An ‘Oscar-winning’ performance by logistics major

There’s salvation from a tragic end for many of the world’s destitute dogs as the world’s largest international express delivery and supply chain solutions company, UPS, dedicates itself to doing its part to save these animals from abuse, starvation and death. “It is impossible to gauge just how many destitute dogs arrive at animal shelters every year,” said Paul Horsfall, managing director of UPS South Africa. “However, one can bank on the fact that less than 25% of the world’s homeless dogs are never adopted and face a tragic end.” But, for some of these fourlegged friends, salvation comes from an unexpected source. “The World Woof Tour 2009 is an interactive drive which aims to draw attention to the plight of impoverished dogs around the world,” said Horsfall. The canine star of the show, Oscar, a dog of dubious parentage, has proved himself worthy of performing the ambitious and challenging role as “Top Dog” for the World Woof Tour after he was rescued from the spectre of euthanasia in 2004 and quickly displayed true star qualities. UPS agreed to help Oscar out on his world tour by sending 32 boxes containing leads and collars to all the organisations that Oscar and his two legged friend, Joanne Lefson, will be visiting around the world. He is due to visit orphanages and disabled children’s homes and take part in dozens of “Dogadoptathons” along his way – with the core purpose of getting loving homes for dogs. • The World Woof Tour is a charitable initiative managed by Joanne Lefson of South Africa and her adopted dog Oscar. The team will be working its way up from South Africa through Africa and Europe with two cameramen who will be making a TV documentary.