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Angel of the Animals

At 80 years old, Anneke continues to demonstrate a vigilant compassion, determination and loving strength. Her love for the animals and concern for their welfare is the driving force that keeps her going each day, no matter what. Anneke Vos originally started working at Loaves and Fishes 15 years ago as a volunteer to help the women and children at Mary House who were homeless. She realized that many had animals. She also noticed that there was nothing available for the animals. They ate any leftover food their owner had. While waiting for their owner, they would be tied up and left alone. Often they were in the heat or in the rain as they were not allowed inside Friendship Park. Troubled by what she saw, she built a makeshift kennel that included crates, a roof for shelter and food and water. Because of the kennel’s location right outside of Friendship Park, it was very noisy and the animals were often teased. After two years in this location, Anneke moved the kennel to where it is today, on Ahern Street. The kennel has come a long way from yesterday's dirt floor to cement which is easier to keep clean. Today, there is shelter, misters and fans to keep the dogs and cats cool in the summer and propane heaters to keep them warm in the winter. A typical day for Anneke is helping a dog or cat that:
  • has been hit by a car and is suffering
  • was in a bad dogfight with serious injuries
  • has been abandoned
  • has Parvo virus
  • has a broken leg
  • has a tumor
  • has a serious skin disease
  • is dying
Anneke does not hesitate to go to the riverbanks where the homeless keep their camps to check on a particular dog. Nor does she hesitate to take a homeless person and their animal in her vehicle to rush them to a veterinarian when the animal has been injured. Anneke will go to the shelters to rescue a dog that is impounded because their owner is in jail. Whatever it takes to save an animal -- Anneke will do it! The homeless people call Anneke the “angel of the animals”. WOOFF calls her “their hero”.
Lynn Madison
President


WOOFF
PO Box 2086
West Sacramento, CA 95691
916.247.8441
info@wooffriends.com

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