Sonja Van Wyk and her family walked away from their suburban lives to answer a calling, rescuing Beagles. The family have started a new life to serve animals.
Sonja Van Wyk loves the Beagle dog breed, so much so, that she packed up her family and moved them to a plot of land in the middle of nowhere. Well, not exactly the middle of nowhere, they are officially based in Walkerville, Gauteng. Sonja managed to find a 25-acre plot of land and set up a Beagle Rescue Centre.
She knew she needed to do something and started rescuing Beagles in her suburban home. Sadly the neighbours complained, so she found a decent space for all her rescues.
“Life is all about making decisions, but how do know if you make the right one? How do you know if the decision you make is going to be worth it?”
“I am trying to get my answer…”
“Deciding to do a Beagle Rescue Centre was not a day too soon as all of a sudden beagles were pouring in and neighbours were complaining more and more. We left the place we called home and got a 25-acre plot 65km away. We left behind a lot! Family, friends, a business. I live for the beagles.”
“I could also have made a decision to donate money to a shelter and have my happy life with my family, my beagle and still have my business. But, I wanted to do so much more.”
The Beagle Rescue Centre that Sonja set up, takes in unwanted Beagles and rehomes them. It is a scary thing to see so many unwanted Beagles, especially as a simple Google search reveals thousands of puppies being bred and sold right here in South Africa. The adopt-don’t-shop movement is stronger than ever but many people don’t realise what buying a puppy from a breeder does in the long run.
Sonja is working to educate the public about the Beagle breed. She is always looking for people to volunteer at the rescue centre so if you would like to help, you can find more info here.
Sonja has proven that love and dedication are all you need to help animals.
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