From humble beginnings
1967 was the year in which Knysna Animal Welfare was started by it's first Inspector, a Mr Morris of Rheenendal. All animals in need of care were collected and brought to his home, where he caringly tended to them. His area stretched from Sedgefield to Knysna, and later incorporated the Harkerville, Plettenberg Bay, and Crags areas. This happened, because the individual animal welfare societies of the time were unable to continue with the work they were doing. All the funds which they collectively had in hand at the time were given to KAWS with the proviso that the extra areas would become part of the welfare portfolio of KAWS.
Dr Eric Robinson or “Prof Robbie” as he was affectionately known, was the next Inspector. It was after his retirement in 1960 at the age of 69, that he became the first private veterinary practitioner in Knysna. In 1977 he gave up his private practice and devoted his time and expertise to KAWS. Dr Robinson was a founder member of Onderstepoort and the first President of KAWS. During his time as Inspector a small kennel area was built near the Knysna sewage farm – the site of the present facility. The unit consisted of 4 kennels, and a primitive cattery.
Dr Andre Reitz followed Doc Robbie as Chairman and Ms Isobel Cuthbert took on the position of Inspector. She was involved with the Society for many years prior to this appointment and after Dr Reitz’s term of office came to an end, she was elected to the chair. Dr Reitz then became the second President of the Society. Ms Cuthbert remained in office for approximately 20 years. The Committee decided to change the name of the Society to the Knysna/Plett Animal Welfare Society during this time to reflect the designated area of operation. (Plettenberg Bay started their own society (PAWS) in 2002, and what was known as KPAWS once again became KAWS – Knysna Animal Welfare Society.)
Ms Mary Charlton, a most involved and long-standing member of the committee became the next Chairman after Ms Cuthbert’s resignation. In 1992 the Chair was taken by Ms Gail le Lean, followed by Ms Merrilyn Thompson in 1994. After her resignation, Ms Di Butlin (Doc Robbie’s grand-daughter) took office. Ms Julie Sprong was the next Chairperson followed by Ms. Cindy Smailes. Anne Schaaff was the next Chairlady, followed by Zoe Morkel, Karel du Toit and Marten van Leeuwen.
Presently Ian Shrosbree is the acting Chairman.
With much dedication over the years, the various Inspectors involved in KAWS have made enormous improvements to the facility. The old kennels were eventually closed, and new kennels were built on the existing stand. Inspector Wendy Pattison worked for KAWS for a number of years, before handing over to Senior Inspector Wendy Abbot in 2002. Wendy and her team continue with their incredible task, and among the many changes and improvements that the years have brought, the humble cattery is now a place of pride and comfort for those in need of love and rehabilitation.
KAWS still continues to run the various outreach programmes.
They also continue to work with the State Veterinarians during various outbreaks of disease, vaccinating for Rabies, Newcastle disease etc.
A visit to KAWS is a most reassuring experience, as any member of the public would be able to see how their contributions have enabled the staff, inspectorate, and Chairpersons to turn money into love, dedication and hope.
Indeed, a good “KAWS”
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We have extended our date for entries till Friday the 3rd of August 2018
Email your images with proof of payment to kawssocial@gmail.com
Remember we are also looking for the winning image to feature on our front page for 2019!
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Why not give a little something…?
Everyone loves a raffle, as the chance to win something completely unexpected is very alluring. It’s also a great money generator – and that’s why we include a raffle for a hamper at our annual Quiz Night. In previous years we have raised over R2000 on the raffle alone !
But, to create the hamper, to raffle to raise the funds, we need things to go in the hamper! Anything yummy, interesting and a little bit luxurious goes in – biltong, sweets, nuts, chocolates, flavoured teas/coffee, popcorn, jams, crisps, sauces, wine, port, sherry, biscuits, cheese, olives, pâté…. So… we’d really like to ask you to have a look through your store cupboards and see if you have a packet, tin or bottle or two to donate to KAWS for our upcoming Quiz Night raffle please - anything goes – as cheap or as expensive as you like! Nothing is too small! Just think of the sort of thing YOU would like to unpack if you won it. J
If you can donate anything towards this – either that you already have or maybe that you’d like to buy to donate, you can drop it off at our kennels in Marlin Street or at our charity shop in Market Street in town – please just mark it clearly for the Quiz Night raffle so our helpers don’t think they are in luck with the yummy food items being donated to them! Or you can contact Cathie to collect from you – 083 291 7967.
Again, as always – thank you!
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Happy 100th Birthday Madiba!!
MINI SPAY DAY....
