Ark Animal Centre closes its doors

Ark Animal Centre in Chartwell has decided to close its doors after serving the community through the rehabilitation and rehoming of over 10 000 dogs over the past nine years.

The centre was started by Tracy Otto and her three daughters Candice Eilertsen, Kristy von Klitzing and Cara McKinley in a garage. The project quickly grew to become a large centre, offering a haven for many dogs and puppies. They also opened a sterilisation clinic, charity shop and tuck shop and regularly welcomed members of the public conducting community service.

The Fourways Review, which has followed the work of the centre since its inception, spoke to Otto to discuss the centre’s journey.

“This was not an easy decision to make… It has been a very emotional and sad time for us all, but a decision that would have had to be made eventually,” said Otto.

“In a three-year period, I was blessed with six grandchildren who are the light of my life. Ark was expanding rapidly and our workforce was depleting rapidly. The girls helped as much as they could but the day-to-day running was left to me. As much as I loved every aspect of running Ark, it slowly wears you down emotionally more than physically. Running a shelter is a 24/7 job and you’re either in or you’re out. With the arrival of Covid-19 we had the least amount of animals we had ever had. Everything came to a grinding halt and logically it was the right time to close the shelter.”

Sophie the puppy lies snugly in a blanket as she fights off illness at Ark Animal Centre. Photo: Robyn KirkOtto encourages supporters of Ark to move their support to Woodrock Animal Rescue. “They are a well-run, very organised and dedicated shelter and also being a family-run business, their passion, drive and ethos are on par with ours.”

Reflecting on her nine years at Ark, she said, “There have been so many highlights, the biggest being all those animals who arrived as sad, injured, malnourished, petrified dogs and pups, then slowly transformed into confident, happy dogs and then the absolute bitter-sweet joy when you watch that dog leave with a family – their second chance.”

Otto has now taken on adult dogs who have been at Ark for extended periods. “I now have 12 new dogs who are delighted to have eventually found their forever home. Through them, I will still have a bit of Ark with me.”

Otto said she hopes to spend a lot more quality time with her grandchildren now.

“But realistically, I know I need something else… I am planning to open a walk park to the public, where humans and animals will still have the opportunity to interact in a safe, pleasant environment.”

Otto further thanked all members of the community who have contributed to the functioning of Ark over the years.

“Together we built an amazing shelter. When we started Ark, we wanted to take welfare to new heights and I truly believe as a community we did that. Ark’s time has come and gone and we have handed over our vision to Woodrock who have the ability to take welfare to bigger and better heights. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you all.”