More helpers have stepped in to make extra sure that Stephen and Fireman’s long journey home to Malawi goes exactly as planned.
St Francis, Eastern Cape (15 July 2026) – Earlier this month, South Africans came together to make sure Stephen Singini wouldn’t have to leave for Malawi without Fireman, the loyal doggie who has been by his side for six years.
After St Francis Animal Rescue shared the plea, donations poured in from across the country, raising every cent needed to get Fireman safely home. It was one of those stories that reminded us just how powerful kindness can be. Read all about it here.
Now, there’s another heartwarming update.
As Stephen and Fireman prepare for the next leg of their journey, more people have stepped forward to help ensure everything runs smoothly by making travel arrangements to welcome Fireman safely when he lands in Malawi.
There’s been plenty of planning behind the scenes to make sure the six-year-old pup can make the cross-border trip without any hassle.
“There has been a delay in the departure of both Stephen and Fireman on their journey to Malawi. Fireman’s flight could only be booked 30 days after he had received the required vaccinations, micro-chipping and a thorough health check by our Vet, Dr Annelise Barker from the Humansdorp Vet Clinic.”
Fireman is now set to fly from Gqeberha to Johannesburg before continuing on to Lilongwe on 31 July. Before departure, he’ll undergo one final veterinary examination and receive the health certificate required for international travel.
The rescue also extended its heartfelt thanks to Tarika Bassinger from Move @ Pet, who has been coordinating every detail of Fireman’s journey. Once Fireman touches down in Malawi, another kind-hearted animal lover will be waiting to make sure he’s safe until Stephen arrives.
“Fireman will also be very kindly assisted by Bev Trataris, a Trustee of LSPCA, who will be arranging to collect the dog once his flight has landed. They will keep him safe in kennels until Stephen can collect him.”
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Cape Town Kayakers Rescue Starving African Penguin Far Out to SeaStephen has also adjusted his own travel plans so he can reunite with Fireman in Malawi without unnecessary complications, with as little stress as possible.
“A later bus will also avoid the congestion and confusion currently being experienced at the Mozambique/Lilongwe borders.”
St Francis Animal Rescue says they’ll continue sharing updates as Fireman makes his journey north and the long-awaited reunion finally becomes a reality. And, once again, they took a moment to thank the people who made it all possible.
“Our sincere and grateful thanks for the generosity and kindness of all those friends, supporters and complete strangers who were touched by Stephen and Fireman’s love story, and did everything possible to keep these two together. Bless you all.”
Every update in this story seems to introduce another person willing to lend a hand. And thanks to all of them, it won’t be long before Stephen and Fireman are safe in Malawi together.
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