After a bout of winter rain synonymous with the Western Cape, a team of veterinarians, veterinary staff, volunteers, and individuals who helped where they could, arrived at Step Up Ministeries early on Saturday 9 August. Their goal, to sterilise and vaccinate 50 animals from the area.
Our Arrival
We arrived at around 9am on the morning. The air was brisk, our breaths were visible. A number of vehicles were already parked in and around the muddy parking area. Some rather large puddles from the previous days’ relentless rain were reminders that any surface could become a mirror after a cloudburst.
Upon Entering
We walked through the door of the building and were greeted not by chaos, but by organised meticulousness. The machine was well-oiled and the clogs turned without fault. Dogs barked, there were voices and lots of movement of individuals to-ing and fro-ing; the atmosphere wasn’t tense though, rather, there was an air of composure and calm. It felt right and normal, as if this were just another day ending in ‘y’.
A Masterful Plan
At the entrance sat Eileen and Micaela, their makeshift desk filled with paperwork, stationery and myriad identification papers and booklets. Then beyond them were crates and animal boxes that were used to fetch the animals, and even house them before they were operated on. Off to the one side was a blanketed area lined with cages along the soft borders, the recovery area.
Here a number of volunteers kept their patients warm and checked on them as they recovered, their tongues lulling about as they rested. When many came to, the volunteers ensured they remained calm before moving them to the recovery cages.
Off to the right was the stage which was used for storing of empty cases and equipment. Ahead of that were stations dedicated to deworming and tick-and-flea and a U-shaped prep station. Here the animals were shaved before being moved across to where the two veterinarians stood, operating without a break.
The Results:
- 34 dogs vaccinated for Rabies & sterilised
- 14 cats vaccinated for Rabies
- 13 cats sterilised
- Tick, flea and deworming treatments provided
The Team:
Two dedicated veterinarians, Dr Bennie Grobler and Dr Esmaré Van der Walt, led the day with the support of a remarkable volunteer team and partner organisations, including Sweet Paws (who managed collections) and Barking Ark (who kindly loaned some of their crates).
A Memorable Moment:
During the day, a collection team picked up a severely malnourished puppy now named Max. His heartbreaking condition was a reminder of why this work matters. Thanks to Sweet Paws, Max is now in foster care, receiving the food, love and medical attention he needs.
Next Steps:
We will follow up in the coming days with households we are concerned about to ensure animals are clean, have shelter and receive enough food and water.
Thank You:
To everyone on our volunteer list: drivers, helpers, organisers and supporters. Thank you for giving your time, resources and heart to make this day possible. Together, we made a lasting difference in the lives of animals in need.
