Harvey has earned a new bravery certificate, and things are looking brighter for this once bubbly little boy and his siblings, still hopeful for their new forever home outside of shelter life.
Johannesburg, South Africa (14 April 2026) – We always love the magic that happens when an animal-loving community plainly refuses to look away from a soul in need.
A few weeks ago, we shared the heartbreaking story of Harvey, Dexter, and Bella, three Jack Russells who lost their home and their human dad in the blink of an eye. The ‘before and after’ photographs of their new life in the Paws R Us’ shelter broke our hearts, we were moved to share the call for help.
Sadly for Harvey, the 8-year-old ‘soul of the trio’ that heartbreak was only the beginning. Shortly after arriving at the shelter, his body began to fail him. What was suspected to be a dip in spirits turned out to be a serious medical battle. An MRI discovered collapsed discs in his neck that left him in significant pain and struggling to walk.
The team at Paws R Us faced with a really difficult choice. Some suggested that sending him over the rainbow bridge was the kindest path, but the team chose hope instead. They launched a BackaBuddy campaign to raise the R45,000 needed for specialist surgery.
“Against this backdrop, some will argue that we should make the call to send Harvey over the Rainbow Bridge, rather than going through surgery and rehabilitation. However, in a world filled with broken promises, quick fixes, and a lack of care, we’d like to try and do this for a little soul in need. In a world filled with war, hatred, and superficial illusions, we see our desire to tackle this as part of the scattered, stubborn movement to hang onto hope, compassion, community, love, and defying the odds.”
Today, we have the happiest of updates! Thanks to the generosity of 43 compassionate donors, the funds were secured in less than a month and he was admitted to the Bryanston Veterinary Hospital for a Ventral Slot Surgery.
The procedure was a success, and when Harvey was finally ready to be discharged, the hospital staff presented him with a Bravery Award and a handmade card filled with messages of love.
Harvey is now being cared for in a specialised medical foster home, and under the watchful eye of Liz from Dogster, he’s undergoing a combination of strict cage rest and Bemer therapy to help his body heal properly.
While Harvey’s physical recovery is going well, the miracle of a together home is still the final hope for him and his playful siblings. Dexter and Bella are waiting for their brother. The three have spent their lives as a unit, frolicking in their favourite pool and chasing balls like no tomorrow.
Paws R Us are still on a mission to find a family willing to take all three. Harvey has shown his incredible bravery. Now we hope a special family shows theirs by opening their doors to this remarkable trio.
If you have space in your heart (and perhaps a garden with a pool), please reach out to Paws R Us to inquire about Harvey, Dexter, and Bella.
by 