Things heat up at Ark Animal Centre
CHARTWELL – Staff and volunteers at Ark Animal Centre have been working hard these last few days in preparation for their Mandela Day event.
The day will be hosted at the centre’s premises in conjunction with Hot 91.9FM on 17 July.
“Our Mandela Day celebrations are going to be epic this year,” said centre representative, Candice Eilertsen.
“Not only will Hot 91.9 be broadcasting live from 6am to 12pm, but we will also be joined by a number of celebrities manning our pledge lines.”
The celebrity line-up will include Tamerin Jardine, Rikki Brest and Pigspotter who will be trying to raise enough funds for the centre to build a perimeter fence to keep their dogs and puppies safe and secure.
Anyone wanting do something for furfriends on Mandela Day are welcome to go to the centre and perhaps walk, wash or groom a dog or two, or simply take some time to plant trees and shrubs on the centre’s property.
“Last year was amazing, we had over 500 people arrive. This year it’s going to be even crazier, I can’t wait,” Eilertsen said excitedly.
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On another note, a team from Absa bank visited the centre and went above and beyond charity to improve the little lives saved by the shelter.
“They painted our walls and gates, planted grass and dog-friendly plants in our new quarantine area, and even got one of their very talented staff to draw and paint Ark’s logo on our outside wall,” said Eilersten.
“They also gave us a donation towards building a new quarantine area.”
With all the excitement happening at the centre, one must not forget the actual purpose of their work, which is to rescue, rehabilitate and re-home lost or abandoned animals.
There are a handful of cute furry faces looking for warm, loving homes. None more so than little Lucky.
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Lucky’s story is a sad one, but it will only take one kind heart to give him a happy ending. “He was tied up on the side of the road in Hoedspruit in the middle of nowhere with no house, car, person in sight for kilometres,” said Eilertsen.
“He was in a shocking condition. Filthy, dirty, full of mange and skin infections, dehydrated and absolutely petrified of us. He was soon diagnosed with severe biliary too.”
Lucky has since been released from vet care, but is still being treated for mange.
“We have no doubt he will make a full recovery and find his happily-ever-after home soon,” concluded Eilertsen.
Details: www.arkanimalcentre.co.za
