Newcastle bids farewell to animal lover, Hazel

‘’No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.’

These are the words Hazel van der Walt from the Newcastle SPCA.

Newcastle’s very own animal lover explained her journey, as well as the role she has played in the community as an employee of the Newcastle SPCA, ahead of her departure in November.

Hazel began her journey on August 1, 2018 through small acts of kindness.

Starting off as a volunteer, Hazel’s daily activities included assisting to clean out the animal cages, spending quality time with the animals and ensuring they were kept active.

A few months down the line, Hazel was hired as a full-time receptionist, where she dealt with daily queries from the public, adoptions, surrenders and staff issues and working in the early mornings at the parlour to ensure the animals were settled in and as comfortable as possible.

“We have many people coming in daily. Some are first-time owners looking for advice on how to care for their new pet as well as seeking medical assistance, where we would direct them to the local vet,’’ said Hazel.

In some instances, Hazel would have to respond to emergency situations where the lives of animals were in jeopardy, and with the help of the SPCA team and animal welfare volunteer, Heather Gero, they always got the job done and brought the animal back to safety.

‘’The best part of being part of this organisation is getting animals,whether it be a cat or dog, into a better place and finding them a new and loving home and giving them a second chance at life,’’ beamed Hazel.

Hazel will be leaving the Newcastle SPCA at the end of November to further her career in the field of animal welfare in Pietermaritzburg.

In conclusion, she encouraged all Newcastle residents to support the SPCA and adopt a pet.

‘’It takes nothing away from a human to be kind to an animal,’’ concluded Hazel.

Here are the top five tips from the SPCA on how to care for your pet throughout the warmer season:

1. Make sure your pet has fresh water available daily,by ensuring their water bowl is always full.
2. Ensure your pet has a shaded area available for the to rest during those extra hot days!
3. Look after your pet and make sure to keep an eye on them to prevent heat exhaustion, especially if there is a heatwave.
4. A creative way to also ensure your pet does not experience any strain from the heat is to freeze treats in the freezer.
5. It is also very important to keep your pet active.Despite the warmer weather, it would be advised to take them out and about when it has cooled down.

ALSO READ: All paws up at Newcastle SPCA AGM

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Email: Reveshni Douglas (Editor) at reveshni@caxton.co.za

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