Animal rescue organisation gives lost souls a second chance

IT is said that we can judge the heart of a man by his treatment of animals. For lover of all things four legged, Tracy Smit, this quote holds true as she is deemed as a true champion of animal welfare.

The 51-year-old was inspired to launch an organisation that deals with rescues and since its inception in 2016, thousands of dogs have been given a second chance at life. The organisation, Lost Souls Animal Rescue KZN, ensures that rescue dogs are rehabilitated, healthy and loved. Smit deals with rescues throughout Durban.

“I worked in Johannesburg for two year and then moved back to Durban. When I joined community Facebook groups, I followed rescues and lost animals and noticed that there was a need for assistance. A friend of mine was involved in animal rescues and I was inspired to help animals in my city as well.”

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Recalling a recent case, Smit said, abandonment cases are seen far too often in the Queensburgh area.

“A man was looking to rent a property and when he went to the house, he found a dog that was left behind. The dog was skin and bone and covered in mange. I befriended, rehabilitated, and got her a loving home eventually. Puppies are also dumped on the street often. We take them to the vet and have them dewormed and vaccinated. We give them the best food and probiotics. Once they are healthy, the puppies or dogs are taken to foster homes. We make sure that they are socialised with other pets and children. Thereafter, we undertake the homing procedure, where we follow a strict application.”

Lost Souls mainly focuses on dogs but often the organisation also assists with cats and kittens.

“The most rewarding aspect of working with animals is rehabilitating the adult dogs and finding them amazing homes. Often these dogs have never received any love, they come in sick and scared and seeing them flourish is amazing. We get calls every single day for unwanted animals and it is so heartbreaking. I have always been an animal lover.”
Donations are always welcome, to assist the organisation to continue doing its amazing work.

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“People donate items to us and then we have a lucky draw. My petrol bill comes to about R4000 to R6000 a month and get donations for that. We have to buy our own medical products as well so funds are always needed.”

“It is not just about rescues, education is so important. People need to know not to chain their dogs and to give love them. Dog theft is on a rise as well. We also assist with sterilization of dogs once we have funds. Sterilization is key to avoiding the ongoing heartbreak. Our volunteers are amazing and none of this would be possible without their support. Thank you for the ongoing support to Northdene Veterinary Clinic.”

For more information, on the organisation, visit Lost Souls Animal Rescue KZN on Facebook.

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