Ben Madilynn
This weekend, a vibrant community came together to support Eku Paws, a new non-profit dedicated to uplifting dog welfare, proving that even the smallest of towns can make a big difference.
Eastern Cape, South Africa (07 October 2024) – It’s often said that you can judge the soul of a society by how it treats its animals. And when you see a community rallying together to uplift the welfare of its four-legged friends, it’s a reminder that there is so much good in the world. This was the heartwarming scene in Kenton on Sea this past weekend, where a “fun-draiser” of note, turned heads and wagged tails, all in support of a brilliant cause!
Eku Paws, a newly formed non-profit organization, is making waves in the Eastern Cape. Founded by the passionate Merryl Flynn and Jo Wilmot, this group is dedicated to educating local communities on dog welfare in Ekuphumleni, Kenton on Sea.
Their mission? To create a strong bond between dogs and their owners through education, empowering individuals to provide better care and, in turn, enriching the lives of both. With a focus on training programs and active learning, Eku Paws is determined to help people develop a deeper, more respectful connection with their pets.
A “Fun-draiser” Full of Love, Laughter, and Loads of Dogs!
Saturday, 28th September, marked a special day for the small community of Kenton on Sea, as Eku Paws hosted its very first event—a Dog Show! But this wasn’t just any dog show; it was a celebration of dogs, community, and the power of education to uplift both.
From Irish Wolfhounds to tiny Pomeranians, over 50 dogs strutted their stuff, with local dog lovers turning out in droves to support the cause. Categories included Best Young Handler, Dog Most Like Its Owner, and Best Dressed, offering plenty of smiles and laughter. The prestigious title of Best in Show went to Shadrak and his beloved rescue dog, Chocolate—a heartwarming duo from the informal settlement. Judges unanimously agreed on the win, admiring Shadrak’s deep bond and devotion to his pup.
The judging panel itself highlighted the event’s caliber, featuring renowned sculptor Bruce Little (who even designed a bronze trophy for the occasion), Lindy Sutherland (CEO of the Kariega Foundation), dog behaviorist Ashleigh Hart-McCafferty, Dr Marette Dryer from Kareiga Vets, and Verona Veltman of Kenton Domestic Animal Care. Their collective expertise brought an extra touch of class to an already phenomenal day.
Why Charities Like Eku Paws Matter in South Africa
Animal welfare is often overlooked in under-resourced communities, not because of lack of care but because of a lack of understanding. Too many dogs suffer simply because their owners haven’t been taught how to care for them properly. Eku Paws is stepping into that gap, using education to break the cycle of neglect. Their first initiative will introduce a training program modeled after the successful Funda Nenja project in KwaZulu-Natal, focusing on building the human-animal bond.
As Eku Paws founders Merryl and Jo have shown, education is key. When communities are given the tools and knowledge to care for their dogs, it leads to sustainable, long-term change. The fundraiser was more than just a fun day out—it was the beginning of a brighter future for the dogs of Ekuphumleni and beyond.
Ending on a High Note
In conjunction with the dog show, World Rabies Day was celebrated with Dr Marette Dryer donating rabies vaccinations to local dogs, ensuring their safety and well-being. It was the perfect addition to an already stellar event.
But the day wasn’t just about raising funds, it was about raising awareness and lifting spirits. Eku Paws is a shining example of what can happen when a community comes together with a shared purpose—to protect and care for the most vulnerable among us. With future initiatives already planned, it’s clear that the good news will keep rolling in for the dogs (and their humans) of Kenton on Sea!
And honestly, what’s better than that?
