A HUGE THANK YOU TO CORNERSTONE VETERINARY SERVICES FOR USE OF THEIR EQUIPMENT AND MACHINERY - WITHOUT IT ALL WOULD BE IMPOSSIBLE.
THE NEXT ONE WILL BE STARTING TO SEE LOWER TEMPERATURES – SO MORE FOCUS ON MORNING COFFEE FOR THE PEOPLE ALSO WE WILL PURCHASE 2 TARPS TO ENCLOSE THE FRONT RECOVERY AREA TO STEM ANY WINDS.
THANK YOU AND WE WILL SEE YOU ALL IN ABOUT 6 WEEKS – A BIG THANK YOU TO ALL.
DEL
Werdmuller Animal Rescue Report December 2017 – March 2018 Breakdown of activities report:
Work carried out by Del Jones
Saturday Clinics 2 week interval at the Green Dolphin in Kantoor St : Vaccines:124 Cat vaccines Stitches: 23 12 Rabies vaccines Advice: 124 71 Deworm Treatment: 101 239 Disp Dip Nail Clips: 17 33 Flea Powder Euthanase: 11 41 Certifect Free Dog Food: 23 Bolt Gun: Pigs shot: 5 Cows shot: 4
Work undertaken after hours : 117 Calls
Work undertaken in farm working time 8 Calls
Sterilisations performed: 33
Weekly anti parasitic dipping in the community - 12 Saturdays worked - 468 dogs dipped New sterilisation unit for sterilisation days funded by Friends of CARE – Del has worked Saturdays at times with a small team of men – this entailed throwing a slab, clearing and cutting or trimming, erecting a roof over recovery, putting up a fence tidying, clearing and plumbing. A lot of painting of the ablution area was completed. Some donations in physical form – shadecloth, etc have been received as well as money towards the project. Marlen has assisted a great deal fetching and carrying and organising workers. Both Del and Marlen have donated poles, gates, wire, toilet, use of machinery and tools. All of this resulted in our first test drive on the 21st February which was so well supported – volunteers fetched and carried animals, helped in prepping for surgery, a few glitches were overcome and the day was a great success thank you to all. A total of 14 dogs were sterilised with a couple of small procedures performed as well. The next spay day set for 7 April.
Summer therefore biliary and erlichia cases very apparent – dipping was stressed and owners told to be vigilant in prompt dipping times, even if they don’t see Japie when he is in the streets performing dipping they must go and buy dip from Japie.
From November saw the moving in of residents to White city – this posed great problems with reports of owners leaving dogs behind at their own premises and also the fact that no fences were erected at the new premises – meant that dogs were now being placed on short chains or running loose in the streets. Towards the end of January this started to improve with owners putting up fences – much work to be done in the new area – many new dogs being brought in from outer lying areas – not sterilised, not vaccinated introducing new diseases.
During this period especially Jan/Feb we attended to many scorpion stings (similar to the amount in 2016) some very bad and had to be taken to the vet and either put under anaesthetic or treated with anti serum, others more fortunate were treated and pain managed at home. A few fatal snake bites reported, none treated and very few call outs to relocate snakes – compared to last year.
We have had a great number of collars and leads donated to us and they have been handed out to the community and this is reflected in the increase in the number of animals seen being walked on leads – which is most encouraging.
With the moving and celebrations of new housing in the village has also caused a new set of problems with noise and fireworks this results in dogs injuring themselves or running in the roads and being knocked over – the police and the noise department/by law enforcement have welcomed complaints and they will follow up on these complaints.
On a brighter lighter note we have in this time successfully managed to rehome an adult cat, 2 kittens and a dog.
We have had great support from the community regarding the steri unit – Bridget has mastered the making of recovery blankets and many towels & blankets have been donated which is fantastic - this unit will be an ongoing service every 6 weeks. Every sterilisation patient goes home with a packet of food - this is to aid the body especially the liver to process the anaesthetic in the body, so if you are looking to assist the animals this is a guaranteed way of doing so – any donations of food are welcome.
Many thanks for the support we have received!
Del Jones ________________________________________________________________________
STERLING START TO MCGREGOR’S ANIMAL OUTREACH UNIT MYRNA ROBINS WRITES:
Another warm weekend in the village.
The Saturday market was buzzing, tourists thronged the main street, and the hills were alive with bikers and hikers.
