Education, alongside sterilization, must be one of the most important jobs Winelands SPCA has to tackle - and also one of the most difficult.

In the communities in which WSPCA works there is such dire poverty, that a simple question "What food do you buy for your dog to eat?" can be met with a puzzled look. Where so many families and individuals struggle to feed themselves, pet food is a luxury many cannot afford. Fortunately small dogs can survive well on "huiskos" but the larger breeds will never flourish. Similarly where violence and shouting can be the norm, a request to speak gently to the puppy and carry it properly is often met with amazement. Nevertheless as can be seen in these happy photos, there are many children who derive great pleasure from their pets.

On 22nd June, Winelands was visited by 27 learners from Robertson Primary School with their teachers. Volunteers and staff were at the ready, as this was a pre-planned visit. The group was split into four teams, Pavement Specials, Rottweilers, Border Collies and Jack Russels! Each team had a quiz to complete as they toured the various stations, from cattery to dip bath to operating theatre to hospital kennels etc. They were also entertained and instructed by a ventriloquist doll as to the basic rules for animal care - vaccinating, de-worming and more. After refreshments everyone went home with their quiz sheets mostly completed and with a WSPCA calendar, still valid for another six months. A good time was had by all, but the afternoon flew too fast for photos.

A donation of over R600 accompanied the children. What wonderful support and what a happy visit.

April School Holidays and we take our best friends to the dip station!