Kalahari Heart Animal Welfare

28/10/2024

For 5 years Dr Gerhard helped us to help the animals on account at Kuruman and Kathu as well as coming out to Deben on many occasions.
Dr Gerhard and staff have assisted with some very bad cases, some had wonderful outcomes, some were not very good.
We could always rely on Dr Gerhard doing what was best for the animal, from a kitten to a horse.
He was gentle not only with the animal but with me when it was time to pts and that meant the world to me.
He also taught us so very much about medicines, wounds and different sicknesses, i am forever grateful.

Thankyou to everyone at the Kuruman Dierekliniek and Mokala Veterinary Clinic , your kindness and love has meant so very much to us.

It would really mean a lot to us if you could help us settle our account.

*VET ACC*
Mokala Animal Clinic
Capitec Bank
Business account
1051018030
Ref: Kalahari heart or 14871

Much love
The KH family

16/10/2024

We are still feeding 2 rescues that are in care and have a vet account to settle before we leave as well as the KH rescues that will be going with us.
Please support us no matter how small the amount.

Kalahari Heart NPO
FNB
Gold Business acc
63031335276
Swift code FIRNZAJJ
Branch code 210835

*VET ACC*
Mokala Animal Clinic
Capitec Bank
Business account
1051018030
Ref: Kalahari heart or 14871

Much love
The KH family

09/10/2024

Yesterday Crystal forwarded me a heartbreaking message from Theuns regarding a donkey near the York Washbay at Hotazel that was thin and looked like it could have broken areas on 2 legs.

I gaveCrystal Beatrix's number and she made contact. ( Beatrix has volunteered and helped KH often)
Beatrix Sounes jumped into action and went out, i sent many numbers and made calls, unfortunately as it got dark there was still no response.

Today Beatrix received help from Thabelo (SPCA) who got the Hotazel SAPS to come pts the donkey.

Thankyou so much to everyone involved especially Beatrix who never gave up, Pieter from York washbay,who kept watch over the donkey till they arrived. Sonya Koekemoer, Hotazel SAPS, Thabelo SPCA, Beatrix Soanes and oom Harry.

Theuns thankyou for contacting Crystal, the sweet boy has no more pain.

Much love
The KH family

09/10/2024

Nope

8035 likes, 542 comments. “Tigers 🐯 Next Door To a Day Care Center in Boksburg and Parents are Scared That the Tigers Might Jump the Wall and Attack Their Children 🇿🇦”

09/10/2024

Yesterday we celebrated our 5th birthday, well i celebrated by packing boxes and reminiscing.
I got our vet bill again and thought about all the animals Mokala Veterinary Clinic has helped us with over the years.

I remembered how dr Gerhard sat with me after he euthanised Vonk, assuring me i had done my best.
I smiled as i recalled every single time he came out to my panicked call over our little sh*tland Booboo. Once he was her till after midnight and another time cared for him at Kuruman for a week.

Then Kabousie, oh goodness, the devastating loss of his mom and then all his problems, dr Gerhard drove out and saw to him.

The number of Deben dogs and cats dr Gerhard and dr Mareike have had to say goodbye to, people with oldies who just couldn't stand by so we took them in.
Dogs in fights, caught on palisades, knocked by cars, tvt, prolapse, parvo, canine carona, billiary, the list is endless.
Helping, advice, teaching us and being amazing friends to KH.

I sat and looked at Luna, dr Mareika was so gentle with her, coming to Deben and then chatting to me continuously to make sure she was okay.
Our sweet Luna is happy and healthy.

There are so many more, so many people in Deben who were helped via KH when they could not afford a vet, so many who got to take home their beloved pet because dr Gerhard let us have an account, please help us settle this account before we leave.

Thankyou to each and everyone who contributed to helped towards our vet bill over the years and thankyou to one of the best vets we have ever known.

Much love
The KH team.

Kalahari Heart NPO
FNB
Gold Business acc
63031335276
Swift code FIRNZAJJ
Branch code 210835

*VET ACC*
Mokala Animal Clinic
Capitec Bank
Business account
1051018030
Ref: Kalahari heart or 14871

08/10/2024

❤️ Memories ❤️

Approximately twenty years ago, I first came to Deben and was enamored with its rural charm, characterized by dirt roads and a tranquil atmosphere.

