They are cute, frisky and homeless – and the unwitting victims of an identity crisis.
Most people don’t consider adopting a dog because they think only “township specials” are available, says Cape of Good Hope SPCA’s Sarah Scarth.
But while the SPCA might not be able to tell who the animals’ “mothers and fathers are”, they are all special and healthy dogs.
“All dogs in the adoption kennels undergo a behavioural assessment, to determine how they interact with people and children.
“We also do various tests to determine what sort of home environment would best suit the dog,” said Scarth.
The homeless dogs now have a new champion: Oscar the famous mutt, who was adopted by Joanne Lefson from the SPCA in 2009, a day before he was due to be put down.
Oscar is now known as the first and only dog to travel the world in the World Woof Tour.
He and Lefson have visited 31 countries to promote pet adoption, and are now travelling around the country on the Pedigree Adoption Tour.
They will visit eight cities and will travel in a dog-shaped hot-air balloon named Oscar Maximus.
On Monday, in Newtown, Joburg, Lefson and Oscar Maximus floated over the Nelson Mandela Bridge while Oscar snoozed at home.
“We left him sulking at home. He wasn’t impressed that he had to wake up at 4am so he’s catching up with his sleep.”
There are 162 dogs waiting to be adopted at the Cape of Good Hope SPCA. Most of them are strays, or those confiscated or surrendered by people who couldn’t look after them anymore.
It costs R525 to adopt a dog, which includes sterilisation, vaccinations and de-worming. The process takes up to three days.
“For those who find a visit to the kennels too emotional and upsetting, there is an option of choosing your dog on our website,” Scarth said.
She said the challenge was getting people to consider adoption.
“Once they reach that point, they realise how easy the process is. Once the home check is complete and approved the dog gets to go to their new home immediately,” said Scarth. - Cape Argus
To adopt a dog, call Kim August on 021 700 4167.
* Win a chance to join Oscar in his hot-air balloon. See today’s Cape Argus for details.