St Francis Animal Rescue organised a spirited “pawtest” event on June 28, with volunteers marching along local roads carrying placards to encourage pet adoption and raise awareness about animal welfare in the community.
The demonstration, held in St Francis, was organised by the local non-profit organisation dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating neglected and abused animals in the Sea Vista community.
The organisation has been operating for nine years, focusing on rescuing mistreated dogs and cats, providing medical care, and finding them forever homes, all without the overhead costs of maintaining a permanent shelter.
Susan Rae Fox, founder and chairperson of St Francis Animal Rescue, said that there is no doubt that dire poverty increases the likelihood of owners surrendering their dogs.
“If you can’t afford to feed your children, feeding your pets becomes impossible,” said Fox.
She further explained that economic challenges are just one factor contributing to pet abandonment.
Fox said that many owners surrender their dogs once they become adults and, through lack of proper care and training, begin displaying problematic behaviours.
“Through lack of proper care and any form of training, the dogs can begin to display aggression to other dogs or frustration leading to running away, digging in the yard, barking at intruders and potentially, biting intruders,” said Fox. “All this behaviour is the direct result of neglect on the part of owners and can be rectified, but there is little will to work with dogs, and it appears much easier to give them away.”
The organisation’s rescued animals are housed in private kennels run by Juadeen Van Rooyen in Humansdorp, where they receive proper care before adoption.
“Many dogs rescued from neglect or deliberate cruelty need time to start to feel safe before they can be adopted,” said Fox.
“Here, where they are provided with shelter and nutritious meals, they are regularly visited by our volunteer dog walkers who provide love, exercise and regular training.”
Fox emphasised that potential adopters need patience during the adjustment period.
“Once adopted, these dogs take a few days to adjust to new surroundings and other pets. All adopters need patience during this time. Many dogs have never slept indoors and need to feel welcome and fully accepted in all the spaces available to them,” said Fox.
She said that the rehabilitation process requires time and commitment from new families. “It will take at least three weeks for these dogs to relax, decompress and get used to new rules, habits and routines. It will take three months before an adopted dog feels fully integrated as a loved family member,” said Fox.
She made a compelling case for adopting rescue animals rather than purchasing pedigree dogs. Fox said that shelters throughout the country are overwhelmed by the ever-increasing number of dogs given away every day by owners who no longer want them.
“These dogs have been let down by humans and face the very real possibility of euthanasia in weeks if they are not adopted,” said Fox.
She highlighted the unique bond that develops between rescue animals and their new families. Fox said that rescues, taken into loving homes from lives of deprivation, show their gratitude to their adopters for the remainder of their lives.
“They give boundless trust and loyalty in return for a home and a family to care for,” said Fox.
