GEORGE NEWS - The September George Good Citizen of the month is Colleen Smith and her team at Oudtshoorn Dogs in Need (Odin).
Mikaila Hendricks of We Are George spoke to Smith about Odin and what people can do to help.
How did Odin begin?
I went to adopt a puppy for my son visiting from Cape Town from our local municipal pound nearly five years ago, and came across a harrowing situation. I realised there is nobody called somebody and I would have to step in and see to the welfare of the animals in the area. Soon I had a fantastic team and this small, committed, exhausted team is still with us.
It all started in Oudtshoorn, spread to farms and adjacent towns and now our adoption centre for our abused and neglected rescues is in Blanco in George. Georgians have supported us from day one. Everyone had to drive over the mountain to adopt and support, so we decided to bring the adoption dogs to the people that support them in any event.
That means we have two kennels - CAW and CG. We have up to 300 dogs being looked after, plus we support the dogs in the Karoo and Garden Route District with follow-ups.
What does being chosen as the George Good Citizen mean to you?
It shows that people care for animals. Especially the amazing Georgians that recognise the hard work, sacrifices and effort Odin has put into the welfare of our animals and the education of the community. We do not get any money from municipalities, government or the tooth fairy. We rely solely on the goodwill of our fantastic supporters.
What exactly does Odin do?
We focus on education - being proactive instead of reactive. We educate instead of driving in and collecting sick dogs to put to sleep (PTS). Often it is just various stages of mange, tick bite fever or a transmissible venereal tumor (TVT) - all treatable and animals can get to stay with their owners, reducing the need for more pups.
Our focus is on outreaches - every single day!
We are a pro life organisation. Our mantra is 'Educate, medicate, rescue and re-home'. We believe in getting the yard dog healthy - vaccinate, sterilise, off a chain and only the allocated number of dogs for their specific space.
We do not believe in guns blazing. To just remove and PTS does not teach compassion or responsibility. We believe that getting the yard dog healthy and sterilised, reduces the need for breeding pups to supply endless streams of puppies dying due to non-vaccination (Parvo virus).
We work every hour of the day and night in both kennels with a minute team of only 13 people.
Only myself and Magda Davel conduct outreaches and our working committee member and volunteers - Lizelle Mouton, Anemie Church, Linda Nel and Ansa de Jager - see to the township animals after hours and weekends, often only getting home at 20:00 at night.
Then reacting to all calls during the night as well. They also oversee our kennels (housed at the pound) seven days a week. Both kennels are open to the public for participation Monday to Sunday. We are always happy to receive visitors.
What do you want to educate people the most on?
Compassion. That your pet is family. No animal ever to stand on a chain or sit in a crate. And proper care - sterilisation and no breeding. Sleeping in the house is better for them. We reward children who show compassion and those who learn and those who inform us of atrocities or animals in need.
The Odin team, Davin Esbach (left), John Banda, Colleen Smith, Lucinda Tarentaal, Faans Maart, JJ Johnson, Amber du Preez and Estelanie van Wyk.
Are there any laws that responsible pet owners should keep in mind?
Yes, the no breeding by-laws and that no dogs are allowed to be chained unless for a short period and for a good reason, i.e. improving on fencing. The Animal Protection Act 71 of 1962 is a fantastic tool and fortunately I do have magisterial authority and am in the same position as any SPCA inspector with the same authority, to warn or remove animals for any contravention of the Act.
How can the public support Odin?
We have started a Club 100. I am proud to say this idea came to me late one desperate night nearly two years ago and slowly but surely, the monthly contributions of committed supporters help us pay towards operational costs. We don't nearly cover our expenses, but it is definitely the most sustainable means of supporting animals in need.
We are always desperate for funds to build kennels, pay our vet bills of R90 000 per month and complete our boarding kennels - which is an absolute must, since it is a sustainable income.
We always need dog and cat food, cat sand, good quality puppy food, blankets, electricity and even a Wendy house. But most important - just pitch at the kennels any day, any time. We are open seven days a week and always need people to spend time with the animals, giving them attention.
Money cannot buy love. Nothing replaces hugging a rescue dog, throwing a ball or just taking a dog for a foster weekend.
Anything else you would like to add?
It is because of our supporters' goodwill that we are where we are today. Thank you to each and every one for their contributions in whatever manner. We are only 13 staff and only 9 on duty daily between two huge operations. If we are slow on social media to thank you, please note we will get there - we do our scheduled postings from 03:30 in the morning to 07:00 and are exhausted, but every day we look around and see that you, our supporters, have made this all possible.
You are the real reason every animal is cared for and every person is educated. We will continue with the work as long as we have your support.
Nominate and vote
We Are George, George Herald and other role players support the George Good Citizen Award initiative. The award recognises deserving citizens who walk the extra mile.
A prize of R1 000 cash is awarded each month to the winner. To vote or nominate, go to the George Herald Facebook page and click through to the Facebook pages of We Are George or George Good Citizen Awards.
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