04/07/2026
🐾 What an exciting and rewarding week for Wags n Whiskers! 🐾💕
This week we presented our very first Animal Education Programme at the Overstrand Whale Boxing Club (OWBC). Over five days (Monday to Friday), between 31 and 43 children attended each morning from 10:00–12:30.
Most of the children were from OWBC, and we were delighted to include five children from Nomnwano, who have shown a genuine love and interest in animals.
Each day focused on a different topic, including the Five Freedoms of Animals, animal emotions, kindness, responsible pet care, safe handling of dogs and cats, and what to do when encountering a strange or reactive dog or cat.
A huge thank you to Mzi and Bule (a Wags n Whiskers Board Member) for encouraging and supporting this initiative, and to Lindi and Joel also from OWBC for all their assistance throughout the week.
A special thank you to Asonele, who lovingly prepared a hot and wholesome lunch for the children every day. We are also incredibly grateful to The Lunchbox Fund for generously providing the food.
Our sincere thanks to Pam, President and Co-founder of ANGEL PAWS Therapy Dogs, together with the dedicated volunteers and their amazing therapy dogs, who joined us on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. You added such a valuable practical element to each lesson, reinforcing what the children had learned. It was wonderful to see the children's confidence grow throughout the week, and their enthusiasm and participation were a joy to witness.
Thank you also to animal physiotherapist CALEIGH, who joined us on Thursday to teach the children about caring for puppies and senior dogs, and what to do—and what not to do—when they encounter an injured animal. The children especially loved meeting Womble, the toy dog she used during her demonstration.
Last but not least, thank you to our WAGS n WHISKERS TEAM: Bule for getting the ball rolling, Colin for keeping an eye on the finances, Cameron for assisting with the technical setup, and Lulu for doing a sterling job of putting together the course and PowerPoint presentation. Your enthusiasm and hard work were invaluable and made this programme a reality.
Every child who completed the five-day programme received an Animal Warrior Certificate. We truly believe these young Animal Warriors will take what they have learned back into their homes and communities, inspiring kindness, compassion and responsible pet care wherever they go.
This is only the beginning, and we are excited about the positive difference these children will make in the lives of animals.
🐾❤️
