Shayne Suttie, a resident in Radiokop, has met her dream job at Friends of Rescued Animals (Fora).
Suttie has worked at the animal rescue shelter for almost two years in April. “My mom (Linda Scrace) works there and we have a long history with animals, especially horses,” added Suttie. Starting off in the corporate world, she always knew that something was missing. “I would beg my mom every day to get me a job at Fora.” Therefore when the opportunity came about, Suttie grabbed it with both hands.
Currently studying animal health sciences through Unisa, Suttie mainly works in the catteries at Fora. “I feed the kittens and adults as well as administer frequent doses of medication and ensure that everything is running smoothly.” Fora has about 80 to 100 adult cats and about 30 to 50 kittens at any given point. The ‘pro-quality-of-life’ centre urges the community to become animal-educated.
“We really do struggle to make residents understand that sterilisation is an absolute necessity,” exclaimed Suttie. When one adopts an animal at Fora, the adoption fee includes sterilisation, de-worming, vaccinations and viral testing for cats. “The community often has the misconception that neutering a male dog or cat is cruel and takes its ‘manhood’ away. In actual fact, it is a lot healthier for the male as they do not get the urge to run away when they smell a female on heat.” Residents have to be realistic that sterilising benefits the animal’s behaviour and also controls the ever-growing animal population.
Despite the challenge Suttie faces, she loves what she does. “I love the physical aspect of my job, I can actually feel the difference my hands make in an animal’s world.”
“We rely solely on the community for their support whether it be food, financial or volunteering. We really appreciate what they do for us and although sometimes we see a lot of bad in people, we see far, far more good,” added Suttie.
Details: FORA, Shayne@fora.co.za or 082 336 5568.
