When the community of Diep River noticed a dog wandering their streets for weeks, they stopped, searched, followed, reported sightings and refused to give up on her so she could finally get her second chance at a safer, healthier and loving life!
Diep River, South Africa (18 August 2026) – Good Things Guy so often shares heartwarming stories of animals getting a second chance after the toughest, most unfair starts to life. But one particular doggo, strangely and we suppose unknowingly, ran away from her second chance for almost three full weeks!
After nearly three weeks on the run in Diep River, a little girl named Hope was finally safely secured by the Animal Welfare Society of SA (AWS) team. Their relentless search paid off when their dog trap worked its magic, bringing her safely into the care of their animal hospital.
“For weeks, she kept everyone on their toes — with an incredible community following her movements, driving through the streets, keeping an eye on her and doing everything possible to keep her safe. Today [16 August], that journey has finally changed,” AWS shared in a social media post.
Her vet and carers confirmed that a medical assessment revealed Hope has tick-bite fever, for which treatment has already been started.
“She is now on the road to recovery, but her recovery isn’t just about getting her body healthy again. It’s about showing her that people can be kind, that she is safe, and that love exists,” AWS said on their commitment to helping Hope trust people again.
Once Hope is feeling better and has found her confidence again, AWS will begin looking for the amazing forever home she deserves.
But the heartwarming turn in her story wouldn’t have been possible without the commitment and care of the Diep River community and every member of the public who stopped, searched, followed, shared, reported sightings and refused to give up on her.
AWS expressed its heartfelt appreciation to every person who contributed to Hope’s rescue, highlighting that such happy endings happen when a community comes together for an animal in need.
Sources: Animal Welfare Society of SA
Don’t ever miss the Good Things. Download the Good Things Guy App now on Apple or Google.
Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook and Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes and hear their incredible stories:
Related Stories
Your Old Laptop Could Power a Young Conservationist’s First Year in the Field!
TEARS Brings Animal Care Lessons to Life in Local Primary SchoolsOr catch an episode of Good Things with Brent Lindeque or our Weekly Top 5 below. The videos here are always changing, updated with the latest episodes from these two shows. Both are part of Good Things TV, created to bring South Africans balance at a time when the news can feel overwhelmingly negative. Our goal is simple: to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in our country – and to leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.
by 
