Every Hogsback animal deserves care.
It all started with Wayne Kent…
It was said that Hogsback’s animals understood Wayne best. This is a testament to the man he was. Upon his passing, his friends suggested using funds from his estate to establish the Wayne Kent Fund, “to help local animals whose owners had nowhere else to turn in times of medical crisis.” This was how the Wayne Kent Animal Fund (WKAF) was born.
Running the Fund
Since 2023, Billy and Gigi Breytenbach, animal whisperers on the mountain, have managed the Fund, which provides veterinary care for animals whose owners cannot afford it. Dr Karl Hagemann, the veterinarian from East London, deserves special mention for his contributions. He has performed many procedures for the WKAF. He is not only willing but also often charges discounted rates for his services. We also have structured a committee to help run the funds future endeavors; and we want to thank Kate Bowden, Lydene Naylor, and Sarieta Schultz for their willingness to partner with the fund.
Hogsback Equals Community
Hogsback’s community spirit is legendary. By community spirit, we mean a sense of belonging, a shared Hogsback identity, mutual support within the village, and a commitment to one another’s well-being – in this case, our animals’ well-being.
It is well known on the mountain that the greater Hogsback community stands together in times of crisis – any crisis. The WKAF therefore belongs to the greater Hogsback community. It is a community project and can only be successful if our community is involved.
Examples of our tight-knit community include community members holding a bake sale and raising more than R13 000 in much-needed funds to continue our work. Just the other day, community members rallied to search for Molly, who had been caught in a snare. It was reported that she is at home and safe.
The value of your support and contributions.
Each animal passing through our village always leaves pawprints behind. However noble, money is always the determining factor. This is no different for the WKAF. We rely on donations, pledges, and contributions. We are immensely grateful for every financial contribution we have received (and continue to receive) over the past 3 years. Our new plans will not only ensure a sustainable income for the Fund but also allow the community to care for Hogsback’s animals through their time and skills. More about this existing development later.
This is What We Do:
🐕We provide emergency medical treatment and surgery for animals in life-threatening situations.
🐈To limit unwanted animals and to make sure that our animals live long and healthy lives, we sterilise animals.
🐄We run preventive animal care regimes, including vaccinations, deworming and flea and tick treatment. Wellness exams
🎓Education is Key. We will show you how best to care for your animals and what to do in an emergency.
All of these plans and activities will guarantee that we can continue to say, “Every Hogsback animal deserves care,” for many years to come.
It is a privilege to honour Wayne, together with Emmy, Karma, Junior, and Bahlue, in this way and to keep our animals healthy.
– Contributed by Sarieta Schultz