An Edenvale angel with a heart for rescuing animals in distress
"I feel like this is what I am meant to do. I cant stop helping the animals,"
By Stephan Lehman
Edenvale is a community where animals are close to its residents’ hearts.
For one Edenvale resident, Julianne Kriel, rescuing animals in need is a calling.
Julianne runs an informal rescue centre from her house.
She has been helping animals in distress for the past five years.
“It’s my little zoo,” joked Julianne.
Animals have always been close to Julianne’s heart.
“I help all animals as much as I can and try to re-home them,” she explained.
Julianne first started finding homes for animals many years ago, when clients of her Pets Au Pair company emigrated.
The clients would contact her and ask if she could find new homes for the animals.
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Because Julianne worked with the clients and knew the environment the animals grew up in, she was able to re-home the animals.
Over the years Julianne has considered stopping the rescue centre so that she can spend more time with family.
But each time she tries, she is drawn back to the animals.
“Animals don’t know that you need a break. I realised that I just can’t not do this,” said Julianne.
However, she is careful not to let the rescuing take over her life, as has happened to other people.
“People sometimes put their expenses on their credit cards and end up losing everything,” said Julianne.
Throughout her years of rescuing animals, Julianne has come across a number of unusual finds that she helped rehabilitate.
She has helped rats, hedgehogs, snakes and some birds.
“I feel like this is what I am meant to do. I can’t stop helping the animals,” said Julianne.
A worry for Julianne is the number of un-sterilised animals, not only strays but also pets.
“I don’t know why, but this year cats seem to be bad,” said Julianne.
She said she has received a high number of kittens this year.
Julianne cautioned people against giving animals away for free.
She said the animals might end up in the wrong hands. Dogs might even end up in dog fights.
She urged individuals to rather contact her for assistance.
When Julianne re-homes an animal, there is a fee of R650 involved. This includes the sterilisation of the animals.
Julianne also conducts a home inspection to make sure the animals go to good homes.
Julianne encouraged residents to support rescue centres.
“The main reason we need rescue centres is that the SPCA can’t bear all the burden,” said Julianne.
In terms of support, Julianne said she does receive donations of funds and food.
She encouraged any volunteers interested in helping her to contact her via her Facebook page, Pet Au Pair CC.
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