HAWS introduces ‘virtual adoptions’

Writer: Hedda Mittner.

She had loving eyes and I could tell that she was a smart dog,” says Sandbaai resident, Marion da Silva, with her new companion, Zinzi by her side. Zinzi has clearly found her forever home, thanks to a ‘virtual adoption’ from the Hermanus Animal Welfare Society (HAWS).

Marion da Silva with Zinzi, the rescue dog that she adopted ‘virtually’ from HAWS. On the wall is a portrait of Mister Stanley (Marion’s previous dog that sadly died in January) which she commissioned from local artist, Petrus Viljoen.

PHOTO: Raphael da Silva

The lockdown necessitated a new adoption process that maintains social distancing, but still allows potential new owners to get to know the animals they are considering for adoption. “Because HAWS has been closed to the public since the start of the lockdown, very few adoptions were taking place,” says René Dewar of HAWS.

“Our staff members have continued taking care of the animals in our kennels and cattery, as well as feeding pets in the poorer communities and treating sick animals at the clinic. But with our charity shop closed, we have been struggling to survive financially and the adoptions almost came to a standstill. I knew I had to come up with a plan.”

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