At the base of the Krans, in a patch of cleared alien vegetation on a small farm, a wooden wendy house with extensions was the scene of much activity. Inside Dr Melissa Sussen bent over a stainless steel table brightly lit, stitched up the dog she had just spayed. In the other half of the cramped space Dr Helen McClean brought in the next patient, a dog for neutering, who had had his premed. Two volunteers were helping, prepping and with aftercare, while outside others soothed dogs in kennels awaiting their ops and petted those who were coming round from their anaesthetic.
Young Jermaine and his two pals hung around, prepared to do whatever task they were assigned as more vehicles arrived with resigned pets wondering what was ahead of this unusual outing. Action on the first Sterilisation Day at the McGregor Animal Outreach Unit progressed smoothly and efficiently, in a relaxed but vigilant atmosphere - where the four-legged patients were the VIP’s. Some eight hours later a tired team, headed by Del Jones, and consisting of two vets and one dozen volunteers, were packing up after cleaning the unit. Seven animals were spayed, another seven neutered, various treatments for allergies, ticks and erlichia had been meted out and two large porcupine quills removed from one dog.
The initiative started by Del Jones - who is well known to every pet owner in the village and surrounding farms - has been named McGregor Animal Outreach Unit, and the venue is on her property. Del, who, as many of us know, is responsible for all the veterinary care afforded to pets and livestock on behalf of both CARE and WAR. We are also impressed that she keeps smiling even when contacted before 6am in the morning and up to midnight by locals to come and attend to their sick animals. McGregor is so fortunate to have someone like her who – in spite of occasional abuse by animal owners – never hesitates in her dedication – now evident in this new unit to encourage owners to sterilise pets and help limit neglected and unwanted offspring. The Outreach unit has become a reality thanks to funds from CARE – Care for Animal Rights and Environment – and other donors.
Dr Helen McClean has registered a Community Veterinary Clinic at the Vet Council, which sponsors animal outreach education. She is doing the sterilisation operations free of charge for the new Unit, while the drugs are paid for by CARE. Dr Melissa Sussens is a recent graduate who is doing her CCS (Compulsory Community Service) year under Helen McClean’s direction. Del Jones, with friends and residents, especially Marlen van wyk and Pat Warren, have spent many weekends building and equipping the clinic. Now that it is operating, while we applaud the dedication and enthusiasm of all involved, we need to reflect on just how much work is involved in a Spay Day.
Long before the first animals can be collected, the unit has to be cleaned, instruments sterilised, drugs and medication got ready. Rechargeable lighting is required for the operations. Clean blankets are needed for the recovery “ward” (in the shade outside the wendy house) And, of course, after the last animal has been taken home, everything has to be packed up and cleaned before the team can go home. The eight-hour day on the farm is just the central execution of so many more!
Del, on reflecting on the first operational day of her enterprise, remarked that next time she needs another steel table, must collect more “lappies” and will organise refreshments and sandwiches for everyone. She hopes to hold sterilisation clinics regularly on a monthly or six-weekly basis.
She thanked all who helped make the opening day a success, and hopes that pet owners will contribute what they can to the service. Along with Del and Drs McClean and Sussens, the volunteer team comprised Marlen van Wyk, Elana van der Colf, Pat Warren, Stephanie Taljaard, Juanita Zimmerman, Isabel Menzies, Jermaine, and Margie and Li Deegan.
A toast to all from us and all our four-legged friends.
A reminder - donations are gratefully received. PLEASE MARK DONATIONS CLEARLY WITH YOUR NAME AND CONTACT DETAILS as receipts must be issued in accordance with our PBO status. Marlen van Wyk is the person to contact. E-mail her HERE and her cell number is 0790861558
NEDBANK. Robertson Branch. Branch code - 198765 Savings Account Number - 2011281334 Account name - Friends of CARE Dr Helen McClean and Del Jones ________________________________________________________________________ FIREWORKS AND ONE SOLUTION TO TOWARDS FINDING A SOLUTION IN MCGREGOR... Selling and setting off any fireworks including smaller crackers etc is illegal without a legal permit authorising a person or business to do so. There have been many complaints recently regarding fireworks being set off in the village this is a fire hazard, it is disturbing to the neighbours / community and poses a huge threat to the animals in the neighbourhood that can lead to cruelty, fatalities and long term behaviour problems. The illegal setting off and selling/purchasing of fireworks is handled by the SAP (Police officers) and the noise, disturbance and letting off is handled by the municipal law enforcement (Peace officers) as this falls under the Municipal by laws.
