Donate Now - Daleside Animal Emergency Fund

In the heart of Daleside, a small, often overlooked rural town in South Africa, a silent crisis is unfolding. At the moment eleven dogs and twelve cats were cast aside and left to fend for themselves. They have been mistreated and thrown away. These aren't just animals; they are living beings with personalities, emotions, and a deep yearning for love and care.

But there is hope thanks to an amazing individual, Marian. She moved to the area a number of years ago after leaving her glamourous job as an Art Director. She dedicates all her time to look after discarded pets that need a loving home. In her own words: 'I just can't walk past any of these needy animals, I have to take them home'. She has opened her heart and home to provide a safe space for all who need it.

If she does not help, these animals are lost; their ribs show through their matted fur, their eyes reflect a desperate hunger, and their bodies are vulnerable to disease. They roam the streets alone with no one to defend them. Her work ensures that they are not slaughtered by passing cars or used in local rituals.

She currently homes and supports:

Marian's home has become a sanctuary for 11 wonderful dogs and 12 amazing cats. Each one has their own story, like Kiki, the sweet feral who recently broke her leg, and Baby Ginger, her playful half-brother. Marian's commitment extends beyond her own pets – she also tries to help a colony of 3 feral cats, plus 2 cats and a dog living in a nearby shack. And there are 5 more cats she keeps an eye on who live on a plot outside town. With so many under her care, and the need to get 2 dogs and 3 feral cats neutered, Marian is asking for your support to continue this work.

All of this may come to an abrupt end, as Marian, has lost funding. All the money that she earns from selling 2nd goods just cannot make ends meet. Most people would walk away from these animals but she is determined to give them a better life, despite not having consistent electricity and running out of money to feed herself.

I became aware of Marian's situation and wanted to try all I could do to help her in any way possible. Because I think what she does should be commended, but how do we help Marian in a consistent way? These wonderful creatures need consistent care.

Cheryl is just one of the lucky animals to be saved by Marian:

Cheryl arrived at the Daleside Library as a 4 or 5 month old, skin and bone, pup. The Librarian took pity on her and gave her all her lunch the first day. At the end of the day she made another turn at the library and got some food from the security guy. On the 3rd day she decided to stay there the whole day. On the 4th day Marian arrived at the library and they told her, her story.

They couldn't really keep Cheryl indefinitely and would have had to call the Societies for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animal (SPCA). It is the policy of the SPCA for the area to euthanise all starving dogs.

Marian had met a fellow rescuer the previous week and contacted her about taking Cheryl in, because at the time Marian had about 9 dogs and saw the meeting of another rescuer as a Devine sign to share her load. 3 months later the rescuer had a nervous breakdown and asked Marian please take Cheryl back. Cheryl suffers from separation anxiety and unless Marian can leave her with a baby sitter she has to travel with Marian in the car.

Kiki is a playful, spirited feral cat who brings joy to everyone she meets. Tragically, her life took a painful turn when she was hit by a car, leaving her with a broken leg. Kiki urgently needs treatment to heal, including follow-up care and ongoing support. Please help us mend her broken bones and give her the chance to run and play again. Your donation will make a real difference in Kiki's life!

Kiki's Xray (see images).

These animals desperately require consistent, nutritious food to regain their strength and fight off illness. They need vital veterinary care, including vaccinations, deworming, and treatment for any existing conditions. Without it, their suffering will only worsen, and their chances of survival dwindle.

That's where you come in. We've started this GoFundMe campaign to raise the funds necessary to provide these 23 abandoned animals with the basic necessities they need to survive and thrive.

Your donations will be put to use in some of the following ways:

• Food: Providing nutritious meals to help these animals regain their health and energy.

• Veterinary Care: Covering the costs of essential vet visits, including vaccinations, deworming, flea treatment, and any necessary medical treatment.

According to the PDSA these are some of the costs to consider to look after a dog (https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/puppies-dogs/the-cost-of-owning-a-dog):

Getting started: the initial cost of getting a dog

When a new stray or abandoned dog or cat is taken on they need almost everything (we try reuse or share as much as possible) but as a minimum, this includes:

• Bed

• Lead, collar and tag

• Food and water bowls

• Doggy toothbrush and toothpaste

• Brush for grooming

• Toys

• Car restraint

• Initial course of vaccinations

• Monthly wormers (until six months old)

• Neutering.

The estimated costs for these are:

• Small dog breeds: £404

• Medium dog breeds: £484

• Large dog breeds: £511

Ongoing care: how much a dog costs per month

Each dog regularly needs a minimum of:

• Yearly health checks and booster vaccinations

• Regular flea and worm treatments

• Insurance

• Food

• Toys

• Poo bags

• Toothpaste

The estimated minimum monthly costs for the above items are:

• Small dog: £57

• Medium dog: £70

• Large dog: £97

The goal is to raise enough to care for all of Marian's pets for 1 whole year. Just as an example if only 5 medium dogs were sponsored this would equate to £4200 per year.

£70 x 12 = £840.00, £840 * 5 = £4,200.00

How your donations could work:

£15 would feed Cheryl for a few weeks

£20 would pay part of her monthly flea treatment

£50 would help towards her vet visits

Donate today, and be a part of their rescue story. Share this campaign with your friends and family, and help us spread the word. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of these precious creatures in Daleside, South Africa.

Thank you for your compassion and generosity.