Wouter Carries Shakira Over His Shoulders So Her Paws Don't Burn

Photo Credit: Isabella White

A homeless man named Wouter carries his dog Shakira over his shoulders so her paws don’t burn on hot tar as they travel across South Africa together as best friends!

Port Edward, South Africa (08 October 2026) – Wouter doesn’t have a home, and after being robbed, no phone either. What he does have is Shakira, his beloved pup, whom he treats like a princess.

Isabella White highlighted their very special bond in a post on Facebook after she came across the pair in Port Edward. What struck her most about Wouter’s love for his pooch was his concern for her little paws.

Wouter and Shakira are homeless and travel across South Africa together. Rather than let her paws burn, Wouter carries Shakira over his shoulders during stretches of their journey when the asphalt is too hot for her to walk on.

“Wouter and Shakira (homeless) travel throughout South Africa like this so that her paws do not get burnt on the asphalt…” shared Isabella on Facebook.

The pair get by with very little. Wouter has found a way to protect his dog with what he does have – his own two shoulders. Plenty of people would have struggled to keep a pet in his situation. Yet he finds extra ways to keep her safe.

When Isabella offered them some help, Wouter immediately went to buy food for himself and his beloved pooch.

“We offered him some help and he instantly went and bought food!” Isabella added.

Wouter is currently in Port Edward and plans to travel to Richards Bay next week. Isabella is asking the internet to make her post go viral. Hopefully, it reaches someone who may spot him, and knowing their special story, that person might find it in their hearts to stop and show the travelling pair some love.

Since he has no phone, a friendly face may be the best way to reach him. If you’re not close by, you can still help by sharing his story so it reaches someone who is!

Let’s make sure Wouter and Shakira are met with kindness wherever their journeys take them.

Love for animals knows no bounds or borders. It doesn’t depend on how much you have, only on how much you care. Wouter and Shakira reminded us of that in the most heartwarming way this week.