Welcome

NEW THINGS HAPPENING...

PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN A CURE

DOG RESCUE ORGANISATIONS ARE OVERWHELMED BY THE HUGE NUMBER OF STRAY AND ABANDONED DOGS.

My name is SUSAN HOLDSWORTH,

In 2009, I founded FIRST AID FOR DOGS SA, which is now a registered NPC 2024 / 594353 / 08 It was during my fifteen years of publishing seven books, promoting and running seminars in the Western Cape, that it came to my attention that people are not educated on the basics of respect and care for dogs. This tragedy could be avoided by the awareness that all dogs are sentient beings with feelings and emotions. My main aim therefore is to put an end to the perpetuated cruelty and abuse of animals plus the huge number of stray dogs due to indiscriminate over-breeding. Large numbers of unwanted healthy dogs are being euthanised weekly due to overcrowding at all the rescue organisations..

To this end, I have conceptualised a colouring book for all children in order to create awareness..

MARLEY SAYS…. named after my Labrador Marley. A multilingual colouring book with 40 hand-drawn pictures (by a local artist) that depict the right and wrong actions to not only treat animals but to also recognise when an animal is being maltreated. (14 pages)

My business partner is a wonderful gentleman by the name of Siyabonga Mbukutshe, his hometown is Ntabankulu in deep rural Eastern Cape, RSA. Siyabonga grew up in an environment where animals were not respected or understood hence his dream to change these perceptions through education.

Both Siyabonga and myself intend to hold fun workshops and talk to children in the townships and Government schools. Children are also invited to bring their pet dogs for training. Donated collars, leads and packets of dog food will also be distributed.

Siyabonga's aim is to visit approximately 40 schools a year to hold one hour workshops. There are over 275 Government Primary Schools in just the Western Cape. The schools we approached have shown great enthusiasm as this programme does not form part of their curriculum.

Our ultimate goal is to educate all pet owners in the townships and disadvantaged areas that all dogs should be sterilised and vaccinated. This aim to decrease the number of unwanted dogs, dogs being used for dog fighting and the selling of puppies.

Outreach workshops in the townships and poorer areas are held regularly looking for dogs to be sterilised or which require medical assistance. Local veterinary surgeons have offered their services.

Donations are urgently required as ideally Siyabonga and myself really want to start as soon as possible.,

Our ultimate dream and goal is to expand nationally.

INDEX for PREVENT THAT BITE

DISCLAIMER

THE FAMILY DOG – good reasons to have a dog as a member of your family.

INTRODUCING A NEW DOG OR PUPPY TO YOUR FAMILY MEMBERS

WHEN THE DOG BELONGS TO ANOTHER PERSON – helpful guidelines

DOGGONE SAFE PLAY DATE CHECKLIST (copyright approved) when your child is visiting another friend’s house and they have pet dogs

A DOG'S BODY LANGUAGE TO BE AWARE OF PRIOR TO AN ATTACK OR TRAGIC BITE

PREVENTION BETTER THAN CURE – general suggestions

DOG TO ENGLISH TRANSLATION CHART - (copyright approved)

YOUR CHILD HAS JUST BEEN BITTEN BY A DOG... WHAT TO DO AS A PARENT OR FIRST RESPONDER