A group of volunteers committed to the care of the animals in their neighbourhood may be found deep in the heart of the community.
Michelle Weedman, 47, is one such volunteer who goes above and beyond. Michelle has been a Community Led Animal Welfare (Claw) volunteer since before the Covid-19 outbreak.
“I began as a part-time volunteer at Claw, helping to socialise the animals, clean cages, and take them for walks. Before the pandemic, I was working as an administrator at a local car dealership, and when it hit, I realised that my time would be better spent volunteering full-time – especially with the pay cuts after Covid,” Michelle said.
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She went on to say that, while she began by assisting with smaller duties, her responsibilities at Claw grew as her expertise in animal care increased.
“Cora has been an amazing teacher, and I am grateful to have her on my side,” Michelle added.
Michelle came across Claw through a joyful coincidence: her sister’s muffins.
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“I went to see my sister and discovered she had baked dozens of muffins! I quickly asked about them, and when she told me they were for a feeding scheme in the Roodepoort community, I knew I had to help prepare muffins. After numerous projects, she eventually asked if I wanted to come with her to deliver the children the food that we’d collected – naturally, I said yes!” Michelle elaborated.
“The children were all inside Claw’s Hall, along with litters of puppies – needless to say, I gravitated towards the puppies, wondering if they were okay, had they been fed, and so on,” she explained, adding that this is when she realised her true interest is with animals.
Despite having no veterinary training, Michelle has learned so much about the various treatments they provide that you’d believe she was a qualified vet at first glance.
“We have an amazing vet, Pauline Smith, who volunteers at Claw and helps supervise and steer us in the right direction with our cases,” Michelle explained.
She went on to say that, while she has worked on many cases at Claw, she couldn’t possibly pick one out because they have all contributed to her growth, experience, and impact since joining Claw.
“One piece of advice I can give to community members looking to volunteer is to start small and work your way up. I’ve seen a few folks eager to jump in, put on an apron, and aid a wounded animal in the clinic – and then acknowledge they may have plunged into the deep end.”
Working with injured animals, especially if they have been attacked, can be difficult for those who are not accustomed to it. The blood, odours, and even the sight of an animal suffering can be unsettling.
“Again, start small, help with feeding, grooming, and socialising, and gradually build yourself up. Every little bit helps, and it can have a bigger impact than you can imagine,” Michelle added.
She said that having a solid support base is an important element of being a volunteer.
“I’ve been married for 23 years, and my husband has been an incredible supporter! It is crucial not only to have the support of your spouse but also of your friends and relatives. When you volunteer, you are never alone,” Michelle concluded.
