The last newsletter of the year, and we would like to take this opportunity to thank all the very generous folk who have given us so much support in both cash, kind, and their time throughout the past year.
We have held five fund-raising events recently all of which have been very successful not just in terms of raising much needed funds, but also in awareness for the public of the work that VAWZ carries out for all animals in Zimbabwe.
The premiere of Jock of the Bushveld was a huge success. Over 800 underpriviledged children from several orphanages attended the matinee thanks to many companies and individuals who sponsored their tickets. Many of the children had never been to a cinema before and were enthralled by Jock and his antics. The evening show was sold out days before and we ended up with folk in the foyer begging for any spare tickets as the film was about to begin.
In October a member of the public contacted us over her concern about some puppies that she suspected were not being looked after properly. On arrival we found 3 x 4 month old puppies in reasonable condition but the fourth lay listlessly on his side in the yard behind the house. As we approached him, he managed a small wag of his tail, but otherwise did not move. The owner came out to inform us that the mother had died when they were born, and whilst she wanted to keep the other three she told us “ You can take this thing, I wanted to kill it anyway”. Very gently we picked up little “Sam” (as he is now known), he was totally emaciated, had a very prominent spine, crooked little front legs and no coat. Once in the hands of the staff at the Chisipite Vets they found that he was not only practically starving to death, he also had biliary. Thanks to the dedicated treatment and nursing he received, together with their determination that he had a right to live, “Sam” is now the delightful little pup that you see in the second photo. His spine and legs have now straightened, and he has a lovely pale,tan coat to go with those big brown eyes. We are looking for a very special home for “Sam”, because in spite of the very bad start he received from his owner, he loves everyone he meets.
A TYPICAL MORNING FOR VAWZ.
Driving to work recently, mentally planning all I was going to do as soon as I got to the office, I saw to my horror, a German Shepherd running down the middle of the Enterprise Road, not the best place to be during rush hour traffic. Finally with the help of a Fawcett security guard, the dog was caught and put in the back of the VAWZ truck.
At the same time I received a report that a crowd was trying to “kill an animal” in Rezende Street. I contacted Mel Hood, who was also on her way to the office, she rushed to the bus terminus and rescued from those bent on it’s destruction, a very large cane rat.
We then received a call about a broken down cattle truck – all this before 9am.
The German Shepherd was claimed by it’s owner the next day, the cane rat which had been injured has gone out to Bally Vaughan Sanctuary, and Sarah has given it the name “Pamela” ( I know, only Sarah……….!) and VAWZ Inspectors stayed with the cattle truck for the next 2 hours until a spare part had been obtained and it was on it’s way.
SECURITY DOGS.
VAWZ recently held a workshop at the request of the Securico Dog Section. Fifteen senior dog handlers attended and we hope that what they learnt during the course will go a long way in improving the welfare of the dogs that they work with. VAWZ has since been asked by two more security companies to hold similar workshops in the new year.
We have also been working with the Prison Services to improve the welfare of their dogs.
KENNELS.
All the donated 2nd hand kennels that we received from kind folk, have now been passed on to dogs whose owners just could not afford to purchase one. We still have several more dogs who we know would just love to have a roof over their heads, especially in this wet weather. Please contect us if you have a kennel you no longer need.
LAST LAUGH.
A few weeks ago, at the BP garage in Fourth Street, we had a bit of an altercation with the driver of a grossly over-loaded cattle truck. A large noisy crowd soon developed – many of them vendors and they were not on our side. We finally contacted Assistant Commissioner Dumbura, National Co-ordinator of the ZRP Anti Stock Theft Section who spoke to the driver and told him that he fully supported the VAWZ’s intervention, followed by Elliott Matangadura who is Chairman of Business Against Stocktheft Forum who happened to be passing, and he also told everyone that the driver should be charged. With that, the crowd rapidly dispersed. Now, when I drop VAWZ Inspector Bernard Ndlovu off in the evenings, the vendors humourously shout out “Amai, we have just seen a 120Y
carrying a cow in the boot” or, “a Nissan Champ was here just now with a big bull in the back”!!
FINALLY FROM VAWZ WE WISH YOU ALL A VERY HAPPY CHRISTMAS AND ALL THE VERY BEST FOR 2012.
Donations are always very gratefully received:-
Banking Details are:
LOCAL: CABS PLATINUM, The Veterinarians of Animal Welfare Trust. A/C No 9015153557.
EXTERNAL: Standard Bank, Graaf-Reinet. Veterinarians for Animal Welfare in Zimbabwe.
A/C No 186623062. Swift No: SBZA.ZA.JJ. IBAN No:051001.
Direct transfers may be made via www.standardbank.co.zw
