Cut the dog"beep".

" Cut the dog &^%*."

By L Meldau
March 2013

The human being is a complex and wonderful creature. It has the gift of freewill, judgement and control but does it abuse these powers?!

Watching a dog -meet -dog introduction last week, it struck me how reserved and stand offish humans at times can be whilst at other times rash and unprovoked. A dog gives you blatant physical signals to depict a change in emotion, a human.....subtle face, or voice change that should miraculously be unpuzzled!

Goodness me wouldn't it just be easier for us to sniff a bum in greeting and have a tail and a ruff on our back as a mood indicator. That way, one could very indiscreetly tell you to "bugger off "or leave them alone, show sadness or rejection but more importantly unabashedly show happiness and love.

Animals are so much less complicated than humans.Plus we could fart wherever and whenever we wanted!

Until next time
Rant over
L

Woodrock doggy day- 17 March. Youth civic awareness and volunteer work day.

Woodrock doggy day- 17 March.

Youth civic awareness and volunteer work day.

Written by L Meldau

On Sunday Woodrock was honoured to have the light of youth (wow I feel old) shine upon as at our main holding in Hennops Valley. Approximately 10 scholars and their families joined us at Woodrock for a wonderful 2 hours of hard work, laughs and experience.

The scholars came from a number of different Johannesburg based schools and partook in a variety of activities. A talk started out the morning, with the “History of Woodrock and why Animal Rescue is so important to be a part of…” as the main topic of discussion.

Feeding of the donkeys, ducks, chickens, horses and geese took place next with many people finally seeing the beauty of the understated “ass” and how domestic, loving and entertaining they can be.  As usual Bella, one of the babies was pushy and overbearing with affection but many a laugh was had by both scholars and parents alike at the equine antics.

The next choice of grooming or dog walking had the group split into two with a smaller group taking the rotund Emma, Edward and little Lavender on a trek around the farm and the larger group dipping and brushing puppies that needed a clean.

After a picnic lunch, the scholars completed their day’s work by painting a giant rock which will serve as a beacon/indicator of direction to the kennels on the holding.

Overall, it was a wonderful, fun, educational and exhausting day with a definite moral pride of “doing good” and “achieving something” whilst enjoying the fresh air and speaking with actions rather then words.

Thanks guys,

Any of you Woodrockers are welcome back anytime.

"So.... why donkeys?!"

"So why donkeys?"

When ever we have guests or potential adoptees who come to the plot and spot our drove of donkeys who are quite loud,proud and often pushy to the extreme- the initial response is "So why donkeys? or but why donkeys?"

The tale goes as follows, a young Nicholas Meldau- brought up in the country with farming surrounds witnessed first hand from a young age the abuse,harsh treatment and disregard for the gentle creatures.

It was during those formative years and through witnessing undesirable treatment that Nicholas made a silent promise to one day help the humble ass!

Fast forward 40 years  and today Nicholas, Stella and the Woodrock team houses 11 dashing donkeys! When the philanthropic pair moved to Hennops Valley in 2010- the search for donkeys was top priority on the to-do list.The mission to adopt one donkey turned into adopting a whole troop of them when Woodrock saw the state the donkeys were being kept in ,and two months after the donkeys arrived, we were blessed with one of three baby donkeys that would be born over the next 4 months- as three female donkeys were impregnated prior to arriving at the holding.All the males have been sterilized so no more surprises are in store for us!

Bella, Auckland, Faith and the rest of the donkeys namely ; Jack, Fiona, Melanie,Wendy, Wilbur, Mommy, Harvey and  Daddy live out their days in a lap of luxury and are extremely jovial and well adjusted to human contact. The babies are exceptionally friendly and often will not let cars drive up the drive without a number of donkey nose kisses on the car windows!

So is Nicholas happy with his life's dream....

"We have had remarkable feedback from people and especially children who have had contact with the Woodrock donkeys and many people are pleasantly surprised at how domestic and pet-like, similar to dogs they in fact are."- Nicholas

"We are truly blessed at Woodrock to have the opportunity to have rehabilitated these wondrous creatures and they have graced our lives with such joy. "-Estelle

Trusting, loving and willing to adapt- donkeys are definitely on the tops in regard to farm animal choice.

Be quiet and eat your Brussels sprouts!

Be quiet and eat your brussel sprouts!!

Written by L Meldau

People often ask me what it was like growing up with two parents who are probably fonder of animals then their own spawn and my response is always the same!

“I hated it as a child, but as I am older and wiser, I am so grateful for such an unorthodox and educational upbringing.”

The reason this is always my response is that I think in today’s fast paced, consumer driven age, individuals priorities are very warped in regards to the morals and values they instill in their children.

I find it terribly sad, that children will complain instead of being grateful for what they have. The old cliché of “ Eat your vegetables, there are children in Africa who are starving”- although an extreme and often far-fetched concept does ring true in one regard.

