By Richelle Graham | Rescue Manager
Dear Friends and Supporters,
As we look back over the last three months, we are struck by the sheer resilience of the 200+ dogs currently in our care and the immense dedication of our tiny team of three.
While our mission is to save lives, the reality of running a rescue haven of this size is a daily exercise in logistics, love, and very tough decision-making. We wanted to share an update on the progress we are making and the hurdles we are working to overcome.
Field Update: The Battle Against Tick Bite Fever
Our team recently returned from an intensive outreach mission in the local townships. We found dozens of dogs in desperate condition, their bodies overwhelmed by ticks. This isn't just a matter of discomfort; these parasites carry Tick Bite Fever, a silent killer that can wipe out a population if left unchecked.
Our team spent days going door-to-door, hand-treating 20 dogs, soothing their raw skin, and removing thousands of ticks one by one. It was a heart-wrenching sight, but seeing the dogs stand quietly, almost in gratitude, reminds us why we do this.
Unfortunately, the threat followed us back to the haven. One of our most gentle rescues, Cocoa, is currently in the fight of her life after a single infected tick slipped through our defenses. She has been rushed to emergency care, and we are doing everything in our power to see her through this.
The Challenges of the "Haven"
With 200 dogs and only three staff members, one on rescue and outreach, one managing the shelter, and one focusing on re-homing and admin, so we are stretched thin. Our rescue manager continues to handle midnight emergency calls, ensuring the "rescue phone" never goes unanswered.
However, the financial reality of this level of care is significant. To give you a picture of what it takes to keep this mission moving:
Monthly Food Bill: $650
Monthly Medication: $200
Salaries and Rent: $1,200
Existing Vet Debt: We currently owe $20,000 across three local vets who have kindly supported us during emergencies.
Our Strategy for 2026
To ensure we remain sustainable, we are focusing on two major goals this year:
Aggressive Re-homing: We are pushing our adoption and fostering programs harder than ever. Getting our numbers down at the farm is the only way to relieve the pressure on our staff and our budget.
Corporate Outreach: We are persistently reaching out to local shops and pet stores to help sponsor our food costs. While we are still waiting for that first "yes," we aren't giving up as we hope someone picks up and replies to us.
As a last resort, we are considering a cap on new rescues to match our fundraising levels until our vet debt is managed. This is a decision we hope we never have to make, but it is one we must consider to ensure the 200 dogs already in our care never go hungry.
Looking Ahead
Next week, we are organizing a Mass Dipping Day to protect over 200 dogs in the community. To make this happen, we are working to secure 25L of "Dazzle Dip" (which costs $115 per 5Litre ) and we are closely monitoring Cocoa’s vet bills, which we expect to reach $300–$350 (R5,000–R6,000).
Your past support has brought us this far, and we are so proud of what we have achieved together. We will continue to fight for the "Cocoas" of our community, ensuring that every dog has a chance at a life free from pain.
With gratitude and hope,
By Richelle the Butterfly | Animal Rescue Lead
By Richelle the Butterfly | Rescue Program Leader
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