A dynamic dog adoption initiative is hoping to change people’s perceptions of the province’s shelter dogs, as only 2000 out of an estimated 20 000 dogs that pass through the doors of the six main animal shelters in the province are re-homed.
So says Joanne Lefson, animal activist and director of Oscar’s Arc – an NPO born to inspire dog adoption and to save dogs’ lives.
“With such staggeringly low adoption rates, thousands of perfectly fit and healthy dogs of all ages are euthanised each month; all while the market for inhumane puppy mills and backyard breeders continues to prosper,” Lefson says.
She believes this dismal adoption rate is largely due to a general misconception and lack of exposure when it comes to shelter dogs.
“Some people think adopting a dog from a shelter means taking a chance with an animal whose past is unknown and who could have behavioural issues, but this couldn’t be further from the truth – something that any adoptive parent will attest to.
“However, shelters can be overwhelming and are often situated quite far away from city centres, which means many people have very little exposure to shelter dogs.”
In order to flip this perception, Lefson is bringing the shelter to the people.
“Through the Woof Project, a dynamic ‘pop-up’ mobile dog adoption initiative, we’ve managed to give these beautiful, loving animals a chance to meet people who may otherwise have never considered adopting a shelter dog and, by doing so, we are continually accelerating adoption rates and saving the lives of dogs in Western Cape shelters.”
Averaging roughly 12 adoptions per weekend, the Woof Project has already successfully taken close to 200 dogs off death row since its inception in March, and it aims to increase dog adoption rates within the province by 50% by 2018.
The next Woof Project will be held at the Root 44 Market in Stellenbosch on the weekend of 26 and 27 August.
“Those interested in adopting a dog must complete a brief application and, after a home check has been done, the chosen dog is ready to be re-homed.
“For a flexible Name Your Price adoption fee, the dog is micro-chipped, vaccinated and sterilised, and comes with a guarantee that the adoption is a ‘perfect match’ for life,” Lefson says.
Partnering with a number of quality shelters across the region, Lefson says they have big plans for the project and its projected impact, aiming to bring mobile adoption to the rest of the country and abroad within 10 years, saving the lives of some 20 000 dogs.
For more information, call 081 347 0784 or visit oscarsarc.org.
