The animals at the Randburg SPCA had a special Valentine’s Day, thanks to caring people.
The Randburg SPCA invited the community to come and ‘choose their Valentine’ animal. Rain poured down and disheartened Cynthia Swanepoel, the kennel manager, workers and volunteers at the SPCA didn’t expect anyone to arrive.
The purpose of the ‘Be my Valentine’ initiative was to give the animals at the shelter a bit of love and affection. Swanepoel was delighted when people showed up with toys, clothes and much more. Visitors were thrilled and excited to play and spend some time with the animals.
“It would have been nice if we could have taken the dogs for walks but this weather is making it difficult,” said Swanepoel.
Swanepoel and her team made a list of certain kennels that the visitors were allowed to enter and another list of kennels that they were not allowed to enter.
“Some of the animals are still new so we don’t know them that well, but the visitors can spend as much time as they want in the kennels that they are allowed in.”
Tarwn-ann Pauls even brought jerseys for the dogs that she visited and played with. She said “Yes, the SPCA needs money to cover the basic needs of the animals but the animals also need love and affection.
“I think it’s important that we make time and share our love with them, especially on Valentine’s Day, the day of love and that’s why we are here,” she added.
Tiaan Lombaard, Pauls brother, moved from the one kennel to the next to ensure that all the animals get the love and affection that they deserve. Lombaard visited an extremely shy dog. “That corner is her safe space, I’m not going to invade it. I’m going to wait for her to come to me,” he explained.
His patience eventually paid off. After a while, she started to warm towards Lombaard and they enjoyed a lovely play session together.
The Randburg SPCA provided blankets for the people who arrived, trying to make it as comfortable for them as possible.
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