I vividly recall my mother-in-law expressing concerns about the nocturnal braying of donkeys, while I found the symphony of sounds soothing.

At the time, I could not have foreseen that two decades later, the town's donkey and horse populations would dwindle significantly, nor that the community would experience the loss of many elderly residents, including my father-in-law.

The transformation of local shops and vehicles is striking, but it is disheartening to observe a shift in attitudes towards animal welfare, particularly concerning the donkeys.

Upon relocating here seven years ago, I recognized an opportunity to make a positive impact, given the visibly malnourished horses and donkeys roaming the streets. However, I underestimated the challenges involved.

Initially, I was not actively engaged, but five years ago, I established Kalahari Heart, which has been an invaluable educational experience.

Change is inevitable, and hubby and I are currently making big changes in our lives.

Personally, I prefer strolling down dirt roads barefoot, surrounded by the sounds of hoofbeats and birds chirping but this has changed as cars race by and the donkey population dwindles.

Through my involvement with animal welfare, I have gained substantial knowledge and insight into the human race.
I am left with much sadness and concern for Deben's donkeys and am thankful that Highveld will be checking in.

19 years ago a donkey stole my heart in front of a house in Voortrekker road and i cherish that memory.
That moment contributes to the person i am today.

Much love
Linda

29/09/2024

On the 25 Oct 2020 you stole my heart, you were supposed to get better and get a new home but every adoption mommy just could not let you go.
Now it has come time for mommy to leave and aunty Magda had a beautiful home waiting for Sally and Lady.
Oh sweet boy it's truly what mommy has always wanted for you, wide open fields, grass as far as your eyes can see, oh sweet boy how happy you are going to be.

I always say each animal that leaves here takes a piece of me with them but you take more than that, you take history, you take growth and memories.
Crystal, daddy and I nursed you back to health and we loved you dearly now it is your new mommy and daddys turn to find out just how much love you have to give.

Thankyou sweet Blue for listening to all my country songs, to listening to my complaints or just standing with me quietly when i needed a donkey to lean on.
Really going to miss you Mr Blue.
Look after Magda as you looked after me.

Love you always
Mama

Good evening everyone

We often spill our hearts about how we are feeling, we get emotional about how people treat other people, about how people treat animals and we generally get upset when we or others get hurt.
But we really get upset when animals get abused.
When we look at one of our rescues like Blue it breaks our hearts .
We are pleased with how well he is going allong. When you 1st see such damage and smell the rotting underneath the skin you wonder how on earth you can help.
But we have learned allot and we allways follow basic rules. Do the best we can, use as much natural stuff as possible and win the battle with love, listen to advice and always, always be sure to have space for when the kicks start flying...thats when you know the donkey is feeling much better.

Well after everytime's cleaning i don't think our big boy loves us all that much but we just grab hold of him and give him hugs and kisses anyway.
We have really had a hard time cleaning this acid mess, after a visit from a few people we got the story and this is actually quite popular here.
Blue had a small wound from fighting or the cart and the owner instructed the kids to as usual put old oil ( jip old used car oil) on the wound.
There were a few containers and unfortunately the one with acid was used instead, when the mistake was realised , oil was again put on to "fix this" then as the wound kept festering the people who were looking after the donkey asked the owner to come back from where he lives and he asked for help and they sprayed terramycin.
The owner then returned to work and the kids put the donkey in the cart as the wound looked closed.
Our lads saw this and bought Blue in.
The owner signed Blue over and we have had a hard time softening the skin and washing out all the rot, there were pockets of fat and when we could lift some of the skin we got some other goo and gunk.
This has now been removed and we will soon start with the healing itself.
We had such a struggle getting thecold oil off, then to try and flush out all the little places where the maggots had crept in as well.
Blue has been amazing and we will soon start work on the sores on his lips and neck.
But for now, we are so pleased when we get to see the nice pink coming through, healthy bloodflow is a great plus for something that was so aweful.
Thankyou everyone for helping with Blue he really is an amazing boy.

With love
Kalahari heart
♡

29/09/2024

Whew, some things are hard and some are very hard.
Saying goodbye to rescues is just heartbreaking but it does help a bit when you know they are going to a wonderful home.
Yesterday Magda Frikkie Scu Debeer came all the way from Klerksdorp to collect the most precious cargo, Blue & Sally.
They also brought us bales as we struggle to get here so we ordered via Magda and they kindly loaded and brought with for us, so very much appreciated.

