Essie Els: A Decade of Dedication to Animals
With 10 years of experience at Langebaan Animal Care (LAC)—three of those dedicated to the cattery—Esmerelda Els, affectionately known as Essie, embodies compassion and commitment.
How It All Began
Essie’s journey started with walking dogs soon after moving to Langebaan. “I wanted to meet people and do something productive with my free time,” she shares. Over the years, her role evolved, and she found her calling caring for the shelter’s cats.
A Heartwarming Reunion
One story Essie holds close to her heart is that of Amber, lovingly nicknamed Hasie Kat. Severely dehydrated and in critical condition, Amber was rescued and nursed back to health. Essie fostered her during recovery, falling in love with Amber’s quirky and feisty personality. Just as Essie considered making her a permanent family member, Amber’s original owners came forward. “It was bittersweet, but reuniting Amber with her family after almost a year was the right thing to do,” Essie recalls.
A Week in the Life of a Volunteer
Essie dedicates about 10 hours a week to the shelter, often taking fosters into her home. “It’s hard to pick a favourite cat,” she says, “but Diablo holds a special place in my heart. We bonded when he was very sick one winter.”
Saving Lives, Facing Loss
For Essie, the most rewarding part of volunteering is saving lives. However, the work is not without heartbreak. She remembers Tilly, a bottle-fed kitten with a rare condition called megaoesophagus. Despite Essie’s best efforts, Tilly couldn’t be saved. “Losing her was devastating, but we gave her all the love and care we could in her short life,” she says softly.
A Passion for Change
If given the chance, Essie would choose this path all over again. “This is my passion,” she declares. Her dream is for every shelter cat to find a loving home. For future volunteers, Essie advises: “You have to take the good with the bad and the happy with the sad.”
A Message to the Community
Essie’s plea to the community is clear: “Stick to the bylaws and sterilize your pets. If you see an animal in need, help it. If you witness abuse, speak up.” She also poses a thought-provoking question: “If reincarnation were real and we were guaranteed to become animals in our next life, what would you do differently today?”
A Legacy of Love
Through years of dedication, countless rescues, and fostering vulnerable animals, Essie continues to make a lasting impact. Her unwavering commitment inspires others to join in the mission of giving every animal a second chance at
