DESPITE the national lockdown, the Kloof and Highway SPCA’s Barbara Patrick is one of many essential staff who is helping save the lives of numerous animals during this uncertain time.
Barbara, a Kloof resident, is the manager at the local non-profit organisation and spoke with the Highway Mail about the lows and highs she has experienced since she took up the post 11-and-a-half years ago.
What about your job inspires you to continue doing what you do?
Knowing that I can make a difference in an animal’s or person’s life every day, that makes my day!
Describe one of your happiest memories since you started at the SPCA:
There have been so many! Our successful prosecutions for animal cruelty are always a highlight, especially as animals suffered. Being part of saving all of the donkeys from the donkey skin trade a few years ago was so special. Our beloved resident donkey, Buzz, was born after they were rescued in Sani. We didn’t think he would survive, but he did. Buzz and his mom, Jessie, were adopted by our SPCA and live with us now.
How has the lockdown affected the Kloof SPCA and what measures have you put into place to ensure it’s able to weather the storm?
The lockdown has had a devastating effect on our Kloof and Highway SPCA financially as all of our charity and thrift shops are closed, as well as our tea garden and receptions. We have not earned any income since the lockdown started. Our situation is becoming dire, but we remain positive as we have to survive for the animals who need us in our community. Our community is incredible and we know that they keep supporting our SPCA, we cannot do it without you.
ALSO READ: Make a ‘pur’sitive difference for Kloof SPCA
Have you received an increase of unwanted animals/pets since the coronavirus?
We have sadly, as a result of people being retrenched and not being able to afford their pets. We deal with unwanted animals every day, especially in our rural communities, but more people have become unemployed as a result of the lockdown.
Can you dispel any rumours regarding pets and the coronavirus?
There has been no evidence that pets carry or transmit the virus.
What does your day-to-day life include, before the lockdown was put into effect?
The lockdown has not affected my life dramatically as I have been at work. We are part of essential services and, although closed to the public, we have a team working every day. It is restrictive, but I am not a big shopper, I only visit the shops when I have to and love spending time at home and in the garden., so that hasn’t changed for me.
ALSO READ: Siya shares his Kloof SPCA story
How many pets and what pets do you have?
We have four-and-a-half as we share custody of a daxie with another family. Three of our dogs, Ella, Donna and Bella have been adopted from the Kloof and Highway SPCA, Dolce and Gabbana were part of my family when I joined our SPCA.
What is it you love about animals?
Their unconditional love. No matter what, they are always there and they never let me down, disappoint or judge me – ever!
Why did you want to work for the Kloof and Highway SPCA?
I had left the corporate world where I worked for 23 years and took a seven-month sabbatical while I decided what I wanted to do next. I then spoke to a friend who owns a recruitment business, she asked many questions about what I wanted to do in the future and where I would love to work. After about two hours of talking, she said that she had the ‘perfect job’ for me as the manager of the Kloof and Highway SPCA. I could not believe it, and immediately said: “That’s the job I want!” I then had a number of interviews and, a long story short, was appointed as the manager. It was a dream come true for me and I have never regretted my decision.
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