Newsletter
Nov. 2009 Newsletter
CHRISTMAS IS HERE ALREADY
It doesn’t seem like it has been almost six months since the last newsletter and, just like Christmas, it has crept up on us yet again. A lot has happened since June and our AGM on the 25th, so there are a lot of items to inform you about this time. So let’s get on with it..............
TWO CHRISTMAS’S FOR SAVE-A-PET IN 2009
Staying on the subject of Christmas, The Elephant Walk Restaurant in Colleen Glen held a “Christmas in July” evening with proceeds on behalf of Save-a-Pet. This was organised entirely by restaurant owner Nadia Damseaux and manager Natalie Dil. What a very special evening it turned out to be.
Apart from a sumptuous meal, for which Nadia and Natalie must be congratulated, there were auctions, ably conducted throughout the evening by Clinton, a member of the auctioneering staff from Vigne & Howard auctioneers, and raffles, the biggest of which was for a large handmade wooden ship in a glass case, donated by Save-a-Pet Founder and President, Mavis Smith. This prize was won and donated back for auction to raise even more money. All-in-all the evening raised an amount of R21 000 for which we thank all who participated in the event. A great time was had by all! Don’t miss it next year.
AGM 25TH JUNE 2009
A special thanks to all who attended our Annual General Meeting on an evening that can best be described as “horrible”. We had torrential rain, hail, gale force winds, flooding and freezing cold conditions to contend with. Despite the weather we had 31 people in attendance which was amazing in such terrible weather. The meeting itself ran very smoothly and all business was concluded in less than thirty minutes. Thanks to all who brought along snacks, etc. We even had hot soup available brr.
VET SERVICES
For a 7-month period between March and September 2009 we employed the veterinary services of Drs. Dean Sim and David Stuart to check all of our dogs (and the occasional cat) to ensure that all were in the best of health prior to adoption. All animals had a thorough examination including their teeth and I can assure you that if visiting the kennels please wear sunglasses as those “flashing” teeth are likely to blind you! A big “Thank You” to both vets for all their good work.
GREENBUSHES KENNELS
Whilst the vets were in attendance, on their advice, our reception entrance gate has been permanently locked and a door bell introduced to prevent possibly diseased or dangerous animals from coming into contact with our existing animals. This is purely a temporary situation until such time as we can afford an electronically operated gate. We are trying to protect our animals not prevent anybody from accessing Save-a-Pet kennels.
Changes to the concrete kennels are underway to give the dogs more space in their kennel ‘runs’. We desperately need bags of cement to complete the job.
SWOP SHOP
Humewood Swop Shop owner Fiona CilIlers sells many items on behalf of Save-a-Pet from her Forest Hill Drive shop. Why don’t you pop-in for a bargain hunt and say “Hello” to Fiona or contact her on 041 582 3455.
HAPPY ENDINGS ...
We love hearing how well our adopted pets are getting along in their new homes. Below are two letters received from very happy pet owners.
1. NALA ...
I just wanted to share our adopted "doggy daughters" story with you. Nala has been with us for 10 years this year - we adopted her from Mavis when she was 6 weeks old - hiding in a tyre when we got there! Today she is a real madam - totally in charge and ruling her 10-year old "lab brothers” life - attached is a photo of Nala (below). Before the kids came they were the centre of all photographic attention! Nala is a loving "pup" and the kids adore her and vice versa - she is a bit OCD - forever watching for shadows and little lights to catch and a VERY fussy eater - only the best is good enough for her... Good luck with the rest of the year and God Bless. Zelda Downey, Port Elizabeth.
Nala & brother at Xmas Milo & Riley [ex. Romeo]
(See above) (See below)
2. RILEY ...
Good morning to all the wonderful people at Save-a-Pet. We thought we would send a photo (above) of our ‘baby’ which we adopted from you on 13 September. Meet Riley Hudson (formerly Romeo), one of Flash and Dash’s puppies. He is a wonderful dog who has fitted in so well in our home. He is exceptionally lovable and is learning very fast from his older brother Milo (whom we got from Mavis Smith 10 years ago (he was housed at Scottborough Kennels at the time). A BIG thank you for all the wonderful work you do. Rest assured that Riley is a very happy and much loved puppy. Clinton and Bonny Hudson, Port Elizabeth.
If you have any ‘Happy Ending’ stories, please email them to us for publishing in our newsletter. Photos are also most welcome.
