Every year on 4 April, World Stray Animals Day is recognized. It is an emotional day for many dedicated towards animals and a time to show love and attention especially to less fortunate animals. On this day in 2023, staff of the Onderstepoort Veterinary Academic Hospital (OVAH), the teaching hospital of the University of Pretoria’s Faculty of Veterinary Science, participated in bringing compassion, education and much needed healthcare for less privileged animals to Wolmer in the Pretoria area.
A station was set up in a park and the needy paws and their owners started rolling in (some waiting in anticipation since early in the morning). A total of 139 dogs and cats were health-checked, vaccinated against infectious pet diseases and rabies, dewormed and given tick/flea treatment.
Each animal was surprised with a food parcel and 60 blankets were also made available, provided by Erika, a private donor. Team members furthermore assisted with house-calls to assist families who were not able to bring their animals to the central station point. It was a long, tiresome and emotional day for staff members, but knowing what a huge difference was made for the animals in need, always uplifted their spirits.
Though dedication, education, veterinary care and lending a helping hand may not change the world in one day, a difference for about 139 animals in need and their humans was made on 4 April 2023 by this dedicated team from OVAH. We thank all involved in making the day such a huge success.
“No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted”
~ Aesop
The team
Doing house calls
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