I personally believe that being raised as a morally aware child, I have become a more charitable adult who attempts to live simply so others can simply live. I recently had an incident where I completely understood the great impact gratitude could have on one’s spirit. As a typical 20 -something female, I was being very critical toward myself about stretch marks on my leg. Stupid I know but very relevant. I immediately then caught sight of my stupid reflection in the mirror and a profound sense of shame came over me- at least I have legs and at least I have eyes and vision to see my legs! It sounds very extreme but it has definitely put things into perspective and made me more cognizant of not complaining for random unnecessary drivel when there are far huger problems in the world.

It’s nice to be nice! No bad ever came from being polite or generous.

As Woodrock’s coat of arms says: Acta Non Verba, this is so true. Be the change, actions do speak louder then words.

Pay it forward, small changes often make the biggest difference. Encourage children to give, it might not be the most pleasant of learning experiences, often emotionally draining but I guarantee they will grow up morally richer for it and be greater adults who will make the change!! Teaching children to be appreciative, show gratitude and charitable is far more beneficial then the smartest gadgets in the world!

So thank you Nicholas and Stella, I have learnt the meaning of being grateful even if the drawbacks were saliva covered shoes, furry jerseys, incessant barking and always a million sets of eyes watching me eat!

Have an uplifted day!

Until next time,

L

Oh and if you feel like being generous today, Woodrock is always in need of finances!

Woodrock Dog Rescue

Standard Bank Rivonia

Account number: 425 369 161

Savings account

Branch code: 001255

Or for our international readers- please find our PAYFAST details and link under our Facebook notes on Woodrock Animal Rescue!!

Thanks guys

X x

Woodrock has a celeb -filled week!!

Woodrock has a celeb-filled week!

March 2013

Written by L Meldau

As any animal nut, it is not news to hear that we at the rescue centre generally tend to prefer animals to humans! However, this past weekend the 16 and 17 March, we were star struck not by one but by 2 South African celebrities.

On Saturday, Leigh-Ann Mol, news presenter on the Gareth Cliff show on 5fm visited the Rescue with her family who came to adopt a large breed dog. They left with beautiful Maizy- a swiss Shepherd (her brother Zac was adopted last week). Strangely enough, this is the second unplanned encounter that the avid animal lover Leigh-Ann and Woodrock’s very own Stella have crossed paths. Approximately 7 years ago, Stella assisted Lee-Ann with the placement of a little rescue dog “Princess. What can we say- sometimes things are meant to be!! It was wonderful having Leigh-Ann and her family visit and adopt and we hope this will be the start of a “planned” future together.

On Sunday, after Doggy day (blog post to be released on Thursday), Nicholas and Stella were invited by Louise Carver, gifted songstress and South African musician to come and watch her perform in Hennops Valley, and receive a donation of food she had raised for them. A wonderful and entertaining afternoon concluded a busy weekend for the matriarch and patriarch of Woodrock as always in rescue the juice is always worth the squeeze especially when you get to meet down to earth, charitable and talented celebrities. Thanks Louise you Woodrock!!

Until next time,

L

One of our favourite March shots so far......

Emma a Woodrock oldie lazes on the couch.

Excuses, excuses....

“Don’t worry, someone else will pick him up!”

“Maybe it bites or has rabies?”

“He definitely looks like he knows where he is going…..”

“He looks like a runner-there is no way we can catch him.”

Written by L.Meldau.

March 2013

We have all had these guilt stricken moments of seeing an animal running frantically in the streets and having that split second moment to decide what to do. Yes, I shall take full responsibility in admitting that I have occasionally used one of the above excuses for no other reason then to make my own conscience feel better. It is only now as I type that it dawns on me how truly “unbelievable” these rationalizations are!

Yes, they are practical excuses but it does disturb me that they are too often used because it is deemed too much effort to pull over and help an animal in need- even when you have the time! It is at moments like these that the phrase

”A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself.”

that really rings true in my mind and contributes to this guilt. The complete adoration and devotion given by an animal does not have excuses or limitations. To them you are a “forever love” not just a transient play- thing.

So yes this blog may not move one to go out and help every street animal that comes across one’s path, but I do hope it encourages one of being more cognizant and aware of when and how you can help.

A little effort goes a long way. Actions speak louder then words.