GLOBAL FINANCIAL MELTDOWN
The current worldwide financial situation has affected everyone in different ways and Save-a-Pet has not been immune from this. We are very grateful for what we receive but I would like to appeal to Members, Pet Sponsors, Businesses and to the general public to please “dig deep” into your pockets at this time as we really need your financial assistance.
PRE-OWNED SHOP
Kay Shaw and Margaret Barnetson have set up a small shop facility at Kay’s home in McCluckie Street, Francis Evert Park, (behind Kabega Park Police Station), selling clothes and house wares. Both ladies have started the business with a lot of gusto and sales are improving daily. All proceeds go to Save-a-Pet. Pop in and see them and, weather permitting and providing you spend some money, you could be invited to a glass of fruit juice under a sun umbrella in the front garden!
SAPPI AWARDS – SAVE-A-PET SCORES AGAIN
Graphic design students Jedd McNeilage and Amor Coetzee from NMMU triumphed in Sappi’s annual “Ideas That Matter” campaign and for the second time in 3 years Save-a-Pet was the featured charity organization. Jedd and Amor’s concept compares animals, specifically dogs, to homeless people. Dogs have replaced people begging and have been equipped with a cardboard sign telling their sad situation. A sms number is used to raise funds to help the animals (starts 17 December).
SMS PET to 38300 & donate R10.00 to Save-a-Pet.
Amor, Jedd and Mavis with One of the winning designs
Bernhardt Riegler (Sappi)
DOGGIE WAG WALK – HOLMELEIGH FARM
More than 800 people, many with their own dogs, turned up to register for the Damelin Paws for A Cause Wag Walk on October 10th. Animal Welfare and Save-a-Pet dogs were available “to rent” for the walk for people who didn’t have dogs of their own. The entrance fee was R10.00 and R10 000 was donated to Save-a-Pet in the form of travel boxes and shade cloth. Plans are already being made for next year’s event.
Mavis and Ronwin Some of the 800+ people who
with an S-a-P “loanee”. attended the event.
THANK YOU
To Patti for R540 in lieu of birthday gifts.
To Summerstrand Community Church children for the donation of dog and cat food.
SPONSOR-A-DOG-A BLANKET
Kasmira Singh who is studying Marketing at NMMU had an idea to provide a blanket for every dog at Save-a-Pet. At the time that was 170 dogs. Builder’s Express in Newton Park agreed to buy 250 blankets which would be sold to customers over 2 weekends in October and the blankets donated to a Save-a-Pet dog of their choice. In total 257 blankets were donated over the period and R700 was collected in collection tins. The venture was a great success. Our thanks to Kasmira, Builder’s Express and everyone who bought a blanket.
Kasmira Singh (2nd from left) and friends. Another blanket sold.
SURF’S UP!
Clayton Truscott, who has a surfing blog on The Herald website, decided to organize a surfing competition, The P.E. Summer Classic Surf Jam, with all proceeds donated to Save-a-Pet. He raised R680 for which we are very grateful. Thank you to all the competitors who entered the event.
Herald item. Clayton with Mavis
SUNRIDGE VILLAGE PET PHOTOGRAPHIC COMPETITION
Support this competition by entering your favourite pet photographs in this exciting promotion at Sunridge Village Shopping Centre. Entry forms are available at Wimpy, Urban Reptiles & Things, Vet Food Hall and Justin Reinecke Photography. Categories are:- I Look Like My Owner, Friendliest Pet, Best Groomed Pet, Most Unusual Pet and Smartest Pet. All entries cost R20.00. Enter your pet and win some great prizes.
Monty, Cindy and Rachel supporting the Sunridge Village Competition.
I’M NOT ALLOWED PETS IN MY HOME
Can’t have any more dogs at home as you have too many or you live in a complex which doesn’t allow pets! Here’s the answer! Why not Sponsor a dog at Save-a-Pet kennels at R50.00 per month per dog, then come along any day and take your dog for a walk on the premises, stopping occasionally of course for some love and attention (and other things too of course). This can be very therapeutic for both the dog and the sponsor, like love at a distance. Where else could you have a dog of your own that only costs you R50.00 to feed each month – with no vet bills either! We do have more Sponsors than Members and the more the merrier as it swells our coffers too. If you would like to sponsor a dog in this way, just complete the form below and return it to Save-a-Pet by post, fax or email. Note: - Sponsors automatically become Members.
