The festive season is meant to be filled with warmth and connection, but for many dogs in Soshanguve, it brought abandonment and fear. What followed was a powerful reminder of why shelters matter.
Pretoria, South Africa (03 January 2026) – When the noise of the holidays fades, the real work begins. While many of us were packing bags, planning braais or slipping into rest mode, a small team on the outskirts of Pretoria was quietly doing the hardest kind of work: picking up the pieces for animals left behind. Dogs who waited. Dogs who cried. Dogs who did not understand why love suddenly disappeared.
That is the daily reality at Soshanguve Animal Shelter and Educare.
The shelter exists for one clear purpose: to provide shelter, food and care for every dog in need in Soshanguve. But it goes further than rescue. The team actively teaches animal care to children and the broader community, involving locals in volunteer days and education programmes that help build empathy, responsibility and long-term change. Supporting animals in South Africa’s townships is about far more than rescue alone. It strengthens communities, improves public health, creates safer neighbourhoods and supports local economies. Most importantly, it reminds us that compassion is not selective… it belongs everywhere.
Over the festive season, that compassion was stretched thin.
In a post shared on social media, the shelter opened up about one of the most difficult periods they have faced:
“This festive season has been one of the saddest we have experienced. While many families are packing bags and heading off on holiday, so many dogs have been surrendered, confused, heartbroken and deeply stressed. These innocent fur babies don’t understand why their guardians left them behind. They wait, they cry, they search for familiar faces that never come back. Abandonment causes severe emotional trauma and during a time that should be filled with love, they are left feeling unwanted.”
Behind those words are real challenges. Right now, the shelter has no petrol to attend emergencies or rescues. Insurance is unpaid. Rent is overdue. And yet, every single day, the dogs still need food, medication, cleaning and comfort.
Despite being overwhelmed, the team has not stopped showing up.
We spoke to Tebogo Maredi, an Inspector at Soshanguve Animal Shelter and Educare, about what keeps them going when things feel impossible.
“Even during our most overwhelming days, small acts of kindness remind us why this work is essential,” Tebogo explains.
“A supporter dropping off food, a message of encouragement or a volunteer spending extra time comforting a scared dog makes a profound difference. Seeing a once withdrawn dog begin to trust again, eating, responding to gentle voices or wagging a tail, reassures us that compassion still exists and that our efforts are not in vain.”
That quiet rebuilding of trust is something the team witnesses daily.
“One dog arrived at the shelter visibly traumatised… withdrawn, trembling and refusing food, constantly watching the gate as if expecting their guardian to return,” Tebogo shares.
“For several days, there was no interaction. Through patience, routine and gentle care, the dog slowly began to heal. The first milestone was eating again, followed by allowing human touch. Recently, the dog started seeking comfort from caregivers, a clear sign that trust is slowly being rebuilt despite the difficult circumstances.”
Community support, Tebogo says, is not optional. It is the backbone of survival.
“Financial donations allow us to purchase food, fuel rescue vehicles, pay rent and maintain essential insurance. Messages of encouragement help our team cope emotionally with the daily challenges of animal welfare work. Volunteers provide enrichment, socialisation and affection… critical elements for the emotional recovery of abandoned animals. Without community involvement, shelters simply cannot function.”
There is also a deeper conversation that needs to happen every festive season.
“Abandonment leaves lasting emotional scars,” Tebogo says.
“Many animals develop anxiety, fear and behavioural challenges that can take months or even years to overcome. The festive season exposes a recurring pattern where pets are viewed as temporary responsibilities. Responsible pet ownership: planning for holidays, arranging pet care, sterilisation and adopting with long-term commitment in mind, is key to breaking this cycle.”
For those reading this and wondering how to help, the answer is simple and powerful.
“Meaningful change begins with action, no matter how small,” Tebogo says.
“Donations, fostering, volunteering, sharing awareness campaigns or educating others about responsible pet ownership all play a vital role. Compassion expressed through action saves lives. When communities come together, shelters are better equipped to protect and heal the animals who depend on us.”
The shelter is also appealing to companies and businesses that are able to assist through monthly donations or sponsorships. Ongoing corporate support creates stability, allowing the team to plan ahead, respond to emergencies and continue caring for abandoned animals throughout the year. When businesses partner with shelters, they do more than give, they actively strengthen the communities they serve.
Soshanguve Animal Shelter and Educare is a registered PBO and can issue Section 18A certificates upon request. They also welcome Takealot or courier deliveries at their physical address: Plot 139 Kolgans Street, Onderstepoort, 0110, Pretoria, Gauteng.
Account details and a SnapScan link are available for those who are able to assist financially.
And this is where the good news lives.
Even in a season marked by heartbreak, there are still people who stay. People who show up. People who choose care over convenience. Every bag of food, every shared post, every moment of kindness helps a frightened dog feel safe again.
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