Rant over

Until next time

L

Our past,present and future 0761554439

As in any fairy tale our story starts with a little girl, Stella was her name and her favourite childhood game was to attach a string to a shoe box and take her “little dog” for a walk. Her love for all things furry was clear from her earliest years as she would shun rewards of sweets and coins for the company of her beloved four legged friend Tauba.
In every tale of this sort there is the required love interest and the story of the blossoming 12 year old Stella is no different, enter the dashing 15 year old Nicholas from next door. A true “Romeo and Juliet” romance ensued albeit without the tragic end, as both sets of parents frowned upon the innocent flirtations of the would be soul mates as they spent their carefree days on the fair streets of Orange Grove (Johannesburg). The pair quickly became united as a vigilante crew rescuing and feeding furry and feathered friends around the neighbourhood.
In 1979 the two animal champions tied the knot. Although money was tight in their early nuptial they had soon accumulated 5 dogs 3 cats… oh, and 3 children. Their open house policy for unfortunate furriessoon led to the adoption of 2 rather large family members,Snork a 200kg pig saved from an abattoir and Wilbur, Snorkspot belly companion. These two happily resided in their new suburban abode, much to the dismay of the neighbours. However soon the pair out grew their lodging and expected size (Snork reached the size and weight of a small car). Always doing right by the animals and realising that it was unfair on the pair of swines, Nic and Stella donated the oinksto a touch farm for children with learning and social development issues.
Once their own children started to reach the point of spreading their wings, the Meldaus were still not content. Soon 5 dogs became 10 then 20 and in no time a vision formed from theirlifelong dream of caring for animals and their growing canine family, thus the birth of Woodrock Animal Rescue.  Hesitant at first, Nic and Stella received invaluable encouragement and often pushing from the legendary Dee Tyler and Marlene De Beer.
Since 1999, Woodrock Animal Rescue has rehomed countless animals from the Woodmead area of Sandton. Although aghast at first the community has come to embrace their wacky neighbours with the dogs. Although the rescue can be a bit noisy at times the neighbours have turned a deaf ear to it as the exceptional pro bono work being carried out by Woodrockfar outweighs a little bit of raucous barking. However,Woodrock has now out grown its suburban home a new home was found: a perfect 21 acresmall holding in the Hennops River Valley. They currently own 120 dogs, 10 cats, 11 donkeys, 2 horses geese,ducks,chickens,pigeons and budgies.
Currently kennels are in the final stages of construction on “the farm”. The kennels have all the luxuries one would expect of a 5 star hotel these include air conditioning and heating. At present Nic and Stella also run a recruitment agency (even their day job is helping those in need), but to them their sanctuary is their home and the rescue and “the farm” is the realisation of their lifelong dream. They are pillars of hope and saviours of thousands.
Woodrock Animal Rescue place animals in loving, caring homes. Our goal is to ensure a sustainable lifelong relationship between the new owner and its newly acquired furry friend. Every animal deserves a second chance and thus every effort is made to match the most suitable rescue to the most suitable home, thereby minimising the chances of having to re-home again, if it doesn’t work out.

We are a non - profit, pro - life, rescue, rehabilitation and re-homing facility.

We provide assistance to unfortunate, homeless, abused, neglected, stray, injured, ill, geriatric and unwanted animals that would otherwise have miserable lives and premature deaths. The rescue centre provides food, necessary medical care such as inoculations, vaccinations, sterilizations etc. and preventative medicine including deworming, flea and tick dips etc.

Our mission.

Rescue lost and abandoned animals.

Rehabilitate damaged animals.

Provide safekeeping, food and shelter to rescued animals.

Understand the needs of animals and train existing and new owners on managing and keeping rescued animals.

Make the public aware of the need to adopt rescued animals.

Re – home rescued animals.

Present talks and guidance.

Provide employment and training to less privileged communities.

Maintain after care assistance once rescued animals are re - homed, rehabilitated or fostered.

Invite visitors to South African to take part in animal welfare workshops.

Advocate the importance of inoculations, de-worming and maintaining proper safe facilities.

Catechize the importance of sterilization.



Woodrock believes that each animal deserves a loving, stable "forever home"; for this reason, the re-homing process is extensive.

House checks, background checks and legitimate vet care checks are performed prior to a dog being re-homed.

Puppies that are adopted are only taken if assurances and follow-ups are made regarding sterilization once the puppy comes of age. This is strictly monitored as Woodrock aims at all costs to eliminate the increase in animal breeding when there are so many unwanted animals out there looking for a home.

Woodrock has been facilitating homeless animals for thirteen years. We boast an amazing re - homing hit rate.

Woodrock is involved with the local community and strives to educate the local people and the public, especially children, on the importance of pet sterilization and responsible pet ownership. We also educate local communities on the humane treatment of animals. As a township initiative, Woodrock regularly spays and neuters animals from these communities, supplies shelter and comfort to these animals in the form of dog kennels and blankets, provide inoculation and veterinary services including rabies injections and conducts a regular dipping service.                                                                                                                                                     


Nicholas and Estelle, the founders, are extremely focused on their goal and their passion and drive have afforded their vision to become a reality. Woodrock Animal Rescue is a registered non – profit organisation.

Together with an amazing support group, Woodrock have been able to make a difference. Nicholas will go above and beyond the call of duty to save a dog. Estelle is known for her bulldog approach and is unflinchingly uncompromising when faced with an animal in need.

Woodrock’s animals have the benefit of an above average rescue centre environment. The animals enjoy a “home to home” opportunity as they are in large free range runs and not confined as in a normal “shelter” situation. Each rescue receives personal attention, touch and love. This promotes the rehabilitation and healing process so that successful re -homing can suffice in the shortest turn around time possible thereby creating space for the next rescue.