OUR CHRISTMAS WISH LIST
· We are urgently looking for volunteers who are willing to offer an hour or two to walk the dogs at the Save-a-Pet kennels. There are just not enough hands to clean the kennels and walk the dogs. So if you are able to sacrifice some time, please contact Jenny at 072 155 0705.
· We need pockets of cement to extend the existing kennel space and a sturdy two-stroke mowing machine to keep the grass down, especially as summer is “just around the corner”.
· Any and all used goods for our Boot Sale. You do not even have to drive all the way to the kennels; we can pick it up from your home. Please contact Dave at 082 358 2394 to arrange.
· Pet food for our pets. Although we do receive a regular sponsorship of dog food from our suppliers, Montego and Vet’s Choice, it is unfortunately not enough to feed all the dogs.
· Printing of our newsletter. Our newsletter is normally only 4 pages and we need 200 back-to-back copies for members and additional publicity. If you are able to assist with the printing or can contribute to the printing and/or postage costs, contact Dave at 082 358 2394.
Please contact the above people if you are able to make a donation. We can collect.
SUPER (MARKET) SUPPORT
At this point, I would like to send our thanks to the wonderful customers of Pick ‘N Pay, Walker Drive, Spar Sunridge Park and Spar Mount Pleasant, for their very kind donations of pet food, blankets and feeding bowls. We have an open roof kennel at both stores (see below); kindly sponsored by Windsor Forest Products and these kennels are filled very quickly indeed. Your generosity is so very much appreciated.
· This newsletter was printed courtesy of Print Wize Printing. Our thanks to Ralph West for his support especially on such short notice but hey, who can argue with Nadia!!
2010 CALENDARS
Calendars of all shapes and sizes are available to purchase ranging from a “Tent” Calendar at R15.00 to an A3 Desk Pad (Page-a-Month) at R60.00.
AND FINALLY………..
The Committee, Staff and the Animals at Save-a-Pet wish you, your family, friends and of course your pets,
A Very Merry Christmas & A Happy New Year in 2010
If you are going on holiday over this period, please do the right thing by your pets. We sincerely hope that Father Christmas does not leave us any surprise parcels under our Christmas tree.
OUR SPONSORS……….
Pet Food Computer Web Hosting Printing
Paper
OUR DETAILS……….
Bank: Nedbank. Branch: Greenacres (The Bridge).
Branch Code: 121617.Account Name: Save-a-Pet.
Account No.: 1216078742 (NEW NUMBER).
Save-a-Pet, P.O. Box 180, Hunter’s Retreat, Port Elizabeth, 6017.
Tel. (041) 372 1780. FaxMail 086 515 1824.
Email:
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Fireworks - Steps to take to protect your pet
We have put together e few guidelines to follow when it comes to animals and fireworks.Boot Sale
Our very popular Boot Sale is held on the 1st Saturday of every month and we will be there with everything you thought you would never find! Come along and join us in a lovely country setting and "spend" the whole morning with us.If you've never been before you can always find us in the car park of The Elephant Walk Restaurant at Cows Corner, Colleen Glen.
We open at 08h00 and end at 13h00. The Save-a-Pet "stalls" (2) sell a wide variety of goods from cheap clothes to household goods as well as delicious and very popular filled rolls donated by Eve and Bryn John and a range of cakes donated by Maureen Cowan. The restaurant is also open for breakfast, brunch or lunch and there is also a farm stall, leather and jewelry shops. Guys, whilst your dear lady is spending your money, the bar is open and caters for the big sporting events on "the dish".IF YOU WANT IT WE'VE PROBABLY GOT IT!
If you want to sell items you will need to be there no later than 07h30. Our record number of sellers (boots) is 45, so you can tell that it's a very popular venue. There is no entrance fee - we ask all sellers to donate 10% of your takings to Save-a-Pet. We trust you not to cheat a charitable organisation.LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU THERE.
New Animal Clinic
Clinic
Clinic Reception Theatre
Our big news is that our proposed animal clinic is really taking shape thanks to the efforts of numerous people. We are just adding the smaller items like soap dispensers, hair clippers and such like. Our computers have arrived and at this point we would like to give a huge “Thank You” to Dr. Hendrik De Swart of Otomys Software Solutions for their very kind donation of the MicroVet® Veterinary Medical Practice Management System that is needed by the clinic to capture all the personal customer and pet medical information. Our target to open the clinic has changed to the beginning of May 2007.