Posted on November 30, 20151

PBSA (formerly Pitney Bowes) did its part to help some of SA’s furry friends this weekend, by taking part in Husky Rescue South Africa’s (HRSA) first sleepathon, at the non-profit organisation’s (NPO) care facility in Lanseria, Husky Haven.

The facility, which has 25 runs that house up to 50 dogs at a time, managed to raise over R55 000 from the event – an amount HRSA founder Joanne van Niekerk says exceeded expectations.

PBSA “rented” one of the runs, home to two of the haven’s homeless hounds, Salsa and Tango, and also kitted it out with food bowls, blankets and toys – while one of the PBSA team members spent Saturday night, 28 November, with the husky duo.

Salsa (a female husky-cross-chow) and Tango (a male husky-cross-beagle) were kennelled for a year before their owner gave them up. They have called Husky Haven home for about two years now.

According to Dominique Strydom, Husky Rescue volunteer and sleepathon organiser, 15 kennel runs in all were sponsored on Saturday. Apart from PBSA, First National Bank, Silver Star Casino, Mutt Mix, International Training Academy, Minuteman Press, GI Consulting and Dowry Security also participated.

“Great fun was had by all, especially the shelter dogs who thoroughly enjoyed the human interaction and companionship.”

HRSA has been rescuing and rehabilitating Nordic breeds of dogs for over 20 years now. The NPO held the charity event to raise awareness within the community, in the hope of finding forever or foster homes for some of the rescued huskies – a breed the organisation says is often misunderstood.