Sakhelwe Community Veterinary Clinic
Dullstroom, Mpumalanga (South Africa)

Initiative active since 2001. Founded by: Dr Edda Pohlandt Buttle and supported by community volunteers. Resource support from .......

"At a party, over the counter, eventually, at some stage, someone asks – why do you provide veterinary community care?  The answer is simple: because no one else does. 

What should I do? Let the sick dogs die?  Retain a culture of puppy replacement every year?  Look, hopefully, to the State?  Sub-categorise animal needs below all our other dreadful problems?

No.  At some stage you, or I, have to stand up and say, I am going to help, and I will ensure that this animal lives.  Lives to grow up and be neutered.  Lives to guard the house and be a family pet.  Becomes an integral part of that family for years.  And is grieved over and buried like a friend.

There is no financial gain.  There is no politically correct stance.  There are vets, and there are dogs out there that need help.  Nothing to do, but to go help." [Dr E Pohlandt Buttle, 2006]

March 2006 Newsletter

...another year on

There is a tremendous increase in awareness among Sakhelwe dog owners as regards the need for rapid diagnosis and treatment to save the dogs.  We managed to save many more poisoned animals and dogs with tick bite fever this year, in comparison to last year.

At our March 2006 community day, we found that over 80% of the dog we examined were microchipped – we have a ‘regular’ clientele and the dogs are staying alive!

 At the end of the financial year end, I would like to sing the praises of all those who helped make the Sakhelwe Community Veterinary Clinic (CVC) 2005/6 such a success:

Our Virbac microchip sponsorship is back – hurrah! We can continue our research project as to why dogs/cattle die and what we are going to do about it

Over one hundred dog leads were given out as presents at the Christmas dipping – sponsored by David and Helen Gaynor – a much needed and constructive donation!

Vet’s Choice sponsored a truckload of food to last us for the year – wonderful.

Local support has been amazing – our CVC leads the way in showing other communities how to fund raise, be generous, care and consistently turn up and help.