The Pet Ark

Hi,

, I am Maree Koch and I live in a small village Bathurst Eastern Cape, South Africa. Fortunately we live on a large plot of land. Bathurst has a township, Nokohanyo, where many people live. Due to the current economic climate, many of the families have little or no source of income. Unemployment is very high. This results in abuse & neglect of family pets mainly dogs.

My passion is caring for and looking after abused dogs wich i have been doing for the past 3 years. Todate I have looked after and in the majority of cases I have provided a home for many of them. In some instances where mothers have had puppies I care for the mother and pups up to the puppy age of 6 weeks. Through my network, I've been able to re-home all puppies to good homes. The mothers stay with me as due to the abuse that they have endured, they require much attention. A example is that of a young mother who lived at the local rubbish dump. She found a broken water tank where she gave birth to 5 gorgeous puppies. She was brought to me when the pups were about a week old. I have other dogs included in my pack that have also been abused.

A example is that of a 6 month male young dog who was subjected to terrible physical trauma. Joey is his name. He was held down by a group of school children who tried to neuter him. His back right leg was so servely broken that it had to be amputated.

I currently have 15 dogs. My pack accept me as the pack leader. There is a tremendous sense of comradeship. There are older dogs as well as young ones. Each has special needs and surprisingly they have established a loving family relationship amongst themselves.

Now to care for and provide a home for an every increasing pack requires financial support. Todate I have supported my passion with the help of my husband who is a pensioner. Family and friends have also assisted. Unfortunately due to the economic climate, everyone is finding it difficult to assist. I'm appealing to everyone to assist me by making a small donation. Cash or food such as dog food, chunks, maize meal and meat. I need on the average R5000 per month. This also covers medical costs.

I truely value the donations received as each one contributes to a rescue dog being given an apportunity to live in a safe and loving environment. Many thanks.