Graduation day for Edu Paw class six took place on Saturday, August 14, at Amanzimtoti SPCA and it certainly had tails wagging. The little learners braved the cold weather to celebrate the culmination of their eight-week Canine Care Programme. It was indeed a proud moment for the teachers who handed out certificates to the children.
The organisation was able to sterilise and vaccinate all the class dogs while providing them with collars, leads, shampoo, food dishes, pellets, tinned food, treats, beds and blankets. Vet bills incurred through illness were also covered by Edu Paw. Each Saturday after class, the children were given juice and snacks. They all received canine care educational material in isiZulu from ‘Hero in my Hood’ in Cape Town and South African Veterinary Association. After the riots, Angel Network donated 70 food hampers for all the Edu Paw families.
“It’s been a heartwarming journey getting to know the children, their families and their beloved dogs. There has been learning, loads of fun, laughter and tears along the way, but we know that each child leaves us understanding a little more about the incredible value of dogs and how to better care for them,” said the founder of the organisation, Cathy Keegan.
The learners and their dogs received loads of goodies and treats as well as an extra special graduation cake.
“We want to thank every single person who made class six a great success through their donations and financial support. God bless you all. We are very grateful to our teachers and faithful team of volunteers who show up on Saturdays and give their best seeing to the needs of the children and their dogs, as well as those volunteers who work behind the scenes making our programme a success. We now gear up for class seven which starts on Saturday, August 28. We sincerely hope we can once again rely on our faithful and generous donors and sponsors to see us through the next eight weeks of class seven.”
Ntethelelo Shezi was chosen to receive the Jackie Steyn Star Pupils Award. He arrived at Edu Paw with his dog, Forty, and had a special bond with her, but she was killed. He now has a new puppy now named Lucy.
The star student prize consisted of a T-shirt from Feel Good Funding, a book on Canine Care from the South African Veterinary Association, and two books from Hero in my Hood on the topic of bullying and plastic pollution as well as chewy toys for his new puppy.
To assist the organisation, use the following bank details: FNB, Amanzimtoti SPCA, account number: 62807184552, branch code: 220127, ref: Edu Paw.
ALSO READ: Assist a fur-baby with Edu Paw
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