Place of shelter, safety for all animals

TALI FEINBERG

Pictured: Dogs are lovingly cared for at Woodrock Animal Rescue.

This Jewish couple’s motto is “Acta Non Verba – Action Not Words”. Meldau, together with her husband Nicholas, founded the shelter in 1992.

“We believe that every animal deserves a loving, stable, ‘forever home’ and we provide assistance to homeless, abused, neglected, stray, injured, ill, geriatric and unwanted animals,” explains Meldau.

The shelter predominantly looks after dogs, but has also taken in cats, chickens, ducks, geese, pigs, and donkeys… “We will feed and take care of all animals that enter our doors – even bats, owls, monkeys and jackals.”

The rescue centre started off in the suburban area of Woodmead and Khyber Rock, hence the name Woodrock. The Hennops River Valley location is only 25 minutes north of Fourways on the R511 Hartbeespoort Road.

The first port of call at Woodrock is adoption. “Adopt one of our animals and change a life, while opening a space for us to help another animal in need,” appeals Meldau. “The centre has over 100 animals looking for homes and we offer advice on the dogs and pairing your home with the most suitable pet.” The centre is open on weekends.

But if adoption is not an option and you would still like “to make a difference”, you can volunteer.

“Volunteers have a very important role to play in the rehabilitation programme,” says Meldau. “We call our long-term committed volunteers ‘Woodrock Warriors’.” Their role is to assist on weekend mornings with walking and playing with the dogs, and they need to be at least 16 years of age.

“Woodrock is funded through community support. Our important work on behalf of animals is reliant on the generosity of donors,” explains Meldau. Thus one can donate or contribute by sending one’s dog to the centre’s excellent “animal hotel” while the owner is on holiday. All proceeds go towards the rescue centre’s upkeep.

The shelter’s wish list includes its own veterinary clinic and a variety of items ranging from bedding to food to toys.

Woodrock’s work extends beyond the boundaries of the shelter itself. “The (largely underprivileged) communities in our surrounds – Diepsloot and Atteridgeville townships – receive food and medical attention for their domestic animals. We educate them on pet responsibilities and also visit schools,” says Meldau.

With regards to Judaism’s approach to animals, Meldau maintains that is “no different to anyone else’s, if you as a human being know and understand the Torah injunction of ‘watering your animals before yourself’ and adhering to the principle of not harming the helpless.

“I would only hope that our animals are fed, watered and have safe shelter; I ask that that we are kind and nurturing.”

* For more information on Woodrock, adopting, volunteering and contributing, visit www.woodrockanimalrescue.com