In Celebration of Madiba's 100th Birthday, our Society hosted a mini spay day in partnership with Knysna Vets, George Rex Vets and Blackwaters Vets.
A total of 20 animals from Nekkies, White Location and Concordia were sterilized in just over 4 hours.
A huge thank you to Dr Ralph, Dr Pieter, Dr Leon and Dr Anesca, Kaws Theatre team and post op-volunteers, as well as Watershed Animal Welfare and various members of public for sponsoring the sterilizations.
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SANPARKS MAKE-OVER PROJECT...
A few staff members from our local SANPARKS office, offered to repaint our Dog Quarantine Kennels as part of Mandela Day.
Thank you Wessel and Melanie for organizing the crew and paint donated.
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A HUGE THANK YOU TO ALL THE VOLUNTEERS
( LESLEY FOX, MARIAN GESELL, SUZIE LAMBERT, GILL HOGGS, ANNE DAY, AUDREY HOWE, HELGA STEINGINGER, ANNE EDWARDS, BEANCA, ANE, NICOLENE, ELAINE HUNNEYSETT, NIGEL GREY, CHRISTINE MULLER, BERYL BADENHORST, ANNE SCHAAFF , JACQUI MANSFIELD, GERTIE SOANES, LUCINDA PALMER, JOAN, PETRA TEN VELDE, COLLEEN UNDERWOOD AND BRENDA MURPHY)
WE MANAGED TO RAISE JUST OVER R7 000.
WE WOULD ALSO LIKE TO THANK THE PUBLIC FOR THEIR GENEROSITY AND OUR LOCAL BUSINESSES FOR ALLOWING US TO COLLECT ON THEIR PREMISES.
Should you wish to add your name to the list of willing volunteers to assist for an hour or two with our next street collection, please forward your details to Retha at kawssocial@gmail.com - we would love to have you!
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We have only 19 copies left of our 2018 calendar @ R50,
available at the KAWS OFFICE
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ADOPT DON'T SHOP!
KNYSNA ANIMAL WELFARE SOCIETY INVITED TO TAKE PART IN AN GLOBAL EVENT BY THE
International Society for Animal Rights
FEEL FREE TO VISIT Knysna Animal Welfare Society ‘s IHAD event has posted to ISAR’s website (http://isaronline.org/ihad-international-events/), IHAD Facebook Event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/351074315347225/ and has been shared on our social media network.
SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL SHELTER THIS INTERNATIONAL HOMELESS ANIMALS' DAY - 18 AUGUST 2018
MAKE A DONATION TOWARDS ONE OF THE FOLLOWING PROJECTS OR CONSIDER ADOPTION
* SPONSOR A SPAY - R350
* SPONSOR A VACCINATION - R120
SPONSOR A KENNEL - R500
* MEDICAL CARE DONATION
* FOOD DONATION
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We deal with hundreds of animals donated to our Society on a monthly basis.
We wish we could save them all, but the reality is we just do not have the space or funding to do so.
But this is how you can help.
Shelter animals are not broken, they are gentle creatures with a history, some a bit more sensitive than others, but they need just as much love and compassion as animals from registered breeders and pet shops.
Illegal breeding is adding to countless animals abandoned or surrendered to shelters world wide, that is why we are so pro active regarding sterilization.
So next time you are considering to have a pet, visit your local shelter and take a moment to meet the shy fur ball hiding in the kennel, or the jack in a box personality jumping and barking next to the fence to get your attention, you might be pleasantly surprised that the weird looking x breed wirehair terrier, might have a great personality that would suit your family life, perfectly.......
Our Adoption Fee:
Dogs: R650 / Cats: R600
This fee includes the first 2 vaccinations, sterilization, microchip.
Cats are tested for FIV and the dogs get a free puppy/ dog training class from Karis (HAPPY DOGS)
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In Loving Memory of great supporters, Carole Lee (18.02.14) & David Lee (24.06.18) as well as rescue dog, Billy, that passed away during the 2017 Knysna fires
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Dogs in Heat: 9 Things to Know
What should you do if your dog is in heat? And what are the signs of a female dog in heat in the first place? We've compiled some facts about dogs in heat.
Jackie Brown | Feb 8th 2018
Do dogs have periods? Not the same way that female humans do. Female dogs who aren’t spayed go into heat and the amount of time a female dog bleeds and when she’s fertile varies greatly from a human menstrual cycle. Let’s discuss some facts about dogs in heat — and why it’s important to spay your female dog!
1. A dog heat cycle only happens once or twice a year.
The canine estrus cycle (commonly referred to as the dog heat cycle) occurs every 6 to 12 months.
