Bulldog Rescue Angels looking for supporters
Bulldog Rescue Angels, an organisation which works to rescue and re-home bulldogs and associated breeds, is looking for walkers to participate in their fundraiser walk and cyclists to join their cycling team in the 94.7 Cycle Challenge.
The newly formed Bulldog Rescue Angels (Bra) is calling on cyclers and walkers to help raise awareness and funds for their organisation during the 94.7 Cycle Challenge on 20 November and the organisation’s own fundraiser walk on 18 September.
Bra was founded in June by bulldog activists Lenell Hattingh, Jolanda Voster, Chantel van der Merwe and Alex Long. The non-profit organisation aims to rescue, rehabilitate and re-home abused and neglected bulldogs and associated breeds across South Africa. The organisation uses foster homes until forever homes can be found for the dogs, and the organisation already has several foster homes in most major cities in South Africa.
Voster spoke about the difficulties of owning a bulldog. “We all agree that bulldog puppies are among the cutest baby animals around. People are taken aback by those wrinkles and the cute faces but many do not look beyond the ‘awe’ factor.”
She went on to talk about the fact that bulldogs are a brachycephalic breed, which means that they have smaller skulls than would normally develop and, therefore, their throats and breathing passages are often undersized or flattened. “Being a brachycephalic breed, bulldogs have breathing issues which can lead to heatstroke, among other things.
“The ears, as well as folds found on the nose and other regions, require regular anti-bacterial cleaning to prevent yeast infections and other associated infections. Furthermore, these breeds can ring up quite substantial veterinary bills,” said Voster.
Bra will be hosting their inaugural fundraiser walk on 18 September at Smuts House in Centurion. Bra will also be cycling in the 94.7 Cycle Challenge in November to raise awareness for their work and are looking for cyclists to join their team.
For more information on the organisation or the walk or to join the organisation’s cycling team, email Bra at bulldogrescueangels@gmail.com or visit the organisation’s Facebook page.
