Written by Jennifer Gorrie – Co-Founder and Manager
Professional photography by Phillip V. Photography
Hoedspruit Paws was founded in 2012 when we realised the huge demand for an animal shelter in the area. Today, we’re a registered non-profit organisation dedicated to the health and happiness of pets. We strive to make a difference for each and every one.
A home away from home
We like to pride ourselves in the fact that we’re a “home away from home” – just until they find their forever home. We take in strays and abused and abandoned dogs. They’re given a bath, tick and flea medication, are vaccinated, dewormed and treated for mange or whatever ailments they may suffer from.
They’re then placed in a camp for a week to check for diseases, etc., following which they’re brought into the big pack where they learn what love is and how to trust again. We also have a dedicated foster network, which is crucial as our camps are always full.
When they’re ready, they’re advertised and adopted out to their forever homes – yes, it’s hard letting go, but we’re always so happy for them.
Dogs are amazing; so forgiving, and we humans have so much to learn from them.
Reaching out
Hoedspruit Paws, located in Hoedspruit, Limpopo Province, is passionate about advocating for companion animal sterilisation in order to reduce overpopulation of unwanted animals (and the neglect and cruelty that goes with it). As such, regular sterilisation drives are part of our outreach work in the rural and impoverished areas around us. Our vaccination programme aims to reduce life-threatening diseases like rabies and canine distemper, which not only endanger the animals and human life but also negatively affect the wildlife surrounding these rural areas. Hoedspruit Paws also drives the Alley Cat initiative.
We allow the schoolchildren to come and do their community service hours here where they’ll bath dogs, brush them and take them for a walk – it’s a win-win – the dogs and the kids love it. Most Sundays we do dog walks as well; it’s a great family outing.
Education is a priority, and we do talks at surrounding preschools and schools, providing education on pet care and the importance of sterilisation.
Our nearby village, Acornhoek, is overpopulated with dogs, and the cruelty is very bad... this being said, a little education there goes a long way, and it’s such a joy to see people being proud of their animals. It's a ripple effect, and we’re hoping to start a weekly setup there in the near future.
In this line of work there are lots of happy days, lots of sad days, and days when you just want to give up, but then you look into those beautiful eyes and wagging tails and remember why you started this in the first place.
You can help Hoedspruit Paws!
Covid-19 has had a huge impact on us. Not only are many people losing their jobs and/or having to move and surrendering their dogs over to us, food and funds donations have dropped. Finances are terribly low, but the dogs and cats that we help need medical care and food. If you’re in a position to help – even if it’s just R50-00 a month – the animals are eternally grateful. It all adds up to make a difference.
Kindly EFT donations to:
Hoedspruit Paws
First National Bank
Account number: 652 3384 9206
Branch: 270 652
Hoedspruit Paws has an ongoing need for:
- Dog food (puppies and adults)
- Tinned food
- Dog toys
- Dog shampoo
- Paper towels
- F10 veterinary disinfectant products
- Old towels
- Leashes and collars
- Dog beds
- Dewormer
- Treats
- Volunteers and fosters*
*We’re always in need of volunteers for foster parents, our fundraising drives, rabies outreach programmes and general running of Paws. You’re welcome to join our team of friendly and hardworking people dedicated to improving animal welfare. Working with animals can be hard, upsetting and physically exhausting, but it’s also extremely rewarding.
For more information, please contact Jennifer Gorrie on (+27) 78 4313161 (kindly WhatsApp us if there’s no answer as sometimes we’re in areas with no signal), email hoedspruitpaws@gmail.com, visit www.hoedspruitpaws.co.za, and follow us on Facebook @HoedspruitPaws.