Meet Kimbal, owned by Pat, the lucky hound who has been chosen as the winner of last year’s Canine Cuisine Fashion Rescue competition. We caught up with Pat to ask her more about Kimmi as well as her chosen organisation, Barking Mad’s Dogtown South Africa.

What is Kimbal’s story?

A volunteer, Kimbal Mare, phoned Barking Mad/Dogtown SA on 20 August to report an injured dog running around. She had been badly burned – possibly with a chemical, boiling oil or petrol – and the resulting blindness meant she got entangled in a horrific trap. It took many weeks, but she slowly began to heal. From the moment that Kimbal’s story was posted on the , people from all over the country displayed an outpouring of unprecedented love and kindness.  The Dogtown SMS Campaign received the most texts in the Centre’s history, and Kimbal received more donations than any other featured Furry Fundraiser!

How has she changed your life?

Everything that takes place at home is designed to keep her completely stress free and happy. Loud noises and sharp, unexpected movements are avoided at all costs. I give her constant reassurance that she is home forever and greatly loved.  Kimmi has made me realise that with the right approach, every dog deserves his or her best shot at recovery. I survived on only a few hours’ sleep a night for the first month after she arrived.  She was quite blind in the beginning, so I slept on the couch, and left the lights on all night in case she needed to go out.  Kimmi is the epitome of love and forgiveness, and she has my deepest respect.

What makes Barking Mad’s Dogtown so special?

Dogtown South Africa is supremely special and unique, they’re not just a shelter. It is a superior Rehabilitation Centre for abused, abandoned, and misunderstood dogs. Each dog receives personal attention in all respects; exercise, training, specialised dietary requirements and veterinary care.  Nothing is too much trouble for any individual dog, and if certain dogs cannot be adopted for whatever reason, they remain happy, comfortable, and stimulated at Dogtown for life.  There are no cages at Dogtown, except in the quarantine section – all dogs have comfortable wendy houses and gardens, and are treated as family.

Why should people adopt rather than buy?

I am vehemently opposed to breeding, whether “legitimate” or backyard. Deliberate or accidental breeding is at the root of all animal abuse worldwide. As fast as Rescue Centres rescue, rehabilitate and rehome, thousands more litters are born that are unwanted. ‘Adopt don’t shop’ is not just a fun catchphrase, it’s a desperate cry for help. There are millions of beautiful dogs and puppies at shelters all over South Africa desperately needing homes. There are also numerous breed-specific rescue organisations such as Border Collie Rescue, Pug Rescue for those looking for a specific breed. There is absolutely no need to buy from a breeder, pet shop, Gumtree etc.

Image: Supplied