Upper Highway’s retirement home for dogs looking to expand
Silver Paws Senior Dog Sanctuary, which looks after dogs who have nowhere to go due to various circumstances, is looking for assistance in funding the purchase of a bigger facility.
THE love they have for dogs prompted a Waterfall couple to start a retirement home for old or disabled dogs who have become homeless due to their owners emigrating, passing away or moving into retirement facilities where dogs are not allowed.
Silver Paws Senior Dog Sanctuary was started in Crestholme by Salome Meyer-Louwrens and her husband, Gerrie, at the end of 2018. Salome said she and her husband bought a 9 000m² property, built a house and moved in.
Also read: Dog community revives prestigious dog show after seven years
“The first dogs arrived almost immediately. Usually, these dogs have nowhere else to go and run the risk of being euthanised.”
The dogs at Silver Paws do not live in kennels; they live freely and sleep in the house in dog beds or in the humans’ beds. They eat dog pellets, tinned food and cooked food.
According to Salome, all their veterinary needs are taken care of, which is a big expense that currently runs between R5 000 and R10 000 or more a month. These include deworming, tick and flea treatments as well as eye removal, dental care and medications for arthritis and heart conditions.
Also read: First dolphin born at uShaka Marine World celebrates 40 years
The home has taken care of almost 60 dogs in the last five years. The dogs range in sizes from small Jack Russells to Boerboel, Rottweiler and Shar Pei. The dogs are supervised 24/7 and are never left alone on the property.
“We are very grateful to all the sponsors and donors who regularly assist. Donations of food, such as dog pellets, canned dog food, rice and bone meal, are always welcome as well as donations for vet bills.
Due to the increasing need for a retirement home for dogs, Salome said they would love to expand Silver Paws into a bigger facility that would assist more dogs.
They have started a Backabuddy campaign (https://www.backabuddy.co.za/silver-paws-senior-sanctuary-new-premises) to assist them in raising funds to purchase a bigger property, where more dogs, more facilities, more volunteers and more visitors can be accommodated.
“The dogs absolutely love getting visitors. We would be grateful for any support,” she said.
Silver Paws Senior Sanctuary can be followed on Facebook, or contact the organisation via WhatsApp on 079 391 3823 or on email at silverpaws.sanctuary@yahoo.com.
For more from the Highway Mail, follow us on Facebook, X and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok.