Oh i had a hard time saying goodbye, Blue has been up for adoption a few times and i have cancelled each time.
Our sweet Sally still has to gain weight but i know it will be very quick and Magda will have her in tiptop shape.

Lady was supposed to go with yesterday but was not in the mood and will go next time.

Thank you so much Magda & Frikkie for giving these 2 sweet babies a forever home.

Much love
The KH family

27/09/2024

27/09/2024

After helping here at KH the Highveld Horse Care Unit team went with aunty Lenie to the pos. While there Theresa phoned me to ask could they bring in an emaciated mare and her foal.

They came and got Isak who then walked this precious girl all the way from the pos to KH where she got lots of love and also her hooves done.

Theresa then bought some bales and the 3 in care had some yummy food.
Tomorrow the bales we ordered last week comes so they will get some hawer as well.

We will care for these with the support of HHCU and Theresa also sorted things out with the owner and Deben SAPS.

Thankyou to Suretha Grobler who put this all in motion and to everyone who supports animal welfare.
Initiatives like this make a huge difference to the small rescues like us and the equine in our areas.

Kalahari Heart NPO
FNB
Gold Business acc
63031335276
Swift code FIRNZAJJ
Branch code 210835

*VET ACC*
Mokala Animal Clinic
Capitec Bank
Business account
1051018030
Ref: Kalahari heart or 14871

Much love
The KH family

27/09/2024

The Highveld Horse Care Unit team saw a few of the local owners here at KH and treated Yster for a hoof wound.
They spoke to his owner and Yster was brought in to KH to be cared for.
Theresa has left all the necessary wound care as well as other items we use.

Aunty Lenie also spoke to the owners and even Klaas who had come to see me about some pigs was roped in to help.
The donkeys were dewormed and owners were given flyspray and tickgrease.

Thankyou so very much.

Kalahari Heart NPO
FNB
Gold Business acc
63031335276
Swift code FIRNZAJJ
Branch code 210835

*VET ACC*
Mokala Animal Clinic
Capitec Bank
Business account
1051018030
Ref: Kalahari heart or 14871

Much love
The KH family

27/09/2024

A big Thankyou to Inspector Theresa, Inspector Solly and the awesome farrier Bongani from Highveld Horse Care Unit who came to help us in Deben yesterday.

I have been so worried about leaving but knowing that they will be coming here to support aunty Lenie every 2 months does make me feel a bit better.

What made me really happy was that Bongani did all our KH babies hooves and that has been among 1 of the biggest headaches for me here.
Sally got hers done for the 1st time, Theresa fell in love with our sweet girl and Lady of cause was being Lady.
Cody needs continious hoof care and with hubby working away, the guy who used to do hooves also gone, nobody could help, so i am really grateful to Bongani and Solly as well as Isak who helped yesterday.

Thankyou so very much.

Kalahari Heart NPO
FNB
Gold Business acc
63031335276
Swift code FIRNZAJJ
Branch code 210835

*VET ACC*
Mokala Animal Clinic
Capitec Bank
Business account
1051018030
Ref: Kalahari heart or 14871

Much love
The KH family

25/09/2024

Big thankyou dr Emma who came to inject our sheep, we need to make sure all the KH babies are ready to make the big move.
Emma's lovely mom, ( Thankyou for the blessing)Isak and his nephew helped and it was done quickly even though the wind tried to blow us away.

Oh i am going to mis this awesome young lady so very much.

Much love
The KH family

17/09/2024

*Deben Kalahari Heart closing today but not KH NPO*.

12 December 2019 i officially started Kalahari Heart but i had taken in my 1st rescues, Rufas and Gypsy August 2018.
And now after 6 years it is time to close our gates in Deben.
Kalahari Heart itself is not closing but my dear husband and I are moving.
Hubby has been at our new home a while and I am excited to join him on this new chapter of our jouney together.

My dear friend Mary Stanford has for many years helped people behind the scenes and we became really good friends, over the past few years we spoke daily and helped others that we did not post about but we want to do more and we will let everyone know about this soon.

We have a big move ahead, our animals are of cause a priority so that is something im concentrating on right now and i need time to pack up.
We had very little support from our town but those that did made a huge impact.
Goodness there are a few people who made a hellava difference and i hope we can continue to make a difference.

