4Paws sees light at the end of the tunnel thanks to an amazing community contribution
DIEPSLOOT - Check out how you, the community, have saved over 200 lives and can continue to do so.
Thanks to the hard work and kindness of the Fourways community, the 4Paws Animal Shelter has made the necessary repair to keep their doggy-doors open.
Last week, the Fourways Review reported that the shelter was facing the possibility of being shut down, and their animals would have to be euthanised if the non-governmental organisation was unable to make the repairs to their facilities required by the health department.
Tammy Lemmon and her son Johnathon du Plessis walk around the 4Paws grounds, taking in all the work that has been done.
But thanks to the generous donations and effort of the Fourways community, the shelter has now met the department’s requirements and will stay open.
“The biggest issue that we were facing was the drainage system and septic tanks, which were the things that the health department was most worried about,” said Tammy Lemmon of 4Paws. The majority of the work was completed over the weekend of 8 July.
“It’s amazing, but the entire drainage system has been installed and is completely functional now. There are still a few things to do [to the system], but those are just the finishing touches.”
This success was due to the volunteers who gave of their time and labour to construction, including Tammy Menton of Steyn City, who provided the labour and construction equipment necessary for the heavy work, as well as Chris and Gareth of 100% Projects, who worked at 4Paws for the entire weekend, she added.
Countless others donated money, animal food, blankets and their time and energy to clean the shelter and sort out donations. The cattery has been paved and basic repairs have been done at the shelter.
“Just a ‘thank you’ seems so feeble,” Lemmon said of the community’s aid. “It doesn’t cover all that I want to say. So many people see the world and give up hope, but I haven’t. And to see how others refuse to give up either has been amazing. I am in absolute awe.”
A grader brought in to help with the repairs at 4Paws.
The newly completed drainage system at 4Paws.
Lemmon also thanked the community for all the calls and emails that the shelter had received over the past few days and asked for patience as she attempts to respond to each one.
“We’re not trying to ignore anyone, but it really is just me answering calls and emails on top of my other duties. I will get back to you as soon as I can, and thank you for your support.”
There is still plenty to do, and hopefully, the Fourways community will continue to support 4Paws in its vital and humane work.
Here are a few things that the shelter still needs:
- Monetary donations are always welcome to cover the costs of caring for so many animals. Banking details are M Brits t/a FourPaws, Nedbank, Fourways, branch code 168405, account number 168 411 0750
- Donations of dog and cat food are a constant need, and all are welcome
- Cat litter often runs out, even with the monthly donations made by the Indaba Hotel, as the shelter has about 170 cats at the moment
- “What we need most is your time,” said Lemmon. Volunteer work is so necessary for the running of 4Paws, whether it be help with odd jobs around the shelter, or spending time with animals so that they become more socialised and making them easier to adopt.
- 4Paws is a great place to complete social commitments such as your 67 minutes for Mandela Day, or a schoolchild’s community outreach requirements.
You are more than welcome to contact 4Paws via email merinda@4ourpaws.org.za
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