The person in charge of the enforcement dept is a Mr Armstrong 023 626 8200 or you can call the call centre at anytime 023 615 8000/3037 or after hours and weekends should you not be able to contact the call centre then the standby traffic unit can respond and enforce 084 601 6462.
Please lets make a concerted effort to stop the illegal use and selling of fireworks in the village before it becomes out of hand.
A message to all “Friends of CARE”. Thank you all for your support during the past year. The funds raised have been principally used in support of the work carried out by the “Werdmuller Animal Rescue” (W.A.R.) organisation.
Please note that the banking details for “Friends of CARE” have changed, they now are: NEDBANK. Robertson Branch. Branch code - 198765 Savings Account Number - 2011281334 Account name - Friends of CARE
Marilyn Poole will be at the McGregor Pop-up Christmas Market this Friday evening (22 Dec) should you wish to collect your Friends of C.A.R.E 2018 calendar.
Thank you once again and best wishes for the forthcoming year.
Click on button below for - MINUTES OF THE FRIENDS OF C.A.R.E. AGM HELD ON WEDNESDAY, 19 July 2017 at How Bazaar, 44 Voortrekker Street, McGregor at 5.30 p.m.
Congratulations to Joan Leaver - you are the winner of the C.A.R.E. Raffle - Lisa Halstead "Loyal Companions" coffee table book
Thank you to all who contributed to this worthy cause. To assist in the caring of animals in McGregor belonging to indigent folk we are trying to raise funds in various ways:
Donations welcome of:
collars and leads - any sizes - many children are walking their dogs but can't afford leads and collars.
dog bedding, baskets, kennels, food and water bowls. Del will give it to the people who look after their animals but can't afford the above.
monthly or one-off donations of Montego dog / cat food - Del sells it at the Saturday morning clinic (a small fundraiser) and gives it to the animals in need of food.
Friends of C.A.R.E Calendars available for sale at R40 at Saturday Morning Market - at Marlen's book stall.
Money raised from booksales - any donation of good quality, second-hand books welcome - contact Marlen at 079 086 1558 or deliver at 56 Voortrekker Street or at Morning Market.
Every 2nd Saturday morning clinic outside Green Dolphin / Welcome Cafe. Wormpills, vaccinations, wounds dressed etc. Sterilisations and neutered organised drives need lots of funds, donations welcome :
Please note new banking details above. Previous Banking details were: Friends of CARE, Standard Bank, Robertson, Branch code 050413, Account Number: 185 948 618
MYSCHOOL MYVILLAGE MYPLANET - HOW CAN WE GROW OUR FUNDS? Every swipe counts for Friends of C.A.R.E. Click on image on left to fill in application form and then email it HERE List of Business Partners in the Worcester area - Click HERE Exciting news is that Friends of CARE has been accepted as a registered animal charity which will benefit from all purchases made at outlets honouring the My School, My Village, My Planet card initiated by Woolworths.
It costs card-holders nothing. So please fill in a form at your nearest Woolworths, and help CARE to care. We get a very small proportion of the "spend", but every little helps and it does mount up.
Three beneficiaries are allowed on each card, so if you already have a card, please consider adding CARE. Our registered number with My School is 11546.
In the Robertson/McGregor area, the card is honoured by the Robertson nursery, the cafe at Rooiberg, Jack's Paint & Hardware (at AH Marais), Supa Quick and The Lemon Tree House.
In Worcester the list includes
Woolworths Worcester, stores countrywide, as well as Woolworths Online & Insurance
Engen Quickshops countrywide
Bidvest Waltons & Waltons Online & stores country wide
Tafelberg Furnishers (Paarl, Somerset West & all branches country wide)
In centres like Johannesburg and Cape Town, of course, the scope is far wider.
Do please take the five minutes to "sign on" at the store, or download an application form from https://www.myschool.co.za/supporter/apply and e-mail it back. You really can make a difference ... and benefit from Woolworths' own special offers in the process. With a woof, miaoux, moo, cluck and grunt of appreciation from all our animals. White City project Oct – Dec – every Tuesday 12h00 – 16h00 Day 4 – 22 October 2019 Persons attending Del Jones Andy Robertson The first hour was taken up with the following calls or complaints that needed attending to, as well as follow ups from last week:
Deliver dip and instructions to 17 Kareeboom for Japie Jantjies usage 36/29 Loop St - check on dog from spay day Cnr Tindall and Willie Meyer check for a black dog with mange 26 Kankerbos - bitch and pups from Saturday spay day
7 warnings from last week were followed up most of which had complied except for 1: 77 Church St – this is a problem house I believe – the child and the dog were both sleeping outside the house – the child approx 6/7 years was very scared by our presence and didn’t interact and was locked out of the house – I will pass this on to the necessary authorities and will check on dog again next week.
