In just seven days, South Africans turned one woman’s desperate plea into a month of safety, comfort, and full bellies for 37 Pit Bulls… and one tiny Yorkie.
South Africa (10 August 2025) – It’s not every day that a rescue organisation can say they’ve made it through the month without a single financial worry but that’s exactly the good news coming out of The Pit Bull Sanctuary South Africa.
For the first time in 7 and a half years, every single dog in their care has their needs covered for a whole month… and it’s all thanks to the kindness of South Africans who stepped up (in a massive way).
The Pit Bull Sanctuary South Africa is a safe haven for dogs that have been abused, abandoned, or surrendered, giving them love, rehabilitation and a shot at a better life. Currently home to 37 Pit Bulls (down from 39 after two happy adoptions this month) and one very tiny but very loved Yorkie, the sanctuary is run by animal rescuer and photographer, Chantelle Van Zyl, who calls herself “the mother of the dogs”.
On the 1st of August, Chantelle put out a post explaining they still needed over R32,000 just to make it to the end of the month. What happened next left her speechless. And in tears. Within just seven days, South Africans donated R47,500… enough to take care of all the Pit Bulls (and Mackie the Yorkie) for the entire month.
“For the first time in 7 and a half years, I don’t have to stress myself to a point of feeling like I am in fight or flight mode. For the first time in all my years in rescue, I don’t have to try figure out what to sell, what extra something I can do to earn more to cover shortfalls. The relief is to such an extent, that I actually feel weak. It’s been 7 and a half years of absolute sickening stress and anxiety. And suddenly, today, the relief comes and actually lets me sit down with a stomach that turns, for some odd reason, and a weakness in my entire body.”
“Thank you. Thank you a million times. Bless every effort. Every donation, every share, every reaction, every comment. A massive team effort finally paid off.”
Speaking to Good Things Guy, Chantelle shared that the sanctuary is just part of the picture. Her property is also home to her 9 personal pups (rescues she couldn’t part with), 3 horses, 4 chickens saved from being carried upside down along a road and a dozen guinea pigs. That’s nearly 60 animals she feeds, cares for and loves every single day.
“It’s crazy, but I’m actually allergic. I just can’t stop caring. I can’t look away,” she laughed.
“I had a very hard childhood. I grew up in a place of abuse and addiction. I chose to change my future to what I was conditioned to become. I turned it around and now pour all my love into looking after these animals.”
And the Yorkie?
“I saw him running the streets, picked him up, and tried to find his home but it just didn’t work out. We fell in love with ‘Mackie’ and now he’s in a pack with the biggest dogs around him.”
While August’s costs are covered, Chantelle is realistic about the road ahead.
“I don’t earn anything for what I do. I’m a photographer by trade and I’m trying to do everything to help these animals… even selling plants now. But one person can only do so much. I’m a mom (to 2 human kids) and almost 60 animals. I’m so grateful that we’ve made enough to get through August but September is coming. And then the next month. And the month after that. I need help – not big help – just small donations from people who can. Lots of small donations make up big amounts that will help these dogs.”
For now, though, Chantelle is soaking up a rare moment of peace, gratitude and hope. This is proof that when South Africans come together, we can make magic happen, even just for a pack of 37 Pit Bulls and one little Yorkie named Mackie.
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