23-06-2025
Sunlit shelter stroll brightens dogs' lifes
On a brilliantly sunny day on June 21 in Aristea Park, Pretoria North, the soccer field adjacent to Wollies Animal Shelter's kennels and cattery buzzed with laughter, wagging tails, and some hearty barking.
Families, groups of friends and dog lovers, some coming as far as Lenasia, turned out for Wollies' much-anticipated annual Dog Walk, covering almost 3km of sunlit trails near Rooikat Street.
The driving force behind Wollies, Cilla Trexler, greeted the crowd.
She also shared a heartfelt appeal: 'We would appreciate some food. The food goes so fast as we have 700 dogs and 400 cats.'
Wollies also supports the pets of more than 50 local families monthly and sends volunteers to Soshanguve with food donations for families who cannot afford to feed their pets.
Trexler added: 'We always welcome financial donations, but we also appreciate it if people donate time just to come and play with the dogs in the kennels and give them love and attention.'
She emphasised the therapeutic benefits of volunteering at animal shelters: 'It takes away stress. When people are among animals, they relax, even if they are a little bit sad when they depart because they have to leave the animals behind.'
Founded 13 years ago, Wollies began as a sterilisation project and grew into a full-scale shelter.
Today, it welcomes nearly 1 100 animals (700 dogs and 400 cats) until they find forever homes.
Regular visitor during dog walks, Theresa Klopper, who lives in a flat and cannot keep a dog full-time, said she enjoys getting out for a day and walking a dog.
'It is good to be out in the sun doing something good,' said Klopper.
The event also featured a silent art auction, showcasing donated works by local artists and exhibited by Stephan Cronjé and Laurette Williams. A wine tasting provided a festive atmosphere. All proceeds will directly benefit Wollies' care efforts.
Calling the community to pitch in, Trexler said Wollies is seeking:
– Donated food (dry or wet for dogs and cats)
– Unused kennels
– Building materials: wire and wood to maintain or build new enclosures.
– Rekord's sales team would also like to make a call for donations from the community for Wollies. The sales team plans to visit Wollies on August 8 and would like to take food to the shelter for dogs and cats – tinned as well as dry food. The final day for drop-offs from readers is August 6 in the foyer of the Capital Media building on Orpen Avenue 32, Brummeria. More info from Sajedah Ameer on sajedaha@
ALSO READ: Rekord readers' generosity brings relief to Tshwane SPCA
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