AACL: Cleary Park SPAYATHON
(AACL PE – need I say more?)
Well, it really was all systems go at our Cleary Park Centre on the weekend of the 3rd September and we managed to sterilise 55 animals over the two days. AACL is truly blessed to have such a wonderful team of volunteers, who simply mucked in, got their hands dirty and cleaned and nursed animals all day, well into the dark hours. Dr. Pikkie is to be congratulated. He and his wife deserved a very good night’s sleep, after 55 snip-snaps on the trot! Not forgetting to mention the supporters – yourselves out there, who always support our appeals for those extra needs at times such as this.
It was an early start on the Saturday and Ross literally climbed into the kennels to muck them out! Our patients had been staying overnight and had used the ablutions! The happy band of volunteers and staff set to work, with lots of laughter, chirping of each other and loads of compassion for the animals. 2 Litre bottles were filled with boiling water to create hot-water bottles, blankets and heaters were all set up in our garage and the premed and recovery rooms were ready for action. Team Saturday included Gwen, Clayton, Louisa, Tagan,Jerome, Patsy, Bev, Sandra, Melissa, Magda, Nicky, Elizma, Karien and myself - who were all very grateful for the lunches, caringly put together by Hilary and Glen and delivered just in time to nip in the bud that mid-day doldrum. On the animal side we had some nippers, some barkers and some very sleepy children who kept us there till after 9p.m., with Patsy, Bev and Karien burning the midnight oil, delivering them to their homes. One lot in and one lot out – the next patients were loaded up for the following day, all given something to eat and drink, tagged and ready for action. 28 animals later, it was time to get some shut-eye for all concerned. A huge thumbs up and thank you to Sandra Hill and Chantelle Murray, whose SOS Fundraiser covered this one.
And it was an even earlier start on Sunday, with rain and a distinct chill in the air! Kathryn, Ross, Elizma, Nicky, Louisa, Clayton, Jerome, Alex, Patsy, Christell, Bev, Karien, Gwen, Alex and myself were ready for action. This day was punctuated by some difficult cases, with one child on a drip most of the day, an emergency case that came in and had to be taken through to Dr. Hayward’s, one giant 47kg St. Bernard who caused a few strained muscles, one cheeky little girl who had given her fellows all a mouthful in the cages and then proceeded to cheek the volunteers all day, but was the toughest little skinny one who came through the anaesthetic instantaneously and demanded a good bowl of food and finally the gentle giant – a Boerbul-cross-Boxer, who put her paw up to thank Louisa, after she had examined her and then put her paw up for her owner to say “thank you and take me home now!” Of course we all “oohed and aahed” and commented on what an expressive face she had. To the wonderful band of volunteers – you truly are the A-team! Thank you.
And so it was with full hearts that we finally headed home at 7.45p.m., with our wonderful fieldworkers, Bev, Patsy and Karien, still putting in even longer hours to return all the little ones to their owners. The Sunday total was 27 and the kudos here go to Bev and Patrick Scott who walked 230kms from Stratford to London on their Walking for Paws and Claws fundraiser! Now that’s dedication to the cause!
We have selected a group of pics and please note that the little darling in the hearts was dumped at our centre on Friday evening – four months old and dying to bring some love and light into your life. Her name is Munchkin. Please contact Michelle or Jerry on 041 4561776 if your have room in your heart and home!
Thank you, each and every one, for making a difference in the lives of those who cannot speak for themselves.
Kind regards and thanks
Linda-Louise Swain
Animal Anti-Cruelty League
Port Elizabeth
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