Paws Haven is organising a colour run aimed at raising awareness and support for the hundreds of animals in its care. The event takes place on Saturday (25/7), promising a morning filled with colour, fun and community spirit.

The event will also highlight the important work the shelter does to rescue injured, abused and abandoned animals. Paws Haven has become a lifeline for vulnerable animals in the community.

The shelter provides care for more than 400 dogs and over 300 cats, many of which have been rescued from situations of neglect, abuse or abandonment. Caring for so many animals requires significant financial resources, dedicated volunteers and ongoing community support.

“This coming Saturday is Paws Haven’s first birthday colour run,” said Paws Haven inspector Tokkie Aucamp. “This event is about much more than crossing a finish line, it’s about three things: fun, fitness and fur babies.

“So run, walk, jog, or dance, but get messy. Take photos. Most importantly, remember we’re here for the paws that depend on us.

“If you don’t have a dog, you can borrow one of our dogs and enjoy the day together with them. We will also have plenty of refreshments available, with all proceeds going towards raising funds for the animals in our care.”

Participants can choose between a 3km or 6km route, with the colour run starting at 10:00. Runners and walkers will be treated to powder splashes every 1,5km, adding to the festive atmosphere.

Organisers expect all participants to return to the finishing line by 12:00, before the celebrations conclude with a mass colour splash at 13:00.

The organisation also launched an appeal to raise funds for a fully equipped veterinary theatre that will improve the quality of medical care available to injured and critically ill animals.

“Our goal is to build a fully equipped veterinary theatre that will allow us to provide safer, faster and more advanced treatment for the hundreds of animals that pass through our doors each year,” said Paws Haven director Simoné Kotze.

“On Tuesday, we admitted yet another dog that had been hit by a vehicle and urgently required orthopaedic surgery. Cases like these are all too common, and each one highlights the ongoing challenge of providing critical medical care quickly with limited equipment and resources.

“Every piece of equipment we purchase, means another life can be saved, another family can be reunited with a beloved pet, and another homeless animal can receive the medical care they deserve.”

OFM News/Zenande Mpame sm

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