GRAAFF-REINET NEWS - On 16 December, the Camdeboo Animal Welfare, Shelter and Education (CAWSE) commemorated their first year of rendering services to animals in need in Graaff-Reinet and surrounds.

Nicola Woods, founder and vice-chair of CAWSE, made use of the opportunity to extend their sincere gratitude towards the many companies, organisations and individuals – 'too many to mention' – for their support over the past year.

"Thanks to your donations and support with our 17 fundraisers we were able to conduct 21 outreaches during which we managed to de-worm, dip, feed and provided basic medical care to 1 350 dogs, puppies, cats, and kittens. We also donated eight beds, 140 blankets, 15 animal jerseys, 250 cans of pet food, and over 500 portions of dry pet food to animals in the townships. In addition, a total number of 12 dogs and 26 cats were sterilised and 12 puppies were vaccinated. "We also took 16 animals to the vet and paid for their treatment. This included treatment for the Parvovirus, tick-bite fever, burns, broken legs, abscesses, and more. Sadly, we also had to assist with euthanising nine animals," says Woods.

"We are happy to report that we also managed to assist in finding homes for eight dogs and five cats."

Woods also thanked her "awesome team" who have assisted in so many ways – attending monthly meetings, conducting outreaches, driving animals to and from the vets, fostering animals, selling raffle tickets, volunteering at markets, crocheting, baking, cooking, making artwork and painting kids' faces.

"We are tired and emotionally drained, but looking forward to another year of doing all we can to help animals in need and their owners." Woods emphasises that it is of vital importance to have functional animal welfare societies in town to help abused and neglected animals and for this reason, she pleads with the community to continue supporting them.

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