Friends of the Rescued Animals (Fora) is more than an animal shelter, it is a place where people can learn more about animal care and why it is so important.
Fora is a non-profit organisation (NPO) that provides a home to about 350 dogs and 150 cats and depend solely on fundraising and donations from the public.
The NPO started about 11 years ago in Roodepoort and current manager Linda Scrace said because of insufficient space and mismanagement, they had to move to Krugersdorp.
Linda, who has worked at Fora for almost two years now, said she has always been passionate about animals. “When I was 15-years-old, my dad threatened to hand me to the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) because I always brought home stray dogs,” she laughed.
Linda has a passion for animals and by judging from her humble personality, she puts the needs of animals above anything else.
The daily routine at Fora, apart from sterilising and deworming animals, entails walking the dogs, brushing the hair of cats and playing with them.
Linda said although they receive a regular increase of animals at the shelter, they try to accommodate as many pets as possible without compromising the quality care of their existing animals.
A major issue right now, says Linda, is the overpopulation of dogs.
“I urge people to adopt from shelters instead of backyard breeders and to understand the importance of sterilising your pets,” said Linda.
She added there is still a mindset that males do not need to be neutered which is wrong.
“Mostly unsterilised male dogs go missing and people do not understand that. Male dogs run away because they can smell when a female dog is on heat and the distance in kilometres does not bother them at all,” said Linda.
Because Fora is an NPO, they ask the community to keep them in mind when they want to make a donation.
They items they need are good quality kibbles, blankets, puppy milk, toys and balls, bowls, bleach or pine gel, washing powder, black bags and old towels.
They also accept donations of household goods and clothes which are sent to their charity store, Saints Animal Charity Shop in Krugersdorp.
To become a volunteer, make a donation or adopt a pet from Fora, call Linda on 082-336-5568.
The adoption fees which cost R750 for dogs and R600 for cats includes all vaccinations, rabies shots, sterilisation and a dewormer.
Linda added, “Although Fora is not a happy-ever-after for animals, we are a stepping stone for them between not having a home, to having one.”
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