#knowyourbenoni – Happy e-fur after for this Benoni animal lover
Farrarmere resident Sharlene Thoma has a passion for animal well-being.
She said humans should start looking at the hearts of animals and urged her fellow Benonians to prioritise their dogs’ safety.
She and her sister, Charmaine Coetzee’s new dog grooming parlour and doggie daycare, Mystical Pawprint, is due to open on December 9 in Rynfield.
BCT: Tell us about your life growing up.
ST: I was born in Johannesburg and grew up in Springs.
My parents were divorced so we moved around quite a lot.
I graduated from Springs Convent School.
I have been in Benoni for the past 15 years.
BCT: Do you have children?
ST: Yes, I have one son.
His name is Justin Thoma and he is 25 years old.
He has a clothing brand and a merchandise company.
I also have four pugs: Gomez, Pepa, Mozi and Scarlett.
BCT: When did you realise your passion for animal well-being?
ST: I had a pug named E.T. and that dog taught me about everything I know today.
He had cancer and overcame that, but ultimately he died.
If I find a growth or something out of the ordinary while grooming, I will tell the dog’s human.
It is not something we want to hear because dogs become a part of our families, but people must know.
I also completed a course in doggie first aid.
BCT: What is doggie first aid?
ST: A vet I know, Tanya Grantham, provides these courses to educate the public on what to do when your dog is in danger.
For example, what to do if they were bitten by a snake.
I liaise with her to get people to attend these courses.
My groomer and I have done it.
BCT: Out of your experience, what tips can you give owners on pet safety?
ST: I am not a vet but there are some things you can do to make your pet safer.
Always keep your vet’s number on hand and if something happens to your dog, take them to a vet immediately.
You shouldn’t play doctor with your pet.
BCT: How do you promote pet safety?
ST: I sell dog seatbelts and especially with the holiday season coming up, people should know their dogs are just as much at risk of being seriously injured in a car accident.
You simply attach your harness to the existing safety belt clip to secure your dog.
I also sell organic and all natural dog shampoo.
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