GEORGE NEWS - He was found as a stray in the CBD, but when the energetic crossbreed, Steel Panther, crossed paths with Donatella Pontesilli in March this year, his life changed forever.
"I was driving through the CBD when I saw him running in the street. He was confused and while I was looking for somewhere to stop he was knocked down by another car. I picked him up and took him to Odin in Blanco for help. He was flea ridden, dirty and neglected," says Pontesilli.
Jam initiative
But rescuing Steel didn't stop after she dropped him off at Odin. Not only is she sponsoring his boarding fee and vet bills while he waits to be adopted, she has also started a jam initiative to collect money in aid of Steel and all the other animals at the facility.
"Steel really spoke to my heart and he inspired me to run this jam initiative to pay his way and involve the community to help Odin and their animals. It all started with some grapes I had growing in my backyard. I decided to make grape jam and sell it to collect money for Steel and Odin," she says.
Some outside playtime with, from left: Salomé Bruyns, Donatella Pontesilli and Estelanie van Wyk. Steel will jump straight into your heart. He is happy at Odin, but this loving and energetic boy would really love his own 'furever' home. Photo: Kristy Kolberg
A friend then gave her some Makataan, which she made into preserve. "Someone else gave me cherry tomatoes and I made chilli tomato jam. I've also made orange and gin marmalade and next I'm going to experiment with tequila, lemon and salt. Obviously all my jams contain about 2kg of sugar," she laughs.
Pontesilli's creative jams can be bought directly from Odin or through a Facebook message. Alternatively, it can be ordered from Smith.
Rescues need our money and our help
"Donna has been one of our first supporters from George," says Odin's chairperson, Colleen Smith. "She has gone beyond the extra mile to show what rescue really means and that it goes much further than picking up a stray and dropping it at the nearest rescue centre."
Pontesilli appeals to the community to really get involved with rescue. "You don't need to adopt a dog or a cat to rescue them. The rescues need our donations and our help. There are so many ways to get involved and educate people. Sell your old clothes and white elephant items and donate the money to an animal welfare."
Car boot sale
Bring the family and sell or buy at the Odin flea market at Tantivvey Kennels in Blanco this Sunday from 10:00 to 14:00 at R50 per stall. Anything goes - plants, fresh produce, food, clothes, bric-a-brac, dog and cat accessories and more. Pontesilli's creative jams will also be available for sale.
Visit Odin at Tantivvey in Blanco and meet Steel and all his friends who are waiting to be adopted.
For more information about Odin, adoptions and getting involved with rescue, contact Smith on 072 084 1374.
Iggy, now called Dob-Bobby, was adopted by Pontesilli in 2018 after Smith rescued him.
A very happy Dob-Bobby at his furever home.
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