HELP ALLEVIATE MISERY FOR ANIMALS IN CAPE TOWN

The cold winter months in the Cape Town community of Vrygrond are a particularly difficult time.  As temperatures dip as low as 8C there is only basic shelter for many community members, and even less for the animals.  However, the TEARS-Afripaw Community Pet Clinics continue every second Saturday providing primary healthcare, such as vaccinations and parasite control, as well as free sterilisations and treatment of illnesses and injuries.  The average treatment for every clinic includes 350-400 vaccinations, 60-80 patients treated at the clinic, and 30-40 patients transported back to the TEARS Veterinary Hospital for surgery, treatment and hospitalisation.  Food supplementation through the Feed Hungry Pets Programme and kennels are also provided as possible.

Further to the above, the tough economic times have resulted in an increase in animals being surrendered to the Mobile Clinic on clinic days.  One such dog was Inara who was surrendered because her owner was struggling to feed his family and could no longer care for her.  Inara, a young Husky-cross, arrived at the TEARS kennels with the Mobile Clinic Team in a sorry state. Her fur was matted and filthy, and it was clear she had been grossly neglected.  She was painfully thin and, at only 14kg, her emaciated frame stood on the TEARS Veterinary Hospital's scale begging for help.

Thanks to quality nutritional support from Hill's Pet Nutrition, and tender loving care at the TEARS Kennels, Inara has progressed well and now weighs a healthy 22kgs.  She was also adopted into a new home in September 2024.  Unfortunately, Inara is not the only animal that has been surrendered via the Community Pet Clinic, though this means that these dogs and cats are not being dumped and left to fend for themselves.  Sometimes surrendering a pet is the only option left for people.  

It is through the generous donations of our GlobalGiving supporters that this clinic is able to support families and their animals in Vrygrond, including dogs like Inara.  Providing primary healthcare and veterinary support for more serious cases the Community Pet Clinic is a lifeline for many pet owners in terms of caring for their family dogs and cats.  This project is vital on the Vrygrond community and will continue to make a difference in the lives of many animals and their families.  Thank you for helping make the Community Pet Clinic possible and for allowing this work to continue to grow into the future.  

Links:

• TEARS_Afripaw Community Pet Clinic
• TEARS Veterinary Hospital