Proudly showcasing adopted and adored pets whose lives were changed forever because people gave them a chance. Proof that animals adopted from welfares make wonderful companions.

Shaggy

Christine Riley shares Shaggy, who was adopted from a friend
“Shaggy is the most interesting story – not exactly a ‘little’ rescue!
“I was told the usual story... you know (violins playing in the background), how he really needed a home, etc., and that he was just ‘a bit bigger than Gemma’ (my Fox Terrier).
“And it’s true, he is a bit bigger... HE’S A LABRADOODLE! But you know what it’s like: when you meet, it’s ‘game over’!
“Shaggy absolutely adores water, especially the sea, into which he throws himself at any opportunity.”

Mea

Marda de Wet shares Mea
“Mea was my goddaughter Clea’s cat when she came to study in Stellenbosch. Mea spent the first year here because Clea lived in what was essentially a concrete bunker; when she got nicer accommodation, she spent every weekend and varsity vacation here.
“Clea left in 2018 to teach English in China, met the love of her life, got engaged, and now lives in America. And I was delighted to have gotten to keep ‘the baby’!
“I recently adopted JB from TEARS (JB’s Happy Tale), and he and Mea look like twins. They adore each other, and my little family is now complete!”

Josie

Melanie Morris shares Josie
“Josie was living in the bushes along Marine Drive with homeless people. She must have escaped from her chains, as my friends, who’d gone caravanning at Pine Lodge one weekend, found her running with the rope still around her neck.
“I was called to help and took her home to ‘foster’ for the weekend. But, by Sunday, there was NO chance she was ever leaving... I loved her too much!”

Kermit

Photography by Strike a Pose Photography
Laura Nagel shares Kermit, who was adopted from ARK Animal Rescue
“We adopted our little Chihuahua, Kermit, in 2017. He’d come from a horrid puppy mill/hoarding situation. He’d been confiscated along with 72 others after living in disgusting conditions for three years.
“It’s taken a lot of hard work, patience and love to help him be a normal dog.”

Stormy

Sudre Sutton shares Stormy, who was adopted from Oscars Arc WOOF Project
“I rent the lower part of a house owned by someone whose name you might recognise: Christine Riley, dog mom of Riley, Surfer, Wizard and Shaggy… all of whom have appeared previously on the Happy Tails website. I already have one dog, an old lady named Lallie, but had fallen in love with another, a much younger pup.
“Christine was strictly against having another fur kid on the property – we have so many. But then she met Stormy… and we all know how that goes! Stormy by name, stormy by nature – like all ‘teeny-puppers’ (teenage doggies) – she only has two gears: 6th and neutral. Run, run, run, Zzz… and nothing in between!
“We (Christine and I) know how she feels – it’s ‘Stormy, No!... Stormy, shush! Stormy, don’t chew that! Stormy, stop barking’. Two minutes later: ‘Hmm, why is Stormy so quiet?!’ But we wouldn’t change her for the world!”

Zee

Liz Penprase shares Zee
“Zee is our 12-year-old Ridgeback girl. She came from an abusive home where her owners had refused to have a specialist veterinarian operate after driving over her leg. Their vet patched her up as best he could, but the owners now no longer wanted her and her sister, and they were given up for adoption. As soon as we took her in, we had the operation done, and it took a while for her to be rehabilitated.
“Zee had three homes before we adopted her. She had awful homes before, but she instantly was in love with Cleo, Moose and Myia. They just all got along so well together – never a fight. She’s very social, loves her walks, and has many friends.
“Zee has such a gentle nature and now (after the sad passing of Cleo, Moose and Myia) it’s only Thor (our latest rescue) and her. They’re very close, but he’s much younger than her at two-and-a-half years old. She’s like a mother to him and he adores her, even slowing down to wait for her on walks.
“We’re not sure of her age but can see she’s getting old; she’s slowing down and struggles with her legs. She’s on lots of meds to help her. Because of this, Zee feels the cold easily. So, this winter, she’s enjoying the warmth of her onesie made by Milla Moo.”
(PS: “Her sister was also adopted to a lovely home. She’s since passed away but lived a happy life – we kept in touch with her family, who moved with her to Germany.”)

