On the 2nd October 2026, the Function room at Walkerbouts Inn – Rhodes accommodated the 14th Rhodes Animal Care Project (RAC) under the auspices of the Primary Health Care programme of the Departments of Agriculture organized by Dr Bekayeke, the state vet from Barkly East and his veterinary colleagues and animal health technicians from Aliwal North, Lady Grey and Sterkspruit.
The Team went to work and by the end of the day’s campaign, had spayed and neutered dogs and cats as well as vaccinations and immunizing against rabies and also administering 5-in-1 injections for other diseases such as Parvo virus. For the statistically inclined, 4 cats and 2 dogs were spayed and 4 cats and 6 dogs were castrated. There were 58 dog and 8 cat vaccinations so a busy day was had by the team! Byway of comparison, the 2025 campaign dealt with 55 dogs and 7 cats that were inoculated and given deworming medicine. 1 cat & 2 dogs were spayed and 4 cats and 1 dog were castrated.
The RAC would like to convey thanks to all of the veterinary surgeons and technical staff concerned as well as the Department of Agriculture for yet another successful campaign in Rhodes.
Pellets were packaged and a packet given to each of the pet owners with which to feed their pets during their recovery period. Each dog-owner also received a small blanket for their pets’ winter comfort, both compliments of the RAC.
Thanks also to participants in the annual Dirt Road Wild Trout Association Fly-fishing Festival where hand-knitted blankets from the Rhodes Stoepsitfees are auctioned specifically in support of the RAC project. Knitters used wool kindly donated by Saprotex International, spinners of quality yarns and hand-knitting wool and a special word of thanks to Sheila Ralph and Renette du Toit, blanket knitters of note! The project is also funded by ongoing “pre-read” book sales made at the Rhodes Info Centre during the year and donations from Rhodes homeowners from time to time. In addition, donations received from Sally Schramm, Bruce Grierson added grist to the mill by way of cash donations.
Lastly, thanks to Walkerbouts & staff for hosting the event and providing a vehicle to take the drowsy pets, together with their owners, back to their homes. The delivery service was attended to by Butis Letsika and assisted by Mlamli Vangqa.
All-in-all, a very well-orchestrated event with the veterinary aspect organized by Dr Bekayeke and the hosting by Susan Koelz on behalf of the RAC.
