Edu-Paw inundated with requests for canine care
Edu-Paw offers an eight-week programme to teach children from rural areas basic canine care and to instil love and compassion towards pets.
WITH crowds of children and their dogs all waiting outside the Edu-Paw premises, it is clear that the need for canine care services far exceeds available resources.
Edu-Paw, a non-profit organisation that supports the work of the Amanzimtoti SPCA, offers an ongoing eight-week, hands-on programme to teach children basic canine care and instil love and compassion in an effort to turn the tide of neglect and cruelty.
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It also vaccinates and sterilises pets while equipping owners with items such as food, blankets, collars and whatever else its generous volunteers assist with.
Founder of Edu-Paw, Cathy Keegan, said that on Saturdays, as they prepare for class, they are met with crowds of children and their dogs.
“Some are eager to register for the next class while others bring their pets for vaccinations, sterilisation or treatment for illness. Many also come hoping to receive dog food. The need is overwhelming, and unfortunately, both Edu-Paw and the SPCA are limited in the resources they can offer. The cost of vaccinating and sterilising a dog is significant, and most of these families cannot afford it. As a result, the cycle of ill health and breeding continues,” she said.
Keegan said they work hard to raise funds for the dogs in the programme, and sadly, their resources do not stretch to those beyond the gate.
“While we can’t meet every need, we can still make a difference. Donations of dog food can help us feed the dogs that need it most, and second-hand collars and leads can replace the chains and ropes that many dogs arrive with,” she said.
Keegan added that they are only able to do what they do with the help of the community and their dedicated volunteers.
For more information, to donate or to find out how you can assist, contact Edu-Paw on 084 579 3237 or at edupaw.totispca@gmail.com
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