Lala

Simone Goosen shares little Lala, who was adopted from Harrismith Animal Shelter
“I was shattered after losing one of my Yorkies last year due to a freak accident. The empty space and the cold pillow my little Bella left was unbearable. Tequila, our other Yorkie, who turned 14 years old recently, also felt the absence of his lifelong friend.
“My heart had been longing to find a little friend that could join our family, so I started searching for a doggy to adopt. Thanks to my insomnia, I scrolled past Harrismith Animal Shelter’s social media post of a brown little fluff ball with beautiful yet sad eyes staring into my soul… and I fell in love! I sent two messages at 03h30 in the morning, asking that I please have to adopt this baby. The pup had no name yet – the only info we had was that she was four months old and had just one picture. But she was going to be mine, I knew it!
“Helene Haworth of Harrismith Animal Shelter was so helpful and kind, and I quickly got my forms in to start the process. Soon, our new baby travelled from Harrismith to Alberton, and I could cuddle her the next day.
“We named her Lala (a combined name in memory of BelLA and our oldest friend TequiLA). She’s the sweetest, most loving little fur ball and we have all fallen deeply in love with her, and she’s so spoiled already.
“Rescue dogs are the best; we all need a second chance at life, and we’re extremely happy that we could be that chance for Lala.”

Buddy

Melanie Morris shares Buddy
“Buddy, who’s about 12 years old now, was found chained up outside a supermarket and was rescued by my friend Bronwin Meyer from Domestic Animal Care in Gqeberha (at the time she wasn’t involved with DAC yet).
“Bronwin took him to the vet, who in turn phoned me as they knew I was looking for a new little rescue for my son. This was before Bronwin and I had become friends, so imagine our delight when we got to know each other later and realised that I was the one who’d adopted Buddy!
“And we’re so glad we did.”

Kira, Frankie and Molly

Left to right: Molly, Frankie and Kira
Sue van der Gaast shares Kira, Frankie and Molly
“We have a saying in our house: ‘It’s a dog’s life’. And nothing could be truer. Blessed is the dog who shares their life with us – hectares of freedom to explore, quad bike rides, cosy beds and cooked meals every day. These dogs are sure to be the envy of many a four- (or, for some, 3- or none) legged friends. All of our dogs are keen gardeners as that’s where we spend the most time.
“Kira is a lovely-tempered Kelpie who’s my partner, Herman’s, shadow. She goes everywhere with him if she can. He adopted her 13 years ago when her human had left the country and she needed a new home. Kira is 14 now and her age is definitely catching up, but she makes incredible effort to get up and down the stairs and is now gently lifted into the bakkie (pick-up truck) to go and do farm chores.
“Frankie, our Dachshund, also needed a home after his owner left the country. Frankie is paralysed, but he happily scootches around and is definitely not a fan of the wheels that have been bought for him over the years. He’s lively and his favourite time is when he’s on the quad bike with us and can feel the wind blowing through his beautiful, big ears.
“Molly is our grumpy, very protective little tripod Yorkshire Terrier. Molly lost her leg after being kicked and was rescued by a girl in Knysna. She later asked my partner if he could look after her for a week whilst she went away… that was three-and-a-half years ago. Molly definitely believes she’s the alpha queen – even with the new Rhodesian Ridgeback rescues who absolutely tower over her, she’s always got a cheeky snarl ready.
“They’re all happy, healthy and adored. And living their best lives with us on the farm!”
(NOTE: “By the time this goes to your readers, the beautiful Kira would have crossed the rainbow bridge. Rest gently, beautiful girl, Herman’s constant and beloved companion every day since Sandy died; and what joy she’s brought us.
“We love you, girly, run free now. Herman and Sue, Frankie and Molly.”)

Bunnies

From the little white bun going clockwise: Frosting, Pepper, Caramel, Frisco, Coco, Jellybean, Ash, Topdeck, Cappuccino
Melanie Morris shares her rescue bunnies
“I have 18 bunnies in total (not all depicted)... all with different stories.
“Many vets phone me when they get dropped off there as strays or no longer wanted. So many people cruelly dump their bunnies in parks or fields and then they get found in the street.
“With our family, they’re loved and cared for, and I enjoy spending time with them.”