Imagine not being able to give your best friend the care he needs
This is a reality for many South Africans, whose dogs are their best friends, their only companions, and their biggest motivation.
In Daveyton, it's a harsh reality, with many, many dogs and people living below the poverty line and needing medical assistance.
People can go to the clinic, but where does someone take his or her beloved dog? Pug Rescue South Africa saw a need and began "Thanda Inja" after the story of a dog called 'Spider' touched their hearts.
'"I live in a corrugated shack with a door and no windows; I lack the most basic needs – no running water, no ablutions and no electricity. Unimaginably to many. My best friend is my beloved, faithful dog who sees beyond the materialistic goods I do not own. He accepts that he is tied up outside at night to protect me as he loves me unconditionally and is my protector. His name is Spider and my name is Eddie. My faithful friend Spider got really sick. I have no money to treat him. No veterinary services are available in the township where I live. I am not permitted to travel in the public transport with my dog. I am so desperate that I walk 15km in my flip flops (as these are the only shoes I own), with Spider, carrying him at times, to find help. My wallet is empty. As I am turned away at the vet, a client, from an animal welfare organization just happens to arrive at the same time, intervenes and offers to cover the veterinary costs of Spider. After Spider spent a few days at the vet and was also sterilised, Spider was transported home by the animal welfare organization, together with food and blankets. Sadly I am one of many people living in my community that do not have access to veterinary care."
I spoke to the incredible woman behind this initiative - Cheryl Gaw, and you can listen to our podcast here:
If you want to help, you can get in touch with Pug Rescue via their Website!