These dogs and their handlers are highly trained and dedicated to their job of protecting our wildlife. They work extremely long hours, under very challenging and dangerous circumstances. They are generally the first ones on the upsetting and forlorn scene of a rhino poaching tragedy. They walk many kilometres each day in the searing Lowveld heat and foreboding, pitch-black African nights, with danger lurking behind every bush. They sleep in the open – if they do sleep – and cannot light a fire for light or cooking. They eat and drink on the run. They get shot at. They put their minds and bodies under intense pressure. They do this all for the love of wildlife. To them it isn’t just a job. It is their life calling.

Happily there are also a few victories in the anti-poaching war and we celebrate each success with as much fervour as we mourn every defeat.

The canine anti-poaching warriors from K9 Conservation, Kilo9 Kennels, Klaserie Private Nature Reserve, the Southern African Wildlife College, Thornybush Nature Reserve, Timbavati Private Nature Reserve and Greater Balule all receive their veterinary care and support from Provet Wildlife Services and Animal Hospital. These units boast in excess of 100 dogs in total.

We have supported these canine anti-poaching units with sponsored food in the past and would love to continue the trend but on an even greater scale. We would also like to include preventative parasite treatments – for ticks, fleas, worms, et cetera – as well as veterinary treatments in future.