‘Tis the season and all

This weekend was a particularly heart breaking one for me. In all my infinite wisdom, I suggested to my folks after a lovely Saturday lunch that we should pop on over to DARG (Domestic Animal Rescue Group) so I could have a look around at the pupperoos and see if they wanted our unwanted stuff.

Unfortunately, while walking around there was more than one pupperoo there to start my waterworks and by the time we left I was completely depressed. In fact, if you’re interested, there’s a lovely Mastiff looking for a loving family after his callously decided to emigrate and abandon him to fate. He’s an absolutely beautiful creature with the saddest eyes I have ever seen. I swear, if I had the room for such a big dog I would have started the adoption process right then and there.

EDIT: Checked the Facebook group and found a picture of him. His name is Otto. “+-7yr old male Argentinian Mastiff (aka. Dogo Argentino). Owners emigrated. Very affectionate and well mannered. Excellent around children. Prefers the company of female dogs. NO CATS.”

There was a wee young lass that did catch my eye though. She’s a small black…mixed breed and is an absolute gem. Seemed playful with the other dogs and was very loving whilst I played with her. Unfortunately, the Nazi Leadership in our house has said that I can’t adopt a pupperoo until I’m making more money from home so, I’ve had to let go any hope of running over there and snagging her up. So if a big dog like the Mastiff isn’t for you, there is a small young girl by the name of Cody that will be the perfect small dog for anyone.

Cat people, don’t despair, DARG also currently has oodles and oodles of kittens and cats in every flavour.

Onto the real meat of the post though.

I know many people aren’t looking to adopt the perfect mutt that will love them through thick and thin, and considering what a year it’s been, many people can’t afford it. That being said, you can afford to give up cigarettes or cake for a day and make a small donation.

DARG are currently trying to raise just under R1000 for some medecine for their pupperoos. I believe it’s arthritus medication for the older guys and girls but don’t quote me on that. I was too heartsore by the time I read the signage.

So if you can afford to give away anything, even if it’s like R10, please consider donating it to this wonderful organisation. They don’t receive grants of any kind and rely solely on people’s kindness to take care of all those wonderful animals, all the while having a no kill policy. They also do some wonderful work in the Hout Bay community by educating people on how to take care of their animals.

If you DO want to make a donation:

There are a number of ways in which you could make a donation to DARG:

* If you have telephone banking you can phone your bank to make a direct payment to DARG using the account details below.

* If you have on-line banking you can make a transfer directly from your bank account to DARG’s via the internet.

* If you do not have access to either of the above you can simply go into the nearest Standard Bank and make your deposit via a teller.

* You could also visit the adoption centre on Main Road, Hout Bay, where we can take your cash donation and give you a tour.

Bank details for once-off donations:

Bank:  Standard Bank
Beneficiary:  DOMESTIC ANIMAL RESCUE GROUP
Account No:  071041273
Branch:  Sea Point
Branch Code:  024109
Swift Code:  SBZAZAJJ

If you wish to sponsor a particular animal, please quote their name in the reference section of the deposit slip as follows:  Sponsor – ………….. (name of animal you wish to sponsor).

For international money transfers, the Swift Code, Standard Bank physical and
postal address, and their contact details will also be required by your bank:

Branch name:  SEA POINT
Physical Address:  220 MAIN ROAD, SEA POINT, WESTERN CAPE, SOUTH AFRICA
Postal Address:  PO BOX 1, SEA POINT, CAPE TOWN, WESTERN CAPE, S.A.
Telephone (Local Customers):  0860101341
Telephone (International Customers):  +27 21 401 3396
Fax:  +27 21 439 9837

But wait! There’s more! DARG are also running programs to get your kids involved with the animals:

MORNING ‘HANDS ON’ ACTIVITIES
Fun for 8 – 12 year olds.
Come have fun with our dogs, puppies, cats, kittens, donkeys, rabbits, chickens, cows, pigs and sheep! Monday to Friday from 9am – midday starting 7 December. R50 per session.

AFTERNOON FUN DOG TRAINING
Fun for 13 – 15 year olds.
A six week course on Tuesdays from 3 – 4.30pm starting 8 December. R600 per course with a certificate on completion.

ALSO…* ELECTRIFYING ANIMAL WORKSHOPS IN 2010 *

NOAH’S MARATHON
Fun for 8 – 12 year olds
A stimulating year with different animal themes each month! Monthly prizes with one grand annual award for one 12 month learner. R200 per month of four sessions.

AFTERNOON FUN DOG TRAINING FOLLOW UP
For 13 – 15 year olds who complete the 6 week holiday dog training course.
Come further your dog training skills with jumps and tricks!!

BOOKING IS ESSENTIAL FOR ALL PROGRAMS.   CONTACT SONIA ON 072 181 5096

Seriously, it’s a great cause.

One more thing, they’re always looking for volunteers (something I’ll be contacting them to do at the beginning of next year) so contact them if you have the time or the inclination.

Oh, and if you have anything in your house that you don’t need anymore, they’ll be more than willing to take it off your hands and try and do something with it. Just give them a call.

Website (again in case you missed it up there)