After completing the check ups we received a call about a dog that had been run over outside How Bazaar – Helene Shand’s dog had been run over and was DOA – Robert from Tanagra had run the dog over – how very sad for both – and the responsibility and guilt felt by Robert or anybody that has run over an animal, is so great and is misplaced as the owner of the animal is at fault for allowing and not preventing such a situation from happening.
We then proceeded to finish up Church Street, and completed both sides of Kooigoedbos Street.
Again we came across a very bad mange case where both mother and puppies – owner not there but warning – we provided food and water for the puppies and bitch. Most of the other animals observed were in good condition, 2 cats with young kittens seen.
The following were carried out in the above streets that were checked:
50 houses checked 39 dogs, 17 cats were observed – checked where necessary 8 sterilisations were booked 4 written warnings issued – mostly short chain, food and water – 2 for denial of veterinary treatment 2 instruction letters given 2 puppies dewormed 4 advice letters given re food and vaccinations and deworming at the clinic
We were given a complaint by a lady regarding a dog in really bad condition at 4 1st Laan – on checking this address we found an emaciated dead dog lying on the steps of the house – covered in fly eggs and flies – been dead for over 5 hours at a guess. A warning letter was left here and photos taken – the owner not home at the time works in the hospital/clinic in Ashton – this will be followed up!!
A big, big thank you for Andy’s assistance and stepping in a last minute much appreciated. CLICK TO VIEW IMAGES STERI DAY SAT 19 0CT White City project - Oct to Dec – every Tuesday 12 – 4pm Day 3 - 15 Oct 2019 Persons attending: Del Jones and Patricia Warren The warnings and letters from last week was the first area of focus. Out of the 12 follow ups carried out most had conformed to the requests – 2 were given a further opportunity to improve on their attempts of kennels. These will be followed up again next week. The 4 instruction/advise letters issued were mostly regarding treatment and/or sterilisations were acted upon and dip or treatment was sought at the Saturday clinic. After completion of the follow ups we were side tracked by a call that came in of a run over dog at 78 Church street – opportune being right there – on attending to the call – Bella a mast/lab cross of about 10 months old, intact female was found with multiple fractures of the fib/tib right hind. Painkiller/anti inflam was administered and we transported Bella through to Cornerstone for amputation and sterilisation – owners happy to pay towards the cost. On our return we took up where we left off last week at the start of church st. Generally we found fewer animals in Church St than in other streets. The ones that were observed were fair to good condition, very few on chains. A couple of cases of mange observed, 2 lots of dip dispensed others were advised to get dogs dipped at Japie Jantjies. Findings and actions taken; 14 dogs, 6 cats and 2 chickens were checked on (33 houses) 9 sterilisations were booked, 3 people to ask owner/family for permission 8 warnings issued (2 residual) 6 new contraventions again mostly shelter, water and chains 4 letters were issued to obtain treatment or advice of ownership 3 puppies dewormed 1 puppy treated 1 dog food handed out ad a collar given to a dog Followed up on a complaint where a child had been bitten at 40 Kamako st. There has been a good response from the community – not saying there haven’t been any heated words where necessary – but the results showing are good – response to owners bringing their dogs to last weeks clinic has doubled from white city, the amount of sterilisations booked. Of course this equates to more work for us so we have to keep our end up and ensure we sterilise what we have booked and timeously to avoid further unwanted litters.
Please be a part of our journey to alleviate the suffering of the dogs of McGregor - our intention is to sterilise 20 dogs on Saturday 19 Oct & we ask for donors to sponsor each spay by R50 1 spay costs R250.
We also need volunteers on our weekly project inspecting the condition of dogs in White City and a call for any old collars, leads, food etc Call Del: 072 693 4545
Our Account Number for donations: IMPORTANT (please indicate your name + Spay) NEDBANK Robertson Branch - Branch code - 122110 Savings Account Number - 2011281334 Account Name - Friends of CARE Many thanks!