Thanks to the compassion and generosity of South Africans across the country, 92 senior dogs often deemed “too old to matter” will continue to receive essential treatments, surgeries, and comfort this month.
South Africa (20 July 2025) – Cape Dachshund Rescue (CDR), a devoted team of five wonderful women working across the Western Cape, Eastern Cape, Garden Route, and Free State, recently raised more than R44,000 in a heartfelt Mandela Day campaign to help their most overlooked rescues, senior dachshunds who’ve lost their families, their homes, and often, their health.
With 92 senior dogs currently in foster care and monthly veterinary expenses exceeding R40,000, this Mandela Day campaign asked South Africans to contribute R67 or more to support dogs who are often deemed “too old to matter.” The response was moving.
“We asked the public to contribute toward our vet bills, which exceed R40,000 a month, and the response was overwhelming,” said a spokesperson from Cape Dachshund Rescue.
“Thanks to this campaign, we’ll be able to continue providing essential treatments, surgeries, and comfort to some of the most vulnerable dogs in our care.”
When You’ve Lost Everything, Love Still Finds a Way
Cape Dachshund Rescue, founded in 2014, is entirely foster-based. Each dog is placed in a home environment, not a kennel, where they receive more than just food and medicine, they receive love, stability, and a second chance.
In 2017, CDR launched the Frosty Face Foster Programme, an initiative pairing senior dogs, aged 10 and older with elderly people between the ages of 60 and 80. Adoption fees are waived, and CDR covers all veterinary expenses for the lifetime of the dog.
“It’s companionship without the fear of financial strain,” the team explains. “It’s love without condition.”
This story of unconditional love is beautifully illustrated by the tale of a dog named Billy. Billy was nearly euthanised at a local veterinary clinic before the CDR intervened. He and his sister were rescued, rehabilitated, and eventually, Billy was placed with Aunty Bea, an elderly woman living alone.
“He became her world,” the team shares.
“She would knit blankets to raise funds for the rescue. Billy followed her everywhere. He was always at her side.”
When Aunty Bea passed, Billy seemed to let go, too. He was diagnosed with cancer not long after and was gently put to rest.
“It’s as if he knew she needed him until the very end. He waited for her. Then he let go,” the team reflects.
Every Dog Has a Name. Every Life Has Meaning
The CDR team manages everything, transport, vet appointments, adoptions, and fundraising, while working full-time jobs. None of them receives a salary.
“Everything we do is for the dogs,” they say.
But the pressure is constant. Vet bills continue to climb. Many dogs need urgent procedures, tumour removals, dental surgeries, chronic medication, and special food.
“We do what we can but some dogs are still waiting for treatments we can’t afford yet. That’s what keeps us up at night.”
Since the Frosty Face Foster Programme began, 191 senior dogs have found loving homes, 191 second chances, 191 quiet victories.
This month’s R44,000 raised will cover one month of vet care, a month of relief, stability, and rest for the dogs who’ve survived abandonment, illness, and heartbreak.
The funds were raised through Cape Dachshund Rescue’s heartfelt BackaBuddy campaign, which received support from 81 compassionate donors across the country. Their generosity is not just a number, it’s warm meals, critical surgeries, pain relief, and the comfort of knowing these senior dogs are not forgotten.
“We cannot express how grateful we are that our supporters stepped up to the plate like they did in celebration of this Mandela Day. As Mr Mandela said: ‘What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead’.”
And at Cape Dachshund Rescue, that quote is best interpreted as the difference they have all made in the lives of the more than 3,000 dogs that have been rehomed and the same number or more of humans who have gained a furry friend in the almost 11 years of our existence.
“We appreciate your generosity and constant support more than we can ever say. Your support makes our work worthwhile. Thank you,” the team says.
Donations for Cape Dachshund Rescue and the Frosty Face Foster Programme are still welcome on their BackaBuddy campaign link here.
Sources: Supplied
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