Pretoria Dog Rescue prepares for a big 2024

As the curtain closes on 2023, Pretoria Dog Rescue (PDR) CEO Celia van Zyl expressed her gratitude to the community, businesses and individuals for their unwavering support throughout the year.

The rescue group and dog shelter was founded in 2013 as a non-profit organisation.

“Looking back at 2023, we are filled with deep-felt gratitude towards every single person, whether individually, or in a group or a business, for supporting Pretoria Dog Rescue the way they did,” Van Zyl told Rekord.

“No matter how dire our situation seemed, from critically low food supplies, soaring vet bills or needing an urgent foster or volunteer, our needs were always met, and our prayers answered.”

Van Zyl said the community played an important role in the organisation’s success this year.

“With the help of our amazing vets and sponsors, we were able to assist a number of seriously injured dogs and continue our monthly feeding outreach for underprivileged dogs as well as three feral cat colonies.”

She said volunteers not only gave of their time and funds, but also helped the organisation start new initiatives and creative ideas.

Looking ahead to 2024, Van Zyl said the organisation had a big task ahead of it.

“We aim to complete the building projects we started in 2023,” she said.

“We will be so grateful for sponsors to assist us in completing the extensions of some of our existing kennels.”

As PDR is a no-kill, pro-life shelter, the organisation needs to provide more space for its dogs while they wait for their new adoptive families.

Van Zyl said PDR was focused on completing its charity shop, laundry and picnic area and dog walking routes.

It hopes the the picnic area and dog walking routes will draw in even more volunteers and interactions with locals.

“Above all, we would like to see more of our dogs rehabilitated and rehomed, so that we can increase our ‘doggy-turnover’ and rescue more of the vast number of needy dogs,” she said.

“A warm thank you to every volunteer, Facebook friend and supporter, for raising the awareness for Pretoria Dog Rescue, networking our lovely dogs, and sharing your precious time and resources with us.”

She advised locals to be responsible pet owners during the festive season.

“Please make sure your own dogs are chipped or tagged and safe and well-cared for during the festive season,” Van Zyl said.

“Their fear is very real, especially when their owners are away! Please also keep an eye open for strays in need, and kindly assist them.”

She said the season was often a difficult period for animal welfare organisations, especially those that rely on public assistance.

“December and January are often our most difficult times, with volunteers away on holiday and donations of food and money less than usual.”

She invited residents to make PDR part of their holiday.

“Bring friends and colleagues for a fun day at the shelter, maybe organise a birthday or Christmas party with a difference, and donate food or money to the doggies.

“A PDR wishlist at your workplace might just work a miracle for our dogs’ care. It might even result in a doggy finding a forever home.”

For more information, WhatsApp Reinette on 083 767 6345, Alani on 067 4069668, or Ina on 082 789 9195.

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