Shelter offers dogs a second chance at life
Springs Haven For Abused and Neglected Animals doing great work
Seven years ago, Celeste Zeilinga started rescuing abused and neglected dogs.
Celeste says she’s always loved animals and how she has felt a connection to them since she was a young girl.
The Springs Haven For Abused and Neglected Animals (Shana) came about after Celeste first started exploring veganism and while browsing through Facebook, came across a page where someone had posted about dogs needing help at a cemetery in Benoni.
That was her first rescue.
From there onwards, people contacted her to help with animals in need.
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“It just sparked to life and it’s become part of our lifestyle.
It’s something we do, not because we have to, but because we want to,” says Celeste.
It wasn’t all roses and sunshine at the beginning as her first rescue bit her, but it didn’t deter her from her quest.
From these humble beginnings, Celeste has helped rescue over 600 dogs over the years.
Shana is self-funded organisation based in Selcourt and is a small organisation, capable of housing 30 dogs at any given time.
Before the dogs even come onto the property, they have to be checked by a vet.
Once the dogs are healthy enough, they are sterilised, micro-chipped and vaccinated.
The shelter then finds forever homes for the dogs, with strict home checks before and after adoption.
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Only three dogs have been returned over the last seven years.In addition to running the shelter, Celeste is also a mother of two and has a full-time job.
Celeste says she has worked with other shelters before.
She is also looking at getting more people onboard to help with the tasks at the shelter.
Although the work can be difficult, Celeste says stopping isn’t an option for her.
“It’s in my heart, my spirit and I really believe this is my calling in life,” says Celeste.
To get in touch with the organisation, visit their Facebook page, Springs Haven For Abused and Neglected Animals or contact Celeste on 074 909 9100.
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