Although pets can be companions, many others endure cruelty on a daily basis due to a lack of understanding of how to care for them. This is the experience of the pet adoption and rescue centre, New Beginnings, located in Roodewal, Bloemfontein.
The adoptions and public coordinator at New Beginnings, Suzanne Peterson, says: “Our motto is that at the end of every leash is a human being. We believe that you can only change the world through love and understanding.”
According to Peterson, they believe in not only rescuing abused and neglected animals but also in teaching owners how to practise responsible ownership. “We believe in educating owners because it is impossible to remove all of the animals; there are too many, and they will just be replaced the next day.”
A rescue dog named Tesha was spotted in the rural area. “She was very thin, weak and had a skin condition. She was only skin and bones when she was rescued. She has improved so much since then. She is now happy, healthy, and ready to find a home,” says Peterson.
Another rescue dog known as Moose was rescued in a rural area during fieldwork. “He was malnourished and very matted, you could see that he has never been brushed before. He was very sad and clearly longed for a loving home.” Their rescues don’t always come their way via concerned members of the public, but from owners too.
“Phoebe’s previous owner did not want her anymore and gave her to the domestic worker. The domestic worker was not able to care for her and contacted us for help. Phoebe’s fur was matted, and she was clearly neglected. After a good shave, some love and proper food, she was a completely different dog,” she says.
“Having a pet is a privilege and not a right, it is our responsibility to take care of them and protect them,” concludes Peterson.
Bonolo Moloi
[email protected]
