Left to right: Directors: Alan Janisch, Karen Janisch and Carey Kitching
Written by Cecillia de Villiers (“From One Rescue to Five Years of Impact: The Journey of the Blue Bundu Brigade”)
Photographs supplied by The Blue Bundu Brigade
The Blue Bundu Brigade, an animal rescue, rehabilitation, and rehoming non-profit organisation 2019/317472/08 based in Pinetown, KZN, began its journey with a desperate search for a Boerboel named Blue. On a fateful day in 2019, three Boerboels escaped when a family member of the owner accidentally left their gate open. While two were found quickly, Blue remained missing.
The community rallied around the plea for help shared on Facebook, demonstrating overwhelming support. The search took place in the challenging terrain of a nature reserve in Dawncliffe, Westville, where volunteers navigated dense brush and riverbeds for ten long days. An animal communicator provided some leads, but the search proved gruelling. Regrettably, Karen Janisch fell and fractured her ribs, requiring an airlift to the hospital. Despite her injuries, she kept the Facebook page updated, showing her unwavering commitment.
Finally, after ten arduous days, Blue was found, bringing a flood of relief and tears for Karen – even in her hospital bed. During this time, they also searched for a missing Labrador, who sadly had already passed away.
The Blue Bundu Brigade in action
This initial experience inspired Karen and her team to form The Blue Bundu Brigade, focusing on not only finding lost dogs but also taking in and rehabilitating those in need. They began offering vaccination clinics in various areas, administered by qualified personnel, which raised awareness about their work. However, this initiative drew mixed reactions, as some local vets felt threatened by their reduced pricing.
Today, the organisation cares for 160 dogs and 40 puppies, many from tragic backgrounds. Adoptions are infrequent, making it a constant struggle to provide food, vaccinations, deworming, and other essential treatments. The Blue Bundu Brigade also faced a devastating outbreak of parvo that increased their vet bills significantly.
Helping animals isn’t a new endeavour; it’s something they’ve been committed to for a long time. However, after Covid-19, floods, and riots, they’ve received an overwhelming number of pleas for assistance. People were finding lactating mothers and their puppies in need, encountering pups being sold by the roadside, or discovering animals abandoned nearby. Additionally, many individuals relocating or emigrating cannot take their beloved pets with them, and the financial burdens these situations create are painfully familiar. Many pet owners love their animals but can no longer afford to care for them – it’s a heart-breaking reality.
As a result, The Blue Bundu Brigade team often find themselves needing to take in multiple dogs at once. Providing food, deworming, medical treatment, and sterilisation are essential but costly. Only after addressing these urgent needs could they start the search for loving forever homes. These vulnerable fur babies require safety and compassion to help rebuild their trust in humans, which is where our dedicated foster moms play a vital role. The emotional challenges they face daily are significant, yet they face them with unfailing willpower.
Amid their challenges, there have also been heart-warming success stories. One such case involved Maggie, a German Shepherd cross who suffered injuries from a hit-and-run. With public donations, she received emergency care and has since recovered beautifully, ready to find her forever home.
Another challenging case was Joe, a Boerboel living in poor conditions. After multiple failed adoption attempts, he was enrolled in a specialised training programme which transformed his behaviour. Eventually, he found a loving home where he was renamed Kaptein, fulfilling the dream Karen had for him.
Karen and her team are driven by a profound calling to help animals in need, like Maggie and Joe. They’ve witnessed both heart-breaking and uplifting moments, but the love they receive from the dogs makes it all worthwhile. Their team of dedicated foster moms play a crucial role in rehabilitating frightened, neglected fur babies, showing them love for the first time.
A lifeline for dogs in need
The Blue Bundu Brigade is immensely grateful for the support from the community, veterinary clinics, and every donor, no matter how small. They continue to face challenges with food donations and vet bills but remain committed to their mission.
In March 2024, 24 dogs needed a lifeline and, with the help of donations, they were able to erect kennels, as there was no other place for these poor fur babies to go. They’ve recently had to re-fence the kennels with a stronger wire and are busy increasing the kennel run to accommodate the ongoing demand. A donation of nine security gates and IBI thick roof sheeting (20 x 6m) would really help them to finish the kennels.
The Blue Bundu Brigade had seen an influx of puppies in need of milk and medical care. One of their beautiful dogs, Bambi, gave birth to seven puppies and has graciously taken in another eight abandoned pups. She received a lot of support and thrived, ensuring these puppies could pull through and survive.
Another case that touched our hearts was Luna, who sadly passed away shortly after giving birth to two beautiful pups who were battling both for survival and against infection, but against all odds they survived and have been adopted.
Despite the challenges the Blue Bundu Brigade team face, they feel a deep responsibility to respond to the cries of these innocent animals. They’ll continue to answer that call, as that’s who we are and what these animals desperately need.
Any contributions that can help keep their doors open and provide a lifeline for these vulnerable animals would be very much appreciated.
How can you help?
Get in touch with The Blue Bundu Brigade – contact Karen Janisch via WhatsApp on 062 436 8810 or email bluebundubrigade@gmail.com
Follow them on Facebook and Instagram.
Support their Back-a-buddy fundraiser account.
Or keep an eye on their Facebook page as they’re at certain markets on Saturday mornings where their rescue puppies are waiting for some love and cuddles. Any dog food, toys, blankets, leads and other dog items are most welcome and much appreciated.
