Gaw has been named as the Lead SA Hero of the Month for February.
She was nominated by her former colleague, Alison Stirrup.
Gaw gave up her upmarket home and her business in order to give back to animals in need after she saw the desperate need for people to get involved in animal welfare.
“When I received the news it was a shock, because there isn’t much recognition in the animal welfare services,” said Gaw.
“It is an honour to be recognised for the work we do in Daveyton.
“An animal in need can’t ask for help, so we are their voices and we ask on their behalf.”
Lead SA heroes are extraordinary citizens who go above and beyond their circumstances and actively engage with the world around them.
Each month these heroes are profiled, in the hope that they will inspire fellow South Africans to become active citizens in their own communities.
Pug Rescue started its outreach programme, “Thanda Inja”, in February 2014, after a need for animal welfare assistance was noticed.
The base areas that are serviced include the Gabon and Chris Hani Informal Settlements, in Daveyton.
Gaw said since there is a great need for sterilisation, Pug Rescue, with the assistance of the Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, allows pet owners to bring their pets for veterinary services every two weeks.
”There are 818 people from the two informal settlements registered for these services and we currently care for 1 000-plus registered animals in the area,” she explained.
“Most of the residents own between two to 11 dogs and the cat population is also increasing.”
Pet owners are given food, collars, leads and a blanket when they leave.
Gaw added that owners are also taught how to take care of their animals by feeding them and monitoring them for ticks and fleas.
“All of this wouldn’t have been possible without a strong team behind me,” she said.
“Witnessing the love that community members have for their animals is touching and keeps me going.”
Pug Rescue SA and Thanda Inja Project rely solely on donations from the public, and their wish list ranges from from de-worming pills to a mobile clinic that they could use for community events.
Gaw said they would welcome any donations, including pet food, medical supplies (such as gauze, veterinary grade deworming tablets, needles and syringes), dog collars and leads (no choke chains), large size metal dog crates (dogs recover in these after sterilization), R50 vaccination sponsorships for one dog and R300 sterilisation sponsorships for one dog.
Donations can be delivered to 80 Nielsen Road, Benoni North Agricultural Holdings, or you can visit www.pugrescue.co.za for more information.
To volunteer, call Malcom Gaw on 082 458 7255.
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