Left alone in a cardboard box on a remote, cold road, Betsie the pug was found by a kind stranger, beginning her incredible journey to the safety of Pug Rescue South Africa.
Eastern Cape, South Africa (21 October 2025) – Alone and abandoned in a cardboard box on the side of a remote road, on a cold and chilly day, was the cutest pug named Betsie.
Thankfully, a kind passerby had noticed the poor doggo sitting all alone, looking lost and rejected, before immediately taking her in and contacting Pug Rescue South Africa for help. Betsie was, however, found about 1000km away from the Benoni-based Pug Rescue, meaning her journey to the pug sanctuary would be quite lengthy, requiring an 11-hour drive one way.
A veterinary check confirmed that she could handle the long trip. In the meantime, she has been placed in an approved foster home while Malcolm and Cheryl make arrangements to collect and bring her safely to Pug Rescue.
Those who have been following her journey online can rest assured that sweet, old Betsie is currently safe and settling beautifully into her foster home, where she already has three pug friends to keep her company.
While it isn’t known if her previous family was desperate or simply uncaring, Pug Rescue stresses that no one should ever feel they have to abandon their pet like Betsie was. Thankfully, she was found in time and has tugged at the heartstrings of many who have generously donated to her care and pending trip.
“We are so grateful for the incredible generosity shown by supporters not only in South Africa, but also in America, the UK, Australia, Germany, and Austria, who have donated towards Betsie’s travel and veterinary costs,” Pug Rescue said.
Betsie will begin her travels from the Eastern Cape in November. Cheryl and Malcolm will depart from Benoni on the 4th, after completing a planned morning of outreach work in Daveyton, and will make their way to her.
The animal welfare thanks everyone who has shown interest in adopting Betsie and confirms that she is not available for adoption at this stage, as she has not yet been sterilised, and there is no record of her vaccinations.
“If Dr Eales feels that sterilisation would pose too high a risk given her age, Betsie will remain under our lifelong care. Once she arrives safely in Benoni, she will receive a full veterinary work-up.”
Pug Rescue thanks each and every individual who has shown love and support for Betsie from all corners of the world.
“We will keep you updated every step of her journey home.”
Sources: Pug Rescue South Africa
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