Rescue. Love. Rehome. My 160 days in shelter.

As I sit here, reflecting on this past half year as the new National Director of the SPCA, I find myself overwhelmed by a whirlwind of emotions—gratitude, challenge, hope, and a renewed sense of purpose. It’s been a journey like no other, one that has reshaped my perspective in ways I never anticipated. So, I want to share a little of that story with you.

A New Chapter, A New Perspective

When I accepted this role in January 2025, I knew it was an incredible honour and responsibility. But I didn’t fully realise how much my world would change. Gone are the days of polished office suits and high-heeled shoes. Instead, I’ve traded those for overalls, cat-scratched hands and cloggs, splattered with who-knows-what. I remember my first day in the shelter—walking into a space alive with barking dogs, ringing telephones, and hope—feeling both excited and slightly terrified.

In those initial weeks, I threw myself into hands-on learning: how to clean, how to answer calls, how to use the systems, how to deal with clients, or just sitting quietly to earn the trust of an animal who had never known kindness. I recall one particular morning, crouched beside a skinny little dog trembling in the corner, offering gentle words and a soft hand. That moment taught me more about patience, trust and what really matters, than any corporate boardroom ever could.

The Heartbeat of the Shelter

Every animal here has a story—some heartbreaking, others filled with a spark of resilience. I’ve learned that caring for them isn’t just about medicine or feeding; it’s about listening to their silent language, acknowledging their suffering, offering reassurance and enrichment, and sometimes, just being present. There’s a special kind of loyalty these rescues provide—an unspoken gratitude that touches your soul.

I’ll never forget the day we matched a gentle old dog with a quiet family and the way his tail began to wag vigorously when he was stroked. Or the playful chaos of kittens in our Lion’s Den tumbling over each other. This remind me daily why this work is so vital. Behind the scenes, our team and volunteers pour their hearts into every rescue, every cuddle, every “welcome” and “goodbye”. Their unwavering dedication inspires me—especially on days when the emotional weight feels heavy.

Facing the Tougher Realities

There are a lot of heartbreaking moments, too. The tough decisions—followed by heartbreaking goodbyes when we face overcrowding or incurable illness—are never easy. And I’ve learned that compassion isn’t just needed for the animals; it’s also for the team, and even for some people who surrender their beloved pets out of desperation or necessity.

If you think about it, our work involves addressing the consequences of bad decisions other people have made concerning animals. I've also come to understand that managing an animal shelter is an emotionally charged and highly visible public issue. We are frequently in the spotlight on social media, where so-called ‘experts’ share their opinions, often overlooking the complex realities and facts. Navigating the challenges faced by our shelters requires a combination of skill, flexibility, adaptability, and resilience — all while holding onto hope and the support of friends and colleagues.

Despite the hurdles, our commitment remains rooted in compassion and unwavering dedication to the animals and communities we serve. There is an undeniable sense of purpose within our SPCA family.

Looking Ahead with Hope

As I look to the future, I am filled with a deep desire to do more. I envision a Namibian society where cruelty is unheard of, where every animal is treated with respect and compassion. We want to expand our reach, improve our services, support, and adoption rates, and build stronger bonds within our community.

This journey is just beginning, and I am immensely grateful for the support of donors, members, media, volunteers and clients—because none of this would be possible without you.

Thank you for being part of this incredible journey. Here’s to many more days of making a difference—one paw, one tail, one heart at a time.

With gratitude,

Silke van der Merwe

National Director

SPCA Windhoek/Namibia