Bluey
Photo Credit: Oudtshoorn Dogs in Need via Facebook

After spending most of his life behind unethical shelter bars, Bluey went from waiting for a miracle to becoming one, saving another dog’s life as a blood donor and finally finding the loving foster home he always deserved!

 

Oudtshoorn, South Africa (28 April 2026) – Born into a life with little to no warmth and a future seemingly destined for hardship, Boelie, now cherished as Bluey, endured cruelty almost from the moment he came into the world.

Bluey was placed in a kill shelter kennel as a puppy. He wasn’t put on the “list” to be euthanised until he was about eight months old. Fortunately, it never came to that, because even though no one had seen any value in Bluey, or even given him a second glance, he still had something special to offer.

The Oudtshoorn Dogs in Need animal welfare organisation had recently issued appeals seeking a dog to donate blood to one of its rescues. After many calls, the ODIN team found Bluey.

It was then that they learned about the poor dog’s circumstances and grim fate. The team decided – not on their watch.

“There was NO WAY this pup was going to be PTS,” the organisation said.

They took Bluey in, and it wasn’t long before fate took a hopeful turn for this once neglected dog.

A resident from Kleinkrantz, who had been trying to foster or adopt from them for a while, called ODIN and the animal welfare eagerly with an update. They previously had inadequate fencing and grass at their premises, but after putting the necessary changes and upgrades in place, their home now meets all the requirements.

“The timing could not have been better. We sent a pic of Bluey and the new mommy said, ‘bring him so we can go walking on the beach’.”

The family and Bluey immediately hit it off. A young dog that never had a hand on his head or a child’s arms around his body, now has an awesome family that will give him at least 20 hugs a minute. The sweetest video captured his warm welcome.

“The quickest neuter, vaccination and microchip ever. His family was waiting.”

Bluey’s transition from “at-risk” to “lifesaver” to “loved and rehomed” is the kind of turnaround that makes the animal rescue world so special! We wish this brave boy nothing but happy days.


Sources: Oudtshoorn Dogs in Need 
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:

Or 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. 

 

About the Author

Nothando is a writer for Good Things Guy.
She's passionate about crafting stories that celebrate the triumphs of everyday heroes and the beautiful moments that restore faith in humanity. When she isn’t at her desk, she is sure to be found running after her bouncy toddler, exploring new food spots, or soaking in tranquil beach views.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *