WOODROCK'S FOSTER PROJECT

They say dogs and cats are man’s best friend – no truer a statement. Dogs have the ability to fill your heart without trying. They’re the best companions – UNDISPUTED – and can change your frown into a smile instantaneously. Their ability to make a house feel like a home is what adoption is all about – completing a family.

- Estelle Moldau

When COVID-19 hit the world, South African citizens were faced with lockdown, and “Woodrock’s Lockdown Foster Project” was born. South African citizens could never imagine lockdown all alone, and Woodrock Animal Rescue had a sudden demand from foster parents coming forward to offer dogs a warm bed, love and tummy tickles while they had the time to spoil the dogs and show them what real family life is like.

THE FOSTER PROJECT

And so, Woodrock Animal Rescue dipped its toe into the world of fostering. Talia Pritchard, a leading Woodrock Warrior, took the project by the horns and ran with it. In three days, 42 dogs were in foster homes. Staff were thrilled and looked back and said, “This was super-easy.” Strange times called for strange happenings.

Initially, Team Woodrock were in consult with families daily via a WhatsApp group. Every moment of those first few days was very nerve-racking. Were our dogs behaving? Did Nikki, our escape artist, get out? How were Sheba and Pluto coping? Some dogs had never known a real home, never seen a TV, never been driven in a car. Things like the opening and closing of the fridge door were going to be a whole new experience. Maybe ignorance is bliss. Given the opportunity of a home environment, our animals that had never been those chosen ones were doing what they did best – showing all the love in their hearts. It’s undisputed that animals have the ability to find people who need them, filling an emptiness.