Kollie’s rescue exposed a gap that many families living in the Cape Winelands township of De Doorns live with every day – no access to vet care. Sidewalk’s response is changing that.
Western Cape, South Africa (12 January 2026) – Sidewalk Specials is a mass sterilisation unit and dog rescue operating in De Doorns. In September last year, they received a phone call from a dog-mom living in the informal settlement. Her puppy, Kollie, had been bitten by another dog and an abscess had been growing for some time. There was no vet nearby, no transport, and no easy way to get help.
“My mom called Sidewalk for help,” Kollie’s story explains. “A dog bit me, and an abscess had been growing ever since. My township doesn’t have access to a vet. Mom was worried she’d be blamed and get in trouble, but she couldn’t watch me suffer.”
That fear is something Sidewalk Specials sees often. Residents of the informal settlement are sometimes scared to ask for help because they worry their pets will be taken away. Sidewalk knows, however, that injury and abuse are two very different things.
Kollie was taken to the vet, who confirmed that she needed urgent surgery to drain the abscess and control the infection. Sidewalk asked their supporters to help cover the costs. Thanks to an incredible community, donations streamed through and Kollie received the care she needed.
“Sidewalk said they’d ask you guys to help… You all donated, my operation was a success!”
After surgery, Kollie went into foster care to recover. Her mom asked about her every day. She worried Sidewalk wouldn’t bring her home.
But they did. When she was strong enough, Kollie was reunited with her family. The reunion is a proper tearjerker.
Sidewalk knows that a lack of money does not mean a lack of love. Township animals don’t have access to vet care, but their families care deeply. That’s where his story becomes even bigger than little Kollie.
Her case highlighted a problem Sidewalk has been working around for ages. Communities like De Doorns desperately need local access to veterinary care.
So Sidewalk is creating a township clinic in De Doorns.
The clinic will offer vaccinations, sterilisation, parasite control and basic veterinary care. Families will be able to bring their pets for regular check-ups. Responsible owners will have access to kennels. The goal is to keep families together with their beloved pets, prevent suffering, and reduce the number of animals ending up in overcrowded shelters.
“That’s why Sidewalk’s creating a township clinic in De Doorns,” Kollie’s story explains. “To vaccinate, vet and sterilise dogs and cats, keeping families together with regular check-ups to make sure everyone’s safe.”
Kollie has helped push open the door to something that will save many more down the line!
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