When I dropped in at DARG on Sept 1 to ask for some information on fostering, I certainly didn’t expect that the outcome would be what it was.  David explained the different foster plans, the last of which was to take a semi-permanent foster…a dog that didn’t stand a good chance at adoption but might not have a lot of time left.  That’s when he introduced me to Storm, a greying brindle American Bull Terrier.  They told me she was very social, somewhat arthritic and not good with other dogs.  Within a few minutes, my car was loaded with Storm and her various accessories.  Getting my first foster was quicker than expected but certainly not quicker than I wanted.

Storm has been with me now for almost 2 weeks and the match couldn’t be better.  She can’t walk up and down the stairs, so we simply go from the living room to the bedroom and back by going outside and taking the sloping walk through our yard.  She loves to be outside and has even begun to “chase” her tennis ball when it’s tossed a few steps away.  She has a few squeeky toys and enjoys when I sit on the floor and play tug of war with her.  When she’s feeling playful, she rolls onto her back and wants to have her toys held while she plays with them.  I’d say she’s finding a little playtime is good for even old souls like she and I.

A few days after getting Storm I was asked if I could also take a short term (2 weeks) foster, a 4 month old puppy named Dalmy and I agreed to give it a try.  It’s been very interesting how Stormy has adopted the puppy, and shares her toys, her rawhides and even her bed with little Dalmy.  We take the two of them to the beach for a walk and Stormy has been very receptive to other dogs approaching her although I keep her on a leash to be on the safe side.  The only agressiveness I’ve seen her show toward other dogs is when one approaches Dalmy….she really has issues with that and lets them know quickly this is her baby.  But Dalmy can crawl on her, lay on her, and play with her.  And when Stormy has had enough and is ready to rest, she gives a gruff bark and Dalmy knows playtime is over.

I know I spoiled her just a little (or a LOT)!  She does not appreciate it when I move from one room to the next unless she is at my feet.  On the occassions I head upstairs where she can’t follow, she sits at the bottom and whines until I obligingly return.  Due to her age she is on a special food to help her mobility as well as medication that eases some of her stiffness.  I also have taken to making homemade dog food mix of boiled chicken with brown rice which I mix with both of their dry foods to make it just a little more appetizing.  As you can tell, we’ve become quite attached to one another and I’m already starting to dread having to bring her back to the shelter for my 4 week holiday trip back home in December.  But knowing she will come back “home” when I get back is comforting.

It’s been amazing having her with me and whether we have 6 weeks,  6 months or the full 3 years together, I will cherish all of it.  To the staff at DARG who put so much effort into caring for and rehoming the animals there, THANK YOU.  You are an amazing group and I look forward to working with you for my duration in Cape Town.

Best regards,
Vicki

This gallery will contain the strays we are currently looking after. After fourteen days, we put the strays up for adoption, and they get moved to the regular adoption galleries.

Please try and regularly look at the Stray Gallery to see if there are any animals you know!

All funds raised go directly towards the basic medical care and the sterilization of cats and dogs living in the two informal settlements of Hout Bay: Imizamo Yethu and Hangberg Village.

DARG has always worked hand-in-hand with P.E.T.S to try and improve the lives of animals belonging to the less fortunate. Cash raised during this fun evening of laughs and crazy trivia will go towards that goal.

Here’s what you need to know:

• Date: 7pm, Friday 28 August 2009
• Venue: Pirates Restaurant (next to Spar), Victoria Rd, Hout Bay.
• Cost: R50 per person, 6 – 8 people per table.
  

Book your table asap (latest 26 Aug!)

For all enquiries and details, contact Helen on 072 242 5654.

Check out the restaurant here.

We found this poor pup emaciated and abused, and managed to rescue her in the nick of time. We’ve been feeding her up, and already she is looking much better.

Twixie is a female Alsation cross. She’s an incredibly sweet and gentle dog who loves human company as well as other dogs. She needs a foster home for a couple of months to recover fully before she finds her forever home. When she’s better, Twix is going to make some lucky family a really outstanding pet.

Contact us for more details!

Jessica, a 15yr old female Pug (black) has just lost her home. She is confused and desperately needs to find a new home.

Despite her age, Jessica is lively, friendly, very cuddly and easy going. She just needs someone willing to provide her with a cosy bed and lots of kisses for the remainder of her days.

If you cannot adopt Jessica yourself, you can still help by speaking to your friends and family.

Thank you! Woof!

Our beloved Spencer was only with us for a short time. He was rescued with mange and starving. He had the sweetest nature.

We were treating the mange, as well as giving him lots of chicken and treats and LOVE. He spent about 3 weeks with us, but sadly wasn’t getting better. He was taken to the vet, who quickly discovered that his organs were shutting down. There was nothing more that could be done.

Dear Spencer passed away on Tuesday 23 June. He will be missed by all.

We honestly can’t easily tell you how much this sort of generosity means to the us and the animals. Let’s just say you just made our winter!

She’s on arthritis medication, and if she finds the right person to take her home, DARG is willing to help out in that area.

All she wants is cuddles, laps, a warm cosy cushion near the fireplace and lots of love! She needs nothing more than a short walk around the block or in the garden. She would prefer being a single dog.

Storm
This very old lady was abandoned and is desperate for another chance to end her days in a loving comfy home. Her hobbies are sleeping, licking, snuggling and nudging. She is very fond of kids and doesn't mind other CALM 4 legged creatures. DARG is willing to help with her arthritis medication, all she really needs is a soft doggie bed and lots of cuddles! Storm has enormous amounts of love to give!!

Check out the before and after photos!

 

Mungo
When Mungo came in, he was dirty, had matted, irritated skin, a serious injury on her back leg where bone was exposed. Here's Mungo today: clean, healed leg, groomed, adorable, bouncy, joyous little guy! Loves life!

“I recently (25th May) adopted Jorge, now named **GABRIEL** from you guys at DARG.

Here are some pictures of him now…. he’s the best doggy in the world and is very very very loved!!!!!!!!

Even the kitty cats seem to love him in their own way.. So I sent some pictures of him and his friends.”

Thanks Nicole. Hope your new pup gives you many years of super slobbery happiness! Here are the pics that Nicole sent in of Gabriel and two of his new kitty-cat friends…