His Best Friend Had to Flee, So He Took In His Two Dogs

Photo Credit: J.Bay Animal Rescue Sanctuary

A difficult goodbye led to a beautiful act of friendship when Athyanda took in his best friend’s two dogs with an open heart.

Eastern Cape, South Africa (06 August 2026) – An animal rescue sanctuary based in Jeffrey’s Bay shared a heartwarming story this week.

A young boy named Athyanda Ajax recently had to say a difficult goodbye when he bid farewell to his best friend, Brendon. Sadly, Brendon could not take his two four-legged companions with him, and so Athyanda, being the kind of friend everyone hopes to have, promised he would look after them.

“One good deed leads to another,” shared J.Bay Animal Rescue Sanctuary. “Thank you Athyanda Ajax for taking on your best friend Brendon’s two dogs as sadly they were Zimbabweans who had to flee in the night…” the sanctuary added.

Leaving behind a loved one, let alone two beloved dogs, is heartbreaking. What softens the blow is knowing they’re in the care of someone you trust; someone who will love them just as deeply as you did. That must have brought at least a little comfort to Brendon during what was likely an incredibly difficult time.

Athyanda is not alone in his commitment to caring for his two new four-legged family members.

A local restaurant has stepped in to cover the monthly costs of caring for the dogs, along with a little extra to support the kind-hearted young boy who so willingly opened his home and heart to them.

“You are blessed to have NINAS Restaurant, Ms Heidi helping you monthly with all you may need for them two and lovely treats for you too,” the animal sanctuary shared.

The Facebook post quickly drew hundreds of reactions and many shares, with people touched by Athyanda’s selfless promise to his friend and the support now surrounding him as he cares for the dogs.

Sometimes life asks us to carry a little more than we expected. In those moments, having a friend or simply just a form of support you can count on makes all the difference. Thanks to Athyanda’s kindness, Brendon could leave knowing his beloved dogs would be safe, and thanks to the generosity of JBay locals, the pair can now look forward to a comfortable life with the young boy who welcomed them with open arms.