Downward-Facing-Adopt-A-Dog returns for a second year

The class will be held under the trees in the outdoor setting of De Waal Park. During the hour, attendees will participate in yoga activities, while interacting with the clinic's dogs that are up for adoption. 

The class is the brainchild of local yoga instructor Lee-Ann Elliott, who is also a supporter of the Mdzananda Animal Clinic in Khayelitsha. Elliott says that she had initially seen a Facebook post from Mdzananda appealing for people to assist in adopting or fostering homeless dogs as they were overcapacity.

"I looked down at my dog Salacia and thought, we can make a difference," says Elliott. "I called my friend who worked at Mdzananda and we started planning the first event. Now we are hosting our fourth event."

Soon after the first Downward-Facing-Adopt-A-Dog event in October 2018, Elliott says that Salacia passed away due to tick bite fever. "These events are a tribute to her memory, as well as a fundraiser and place of hope for more dogs to find homes,” says Elliott. The event aims to raise funds for the Mdzananda Animal Clinic, an NPO animal hospital based in Khayelitsha, while introducing people to pets needing homes.

"Our organisation is predominantly an NPO veterinary hospital, but we do have a small stray shelter for dogs and cats, as people often need to hand their pets over," says Marcelle du Plessis, fundraising and communications manager of the Mdzananda Animal Clinic.
 
"Finding homes for these animals is difficult, especially because people are often too scared to come to Khayelitsha to visit pets. Events like these allow us to bring the pets to people, all while the people get to enjoy a yoga session," adds du Plessis.

The class will start at 10:30 but attendees are advised to be there at 10:00 to register, find a spot and spend some time with the dogs. The clinic says that around eight dogs will be at the event.

Attendees are encouraged to bring a yoga mat or towel and some water and to invite individuals who are in the market for a new furry friend. The cost of the class is donation-based and all funds raised will go to the Mdzananda Animal Clinic.



For more information, visit www.mdzananda.co.za or contact info@mdzananda.co.za. You can also follow the Mdzananda Animal Clinic on Facebook.