What a heartwarming experience it was to be part of the large audience that welcomed Joanne Lefson and her canine companion and friend, Oscar, to a talk illustrated by a photo presentation, at the Jupiter Lounge in Kohler Street on the 3rd June.

Together they have toured the world in what Joanne calls their "World Woof Tour" to promote a better life for dogs and to try and encourage the practice of adopting a dog from one of the many shelters all over the world, rather than to pay top dollar for a pedigreed animal. Literally thousands of loving, healthy dogs are held at shelters in the hope of being placed in good homes. (A large percentage of dogs held at shelters are pedigreed dogs).
It is estimated that only 1 out of every 4 dogs held in shelters are eventually homed and that around 3,000 are put to sleep in South Africa alone, PER DAY.

Oscar, with the most endearing personality you can imagine, was one of the luckier dogs and Joanne says he has is not only been her loyal companion, he has also become her best friend.

An exhibition of animals in art and the results of the children’s art competition “A Dog’s Life”, was also on view at the venue at old KWV building.