Kennel Sleepover raises R182 257 for homeless animals

Posted on 2024-08-26 14:44:00

Thanks to the boundless enthusiasm of our 14 kennel guests – and their unbelievably generous sponsors – our annual kennel sleepover fundraiser broke all records this year.

Sincere thanks to our amazing guests: Alexa Lazarus, Brigid MCleary, Claire Fuller, Claudette Lingefelder, Debbie Caires, Glenda Finegan, Kaz Naidoo, Mandy Andrietta Kunigan, Nerissa Maharaj, Robyn Meloni, Senta Seele, Sharlene Heaven, Tilanie Grote and Tracy-Lee Sydney for volunteering to spend the night in our SPCA kennels in solidarity with homeless animals who find a safe haven here.

Each guest set their own ‘adoption fee’ which they had to raise in order to get back home. Many ended up increasing their goals as friends, colleagues and family members emptied their wallets.

The evening started off with plenty of fun and laughter, as guests participated in games and visitors came to join in the fun. But as the sun went down and darkness settled over the kennels, the reality of what life is like for stray and unwanted dogs who find themselves here set in.

Guests endured a night of discomfort confined in the small space, listening to the lonely sound of dogs barking and howling and fending off the mosquitos. They were asked to write a poem about their experience, and we’ve reprinted some below. Brigid McCleary and Mandy Kunigan touched on the big difference between sleeping in a kennel for one night for fun – and animals who spend weeks or even months behind bars.

Every year, our SPCA admits over 13 000 homeless animals. All funds raised from this event will go towards the cost of feeding and sheltering these furry orphans, while we strive to find them forever homes.

Off I go to the lockup row
Unlike the dogs and cats who stay locked inside for nights and days
I come with blankets, pillows, snacks and lights
And get fed Gormley meals with deserts and the like…
While our poor furry friends stare through their bars
Their sad little eyes pleading for a “YES” to go home …
And their gentle tales tap In anticipation and hope!
“You’re looking me….
Perhaps, could it be?
Please take me home
Please, Please choose me. – Brigid McCleary

Here we are at the SPCA
To see what it feels like to be uncomfortable for a while
Mozzies abound
Laughter all around
Dogs barking
People laughing
But the serious side Is what we can’t hide
So many furries looking for a home
Don’t leave them alone
Adopt! Don’t shop! Show our babies some love
Make them gifts from above
Adopt a baby
Don’t be crazy
Don’t make it maybe
Adopt a friend, To the end! – Glenda Finegan

It makes no difference of your age
You are all welcome to join us in the cage.
This will bring in the required money
So the yard cats can enjoy some milk and honey
Fun and games will own the night
Blanket show will make an interesting sight
Special fur babies we are here to help
But maybe by midnight we won’t want their yelp
SPCA - what you do is amazing
And on this we will ponder as we enjoy our star gazing – Debbie Caires

Tonight, I lie beneath the stars,
Not in comfort, but within bars,
A shelter’s walls, a humble bed,
Where countless paws have softly tread.
The night is still, the world at rest,
Yet here, my heart swells in my chest.
For in this space, I stand with those,
Whose loyalty in silence shows.
Each bark, each whimper, every sigh.
A language unspoken, yet crystal clear.
They've known the pain, the cold, the fear,
Yet greet the world with joy sincere
Tomorrow comes, but still I’ll keep,
The memory of this night's sleep,
Where I, in humble company,
Found peace in shared humanity. – Mandy Kunigan

Woof woof
Through the roof
Not too old
To brave the cold
Uwa ladies
Here for the fur babies
C'mon Honey
Give us your money
To fill their tummies
With lots of yummies – Kaz Naidoo