Vredendal
Photo Credit: Angel Project & Danny Kotze

Chris is the very same hero who stripped down to save a dog from a flooded vineyard in May!

 

Vredendal, South Africa (14 October 2026) – Earlier this year, when floodwaters overtook a vineyard in Vredendal and a dog named River became stranded, Chris Barnard had the courage to head into the floodwaters and rescue the poor soul.

The humble car tyre dealer from town became a hero that day… in his blue undies.

This week, Chris did it again!

Photo Credit: Angel Project

The Angel Project – the very same animal welfare non-profit that posted about Chris’ act of compassion in May – got a call from the local hero yesterday. He had just braved the waters to save yet another dog!

True as Bob, Chris happened to be in the right place at the right time…once again.

A helpless dog was stranded in a canal, fighting against the current. Chris stripped down without hesitation and jumped in to save it.

“We love this man, he has no problem going in after a dog in distress. You will all remember Chris from May when he saved River from the flood waters.” the organisation shared on Facebook. “Chris continues to make his underwear famous…” it added.

After being safely scooped up in Chris’ arms, the dog was collected by the Angel Project. The pooch, whose owners have yet to be found, is now safe in the care of Matzikama Animal Care & Welfare Sanctuary in Vredendal.

Photo Credit: Angel Project

Commenters on the recent post instantly recognised Chris from his courageous rescue earlier this year, when he was dubbed the town’s ‘rivier redder’ – meaning river rescuer!

Sometimes heroes don’t wear capes, they wear blue undies.


Sources: Linked above.
Don’t ever miss the Good Things. Download the Good Things Guy App now on Apple or Google. 
Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook and Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes and hear their incredible stories:

Or catch an episode of Good Things with Brent Lindeque or our Weekly Top 5 below. The videos here are always changing, updated with the latest episodes from these two shows. Both are part of Good Things TV, created to bring South Africans balance at a time when the news can feel overwhelmingly negative. Our goal is simple: to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in our country – and to leave you feeling a little more proudly South African. 

About the Author

Savanna Douglas is a writer for Good Things Guy.

She brings heart, curiosity, and a deep love for all things local to every story she tells – whether it be about conservation, mental health, or SA's everyday heroes. When she’s not scouting for good things, you’ll likely find her on a game drive, lost in a book, or serenading Babycat – her four-legged son.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

seventeen − eleven =