Will you help pit bulls in need?
JOBURG – Underdogs SA, a pit bull rescue and rehabilitation organisation, is looking for volunteers to help care for pit bulls in need.
Would you like to make the world a better place for the most misunderstood dog breed today?
Underdogs SA, a non-profit organisation dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating pit bulls, is currently looking for volunteers from anywhere in the Johannesburg to help them at their shelter, which is located in the Centurian area. Founder Estelle Smith has been working with the breed for about 35 years, and the organisation itself has been around for about 10 years.
“The Underdogs motto is ‘a voice for the voiceless,’ and that’s what we aim to be,” Smith told the Fourways Review.
“We are not only a rescue but also work to rehabilitate dogs. They will stay with us as long as it takes [to help heal and rehabilitate them].”
The dogs Smith and others care for some from dire circumstances: some are abused, some abandoned and others neglected. But with love, patience and time these dogs can be restored.
“Pit bulls are the most intelligent animals, they show great loyalty and have strength. Unfortunately, people will use the animals for the wrong things because of this strength and intelligence.”
The organisation is currently caring for 36 dogs – 33 are kept at their kennels, while the rest are being cared for in foster homes.
“We need volunteers, as many people as possible are welcome and we’re particularly looking for people who are able to volunteer with us during the week,” she added.
“While previous experience is good, we will have a training course for the volunteers on things like how to walk the dog properly, etc.”
Under 18s are not permitted to volunteer due to legal reasons, and Smith says that the organisation is quite strict with vetting volunteers in order to protect the dogs.
If you’re not able to give your time to the organisation, Underdogs SA is a registered non-profit organisation and is always in need of donations.
“We also conduct school visits, where we educate children on how best to care for their dogs. Education is so, so important,” Smith concluded.
Details: www.underdogs.co.za; info@underdogs.co.za; Estelle 082 774 3264.
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