Cozy beds save furry lives

ANIMAL activists, Kerry Haylett and Jade Phillips, are continuing with their efforts to rescue, rehabilitate and home, stray, missing or abused animals in the Durban North area.

Last year, Haylett, who is the founder of the Durban North Neighbours Facebook page, launched a fund to assist the dozens of helpless stray and missing animals rescued by the group’s members.

The initiative, known as the Durban North Neighbour’s Rescue Fund, is used solely to sterilise, feed and treat any animals that are brought into the group’s care. For the most part, the fund is maintained by donations or fundraisers organised by local residents and businesses.

However, shocked by the number of neglected animals that have been put under their care, the duo have needed to find alternative ways to ensure that there is always money available.

“I cannot believe how many people neglect their dogs or how many go lost or are found wandering the streets. Our group’s page is filled with posts from people who have lost their pets, found pets or have animals that are in need of homes.

Haylett echoed her sentiments, saying they were regularly approached by people in need of assistance. “We are not giving up. We will continue to give care as long as we possibly can,” she said.

The duo has now also been raising funds through home-made dog beds. The beds, ranging from small to large, are made entirely with donated materials.

What’s more, the beds are sewn together by a former Durban North resident, Sallyanne West Graham.While the group has managed to sell 30 of the beds, they have also donated 250 to various animal organisations, such as the Animal Anti-Cruelty League and Animally Haven.

The beds cost between R100 and R250.