The First of Penda's Puppies Goes To Work

On Sunday, 2 October, the first of Penda’s puppies went to its new home, with a nice couple who have a farm with goats and sheep here in Namibia. When it grows up, this puppy will serve to protect the farmer’s animals from predators like jackals, hyenas, cheetah, and leopards. The future livestock guarding dog puppies all grow up in the kraal at CCF with goats and sheep, so they are used to the animals and learn from their mothers to bark at any sign of danger. Although it seems strange that one small puppy can help save the cheetah, this pup and others like it grow into the livestock guarding dogs that are helping prevent livestock/predator conflict all over Namibia. Thus, each puppy is part of a larger plan to help protect cheetahs and other predators from being shot or poisoned when they prey on farm animals like goats and sheep.

Gebhardt, pictured with paperwork in his hands, explains to the farmers about care of this puppy, as well as which additional vaccines and deworming treatments it will be given by CCF on their first visit to their farm in one month.

Paige Seitz, animal husbandry intern and team leader for puppy care, is pictured with the farmer, his wife, and Gebhardt.

The remainder of Penda’s puppies will go to their new homes on Saturday, October 8th.

Thanks!

Gabriella Flacke, DVM, MVSc