Miracle-workers with hearts of gold

The News team recently handed over the knot blankets which we made to Charmaine Booysens from The 9th Day Animal Shelter in Oatlands.

The blankets formed part of the News’ project, Hande vat vir Liefde.

When we arrived at the shelter it was as clear as daylight that the need here is enormous. I, for one, was stunned at how what looked like a three-person team can run a shelter with about 150 dogs in their care.

The moment the dogs saw the News team they went berserk. Their craving for human attention was beyond me. I could not control my emotions and immediately started walking in another direction just to calm down.

Apart from the overwhelming need to keep these dogs warm during winter, because they sleep in open kennels on concrete floors, Charmaine also told us that they urgently need food and cleaning detergents. And then she dropped the shocker – it’s June and they need to vacate the premises they are currently situated in by December.

Where is she going to go with these 150 dogs?

As I looked into her eyes I could see worry, yet she still managed to accept the blankets we made with absolute joy and gratitude.

I am fearful for Charmaine and her team and at this stage want to ask our local council to come up with a solution. However, like so many other unresolved situations, this will probably become the community’s problem.

All I can say now to Charmaine is that I commend her and her team. The work they do is nothing short of a miracle. From the News’ side, we will fight this together.

Until then, please take care of your animals, Krugersdorp.