Macassar’s ‘Mother Theresa of Pets’ Geraldine Adams is 72, has one eye and no transport. Yet, she maintains her status as a champion of animal kindness in the area; inspiring others as something of a local saint:
Cape Town, South Africa (18 August 2024) — At a recent blanket drive event in Somerset West, one Joy Rosario had the pleasure of being inspired by Macassar’s very own ‘Mother Theresa of Pets’ Geraldine Adams.
“She is a tiny 72-year-old, has one eye and no transport but single-handedly ensures that dogs are fed, sterilised, kennelled and kept warm in that area,” reflects Joy who helped deliver dog-ready blankets to Geraldine this winter.
Geraldine first hopped onto Good Things Guy’s radar in 2021 when she was 68 and stole the community’s hearts. Then, she’d devoted nearly half her pension fund to feeding and caring for street animals. If that wasn’t enough, she would also walk kilometres on end “risking [her] life” on busy streets to feed over 170 dogs and cats every day. This was something she had been doing for years, as she told Good Things Guy.
Years later, and the Mother Theresa of Pets is still going strong and still inspiring others.
“My word, I was blown away by the dedication and utter kindness demonstrated by [Geraldine]. Who has so very little,” says Joy.
With support from the non-profit Help a Paw and the organisation’s Gigi Roper, Geraldine is able to continue her mission to better the lives of Macassar’s street animals.
“She is quite a hero feeding the forgotten dogs and healing shattered spirits, one rescue at a time,” reflects Gigi who has been assisting Geraldine through collecting donations for years.
“The impact of the blankets which are given to dogs that have never known love or warmth is just immense. For a dog who has faced hardship, cruelty and starvation, the simple gift is a symbol of care and compassion. It helps not only their physical well-being, but mental as well,” Gigi adds of the blanket drive.
Though Geraldine has said before that she does not care much for praise, she has still become something of a saint to the Macassar and the larger Western Cape community. Aptly, Joy who had recently visited her daughter in Italy brought Geraldine a special gift that signifies her work from Assisi—a momentum of St Francis of Assisi.
After all, St Francis of Assisi said: “If you have men who will exclude any of God’s creatures from the shelter of compassion and pity, you will have men who will deal likewise with their fellow men,” as Joy shares.
A remarkable example of doing the most with the least, Geraldine’s efforts remind us that even if life deals us difficult cards, the one wildcard we all have is to choose to make a difference—no matter what.
Those who feel touched to support Help a Paw and Geraldine can do so here.
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