I doubt i will ever find such amazing vets as we have had here, goodness, wish i could take them with, Dr Emmma especially, im going to steal her, pack her in when i move. Dr Daniel who had to come do the hard stuff but has a soft heart.
Dr Gerhard who has been our vet since we started and come out at all hours.

My family, all the volunteers, volunteers who became family, building camps, cleaning, putting blood sweat and tears into my dreams.

And my dear husband, joh, works so hard and puts up wth me.
I remember our 1st real bad cases, Maanlig and Biegman, the hours we sat with Biegman, then taking turns sleeping next to any animal that needed us. Learning along the way.

When we started here, so many donkeys and horses had torn lips, saddle sores, whipping was a daily occurance.
Acid wounds and boiling water, frenulum cuts and stabbings, we made a difference and i am so very proud of everyone who made a difference because not one, not 2 but hundred of equine live better lives now because of you.
The Keats project made such a change in the mouths, harnesses could be changed, old wire bits changed for donated ones. I have a large container full of old conveyor halters held together with wire, rusted chains and twine that we swopped for donated halters.
Thankyou Mandy and everyone who gave ( this is part of our new endevour)

We chipped and castrated a number of animals, we had a huge steri day, we had education days and went to schools in Kathu.
It has truly been an amazing few years.

And then the animals that have passed through our gates, so many.
Each 1 affected me deeply and i leave Deben wishing i could have done more but i know that so many were saved in these 6 years because we did our best.

Thankyou to some people who have made Deben very special and that make leaving here very hard for us.
Debbie, Dorca
Rachel & Dennis
Charleen & family
Margie
Mari-Celeste & Gerniel
Anzel & family
Adolf & Annette
Isak & Sylvia
Samantha & family
Elize & Zilieke
Werner en familie ( Winton)

My husband and myself, Andrew, Brumilda, Sarah and Stiaan started KH, Crystal and Corna then joined, thankyou for making KH what it is and helping us grow.

Aunty Magdel ( R. I. P) was our 1st supporter, with , Debbie, Anzel, Charleen and Chanè, Claire, Dylan our 1st young volunteers.
China and Jonas helped in the yard, little Jonas was only 9, following China around.
So very many good memories.

Because of KH i met a group and learned about more natural products, this has attributed to many success stories for the animals we helped over the years, thankyou, Mary, Caryn, Leika and Surette.
Of cause we carry on but for what we did here in Deben, thankyou.

My fondest memory is old Stompie, he was so wild he chased people up trees but 1 day a dropper penetrated his abdomen and without a thought, hubby went and helped him.
He became like a lamb and loved us as much as we loved him.
The day he got killed on our main rd as devastating to us and many people felt his loss.

I hope the cart owners remember what they have learned from us, i pray the community keep the children in check and remove tin from hooves.
I know we made a difference and we will still be available to everyone online.
We have so many of the rural community who contact us for advice and we will always help if we can.

Thankyou so much to everyone who helped us help the Deben animals especially the supporters from elsewhere, you carried us through.
Special thanx to Speedspace and Adriaan for our tank and Drbbie for all the sponsors, goodness i think you are the reason we survived.

Special thanx to Michelle, Olifantshoek, who has always been there for KH and everyone who believed in us.
My son Andrew and daughter in law Brumilda, my pillar of strengths.
Andrew has dropped everything and been there for mr but the thing that meant the most in these years is taking Shep on his last ride and for holding my sweet old Bronco for his last breath, 2 things i just could not do but could do for so many others.

Sorry if i didnt mention everyone, this is an emotional day.

Watch this space, more to come soon.

Much love
Linda & the KH family

13/09/2024

Thankyou so much Barnyard Feeds RSA for the saddle & hats.
This makes me so happy as we will soon be letting everyone in on a little secret but not yet.
We now have 2 saddles, 1 from Barnyards and 1 from Nicola Waldram.
Hats and other tack as well, 📯 Watch this space for some exciting news soon.

( Please note we apppreciate any tack, old, broken, buckles, rings, we will fix it or repurpose)
Our nearest Pudo is Kathu,
Courier to 54 Lang str Deben.
Thankyou.

Thankyou Mari-Celeste and Charlene for helping me today.

Much love
The KH family.