Puggers continue spread the love

Volunteer, donate or sip there are many ways to support Pug Rescue.

February 10, 2025

Jani de Beer 1 minute read

The way to Angelique Louw’s heart is kisses from Antony Breddy and Gizmo the loving pug.

With its 215 curly-tailed residents yapping in delight, supporters of Pug Rescue SA, clad in red, descended on the animal welfare sanctuary, on February 1 to spread some love.

“We remain committed to our mission to rescue, rehabilitate and rehome pugs across the country,” said co-founder and fellow-director Malcolm Gaw.

Love and support are what keep Pug Rescue’s doors open. Seen here with co-founder and fellow-director of the animal welfare sanctuary, Malcolm Gaw are Bernadette Castro with Peanut, Anita Deysel, Beryl Idensohn and the organisation’s Lezelle Mills.

“Numbers of pugs within our care increased rapidly since the beginning of the year with owner illness, affordability, immigration and abandonment being amongst the leading reasons for these snorting companions coming into our care.”

As love songs and other tunes filled the air, Gaw continued by saying that the organisation’s primary facility, in Benoni AH, as well as its Thanda Inja Project outreach project in Daveyton, are still enjoying support from the community with donations steadily streaming in from across the border too.

Traveling from Durban, Koch Pudayachee and Lindie Kaven found endless love at Pug Rescue SA.

“Offering quality animal care remains at the core of our business and this year we will further expand the 16 242m² neighbouring property, which was generously donated, as a living legacy, by a long-time supporter from the Eastern Cape,” he said.

“Looking at the current intake trend, we will have to make more cottages and safe play areas available for these fur-babies.”

Did someone say puppy love? Seen here is Sarah Stanley (10) of Kempton Park.

Gaw further explained that the organisation is constantly looking at alternative means to boost its revenue and a joint venture with Swartland Winery and Liquor City corporate stores, saw the introduction of the Grumpy Pug wine range, last year.

“The product, which consists of nine variants, has been incredibly well received with R2 per sale per bottle going a long way in extending our reach,” he said.