2. A puppy can go into heat sooner than you think.
The earliest that most dogs will experience their first heat cycle is at 6 months of age.
3. Dogs in heat should stay away from intact male dogs for 3 to 4 weeks.
This means no dog parks or doggie day care visits. “Anytime a dog is in heat, assume it’s going to be at least a month and keep them away from male dogs during that time,” says Nancy Kelso, DVM, medical director at VCA Columbia Animal Hospital at Hickory Ridge in Columbia, Maryland. “Generally, neutered males are fine, however, it’s also stressful for intact males to live in the same house as a female in heat so we usually recommend totally separating them.” If possible, send one of the dogs to stay with a relative or friend for a month or so.
4. Don’t think you’re in the clear once the bleeding stops.
Each dog heat cycle lasts 3 to 4 weeks, but you will only see bleeding during the first 2 weeks. “The fertile period is actually when the bloody discharge starts to subside and it becomes pink or clear and there’s much less of it,” Dr. Kelso says. “Even the swelling of the vulva goes down substantially so a lot of people think the dog is out of heat, but no, that’s actually the prime fertile time.”
5. The bleeding from dogs in heat isn’t as bad as you might think.
“Fortunately, in most dogs it’s not a large amount, it’s relatively small,” Dr. Kelso explains. “Some people will use sanitary diapers for dogs.” With some dogs, you won’t really notice the bleeding.
6. Don’t delay scheduling your dogs spay.
It’s best to have your female dog spayed prior to her first heat cycle. If your new dog goes into heat before you can get her spayed, your vet might suggest waiting until she is done before spaying her. “It can be done while they are in heat or immediately after, but it’s not the ideal time because the uterus is much larger and much more vascular at that time,” Dr. Kelso says. “If we have the luxury of time, then the perfect scenario is we wait about two months after they’ve been in heat to spay them, but if we need to get it done because they’re getting adopted out then we’ll definitely spay shortly after heat or when we need to.”
7. Spaying your dog decreases her chances of developing mammary cancer.
Mammary cancer is the equivalent of breast cancer in dogs. Check your female pup regularly for lumps in her breast tissue (from her armpit to her groin). If you feel something suspicious, schedule an appointment with your vet.
8. Pyometra is another danger for female dogs who aren’t spayed.
Pyometra is an infection of the uterus. It can be deadly and almost always requires an emergency spay surgery. If the infection is “open” (meaning the cervix is open) it can be easier for veterinarians to diagnose because there is usually foul-smelling discharge from the vaginal area. “Dogs can also have a variety where the cervix is closed, so the pus is actually building up inside the dog and those dogs get really sick,” Dr. Kelso says. “They don’t eat, they don’t drink and they run a high fever. If you see any of those symptoms, you should bring her in to a veterinarian.”
9. Dogs know when they are in heat and fertile — and when they are not.
“Dogs know when they’re ready to be bred,” Dr. Kelso says. “They get a little more flirtatious. Sometimes they might be a little grumpy at the beginning of heat. If a dog tries to mount them or something, they’re basically saying, ‘I’m not ready.’”
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Please drop your old and unwanted dog and cat collars as well as leads at our kennels in 1 Marlin Road. It is great to hand them to dogs visiting our clinic, that way we make sure they are safe on their way home and the next time they go for a walk.
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BRING OUT YOUR GOODIES!
We’re now halfway through the year and our fundraising team are counting the months until the Leisure Isle Festival in November. As always we will have our “gently upcycled” stall there selling pre-loved items which are repackaged and prettified for the public to buy. Our stall is always one of the most popular ones there and people make it their first stop for Christmas gifts - last year we were almost sold out at the end of the first day and made a record amount of money! Some of the items that we use for these gifts are sourced from the KAWS charity shop in Market Street, kindly provided by Mikey and her team, and the rest are direct donations from our supporters. We can use anything that you no longer need – as long as it’s unused and in good condition of course! Toiletries, jewellery, bags, toys, books, ornaments, fine china, collectibles – and of course any unwanted gifts that you might have stashed away as well! We will also have our “Curiosities and Collectables” section as well this year for those special and treasured items that you might like to donate. So please have a look through your cupboards and do a de-clutter – and let us re-use what you no longer need. Any items specifically for the KAWS Christmas Table can be dropped off at Trellidor on the Main Road in Knysna or you can contact Elaine on 082 360 4580 or Cathie on 083 291 7967 to arrange collection. |
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Have you taken out your membership yet?
R100 per year for Annual Members and
R2500 for Life Membership
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A huge thank you to each and every supporter, organization and business for their support during the month of July, we appreciate every donation received!
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