Ntokozo Sibiya took his 20-year-old dog Jack to the SPCA for his annual shots and inspired the inspector with his story and love of working with dogs.
Empangeni, KwaZulu-Natal – The Empangeni SPCA doesn’t only rescue and protect abused animals or offer adoptions; they have several affordable services for pet owners to make use of, which was why Ntokozo Sibiya took his beloved dog Jack for his annual shots.
Ntokozo and Jack have been inseparable for the last 20 years. Ntokozo got Jack as a puppy, and they have been through everything together.
The inspector spoke with Ntokozo because he noticed his shirt was embroidered with “Funda Nenja”. The inspector knows the charity very well. He learned that Ntokozo was once part of the programme when he lived in the Midlands.
Funda Nenja runs in the township of Mpophomeni, near Howick, in the KZN Midlands of South Africa. On average, 100 children and their dogs attend weekly dog training sessions which happen on Friday afternoons at Zamethule Primary School in the township.
These lessons not only teach the dogs some skills, but it also helps the children bond with their pets and forms a deeper connection. These new classes help educate children in animal welfare and encourage them to show their families how to treat animals.
Classes are taught by volunteer instructors, and some of the instructors are previous pupils who have gone through the training programme themselves.
“I noticed that Ntokozo was wearing a green shirt with “Funda Nenja” embroidered on it. We got talking, and he went on to tell me that he began to be involved with the project while living in PMB area. We chatted about Adi Olivier who started the project.
He told us that nothing makes him happier than teaching the community and especially children, on the handling, socialising and caring for their pets and how to integrate them into their families.”
The SPCA invited Ntokozo to join them on their outreach programmes so he could get involved with something he loves.
“We have invited Ntokozo Sibiya, to join us on our outreaches and especially on Saturdays when we have more than 30 Dogs a morning visiting us for rabies, deworming, dipping etc.”
Below is an image of Jack. Ntokozo was very happy to get involved in volunteer work once again. Funda Nenja were overjoyed to hear about one of their own doing even more to spread their message.
“How lovely to hear news of Ntokozo! I am sure he will be able to share the lessons he learnt with us during your outreach programs and add value to the impact you make. We wish you all the best for the future.” – Funda Nenja
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