"We are excited to launch this year’s Wagging Winter Shoebox drive. We know that the public wants to help the township pets in winter but do not always know how to do so," says Marcelle du Plessis, Fundraising and Communications Manager.

"With this drive, you can choose which pet you wish to help and pack a shoebox filled with goodies to keep them warm this winter," adds du Plessis.

The Mdzananda Animal Clinic says that during winter, the clinic is packed to the brim and pets needing medical assistance tend to increase during this time.

"Many township pets are not allowed into homes even when it is cold and raining outside. Many do not have kennels or any form of shelter and, as a result, the number of pets in hypothermic states arriving at our doors increase," says du Plessis.

"We are, however, happy to announce that we have seen an increase in community members investing in kennels for their furry friends. The clinic has also, in partnership with the Purple Kennel Project, been able to hand out a number of kennels for pets needing shelter. We will also be hosting a kennel building event on Mandela Day," du Plessis adds. 

With the Wagging Winter Shoebox drive, individuals can help pets stay warm at the Mdzananda Animal Clinic. "Not everyone has the funds to donate towards looking after a pet but many people are able to pack a shoebox full of goodies," adds du Plessis.

The four steps to packing a shoebox are:

1. Find a shoebox (or any box)
2. Choose which pet to pack for (puppy, kitten, dog or cat)
3. Pack it full of goodies for the chosen pet
4. Drop it off at one of the clinic's drop spots

According to the Mdzananda Animal Clinic, goods suggested to place in the boxes include Hills A/D tinned food for recovering pets, Milko Pup or Kitty Milk for bottle-fed pups and kittens, soft food, pellet food, a hot water bottle or heating beanbag, blankets, washing powder to wash blankets, a roll of black bags for daily disposal of dirty newspaper cage lining, leads and collars, chewy treats, catnip treats and cat litter.

The drop spots to deliver the shoeboxes include:

  • Khayelitsha: Mdzananda Animal Clinic, 21297 Govan Mbeki Road
  • Sea Point: 2A Pavilion Place, 281 Beach Road (24-hour security)
  • Mowbray: Mowbray Veterinary Clinic, 84 Durban Road
  • Woodstock. Contact Kerry-Lee on 082 297 6048
  • Milnerton: Contact Gretha on 083 450 4563
  • Edgemead. Contact Joe on 082 420 1006
  • Gordons Bay: Contact Valery or Cheryll on 021 856 3554
  • False Bay, Capri Village: Contact Debora on 082 3666 726
  • Constantia Hills/Tokai: Contact Ann on 082 4144 771
  • Higgovale / Oranjezicht: Contact Stefanie on 082 390 1670
  • Kraaifontein: Contact Mariska on 072 716 9959
  • Brackenfell: Contact Mariska on 072 716 9959

Individuals also have the option of sponsoring a shoebox instead of packing a box. The cost of each box is:

  • Puppy shoebox: R400
  • Dog shoebox: R300
  • Kitten shoebox: R350
  • Cat shoebox: R250

Bank details are:

  • Mdzananda Animal Clinic
  • Standard Bank
  • Account number: 075595710
  • Branch: Rondebosch
  • Branch Code: 025009.
  • Individuals need to use the relevant reference: Chosen shoebox + their name
For more information, visit www.mdzananda.co.za.