Celebrate Halloween with a Barket Day: Adopt a rescue dog in Queensburgh
Experience a Halloween-themed ‘Barket Day’ at Ridley Park in Queensburgh where you will have an opportunity to adopt.
The event, hosted by the KZN Dog House, will be held on October 26 from 4pm to 10pm.
You can take your dog on leash where you can have your pet vaccinated and/or microchipped (at a fee). There will also be food stalls and activities for children.
The KZN Dog House, in Carrick Road in Queensburgh, is a non profit organisation that was founded by Sauri Moodley, of Queensburgh, on February 19, 2021, which was her 24th birthday.
“While growing up, my dad used to bring home stray dogs, so the act of helping animals was something I grew up with.
"In October 2020, I saw a post on Facebook about a puppy running around the streets of Newlands West and it sparked something, so at 8pm I jumped in my car with a friend and we went to rescue this puppy.
“I had no experience in catching a dog, so it was a difficult task. We eventually captured her but she was frightened and ended up urinating and defecating on me and she bit me but it was worth it because we were able to save her life. She had branding marks on her legs, which meant she was used for dog fighting. We named her Lola. She is now 4-years-old and the longest resident at the KZN Dog House.”
The KZN Dog House sanctuary currently has 61 dogs, there are a few dogs at Moodley's home, and others in foster homes.
"So we provide food for all of them. We only have a few sponsors and the rest is self-funded. The dogs require around 800kg of food per month, and it costs around R20 000 for vet bills monthly.
"The KZN Dog House is a safe haven for dogs. We are a 'no kill shelter', which means we do not euthanise animals. If we cannot find homes for them, we will take care of them until they are adopted. We are currently at full capacity. If we get calls to take in more animals, we have to explain that this would not be possible."
She said in April they managed to rebuild and create a new, safer area for the dogs after severe flooding three years ago damaged the property. One dog had also died.
"They are now on higher ground and have 4 000 square metres of land to run around. We also have some cages and shelter for them but they are only put in these when we have visitors. Two people live on the property with them to ensure they are always supervised.”
Moodley, a marine biologist who works in her family's logistics company, said she had helped 600 dogs over the years - either providing them with shelter, re-homing them, or having them sterilised.
If you are interested in adopting a dog, you have to complete an application form and a home visit would follow.
"After you choose the dog you want, we do an induction to ensure it gets on with you and any other pets you may have. If everything goes well, you may fill out an adoption form to complete the process. We also do follow-up checks to ensure the dog is well taken care of.”
For more information about adoption or becoming a volunteer, WhatsApp 071 929 6457.