Consumed by grief after the death of her mother, Dawn, Meg Daniell of Northmead was inconsolable, shedding tears into the fur of her four-legged children, so she established The Dawn Paws Foundation in 2025 to honour her mother’s legacy.

Growing up in Benoni, the passionate rescuer could always be found in the company of animals, sharing her dreams and aspirations with her furry companions.

Meg also offered her time as a volunteer and foster at local animal welfare organisations.

“The demand for animal rescue organisations has grown exponentially. Unfortunately, the need far outweighs the capabilities of established societies,” she said.

“Animals cannot advocate for themselves, so they need someone to champion their cause and provide them with a second chance at life.”

Starting with seven foster ‘paw-rents’, the foundation has expanded to a team of 26, who have opened their homes and hearts to foster unwanted, abused, neglected and abandoned dogs and cats currently in its care.

“The volunteers are located primarily in Benoni but we have branched out to Boksburg, Midrand, Kempton Park, Randburg and Pretoria, thus growing our footprint,” she said.

“We currently have 50 adult cats in our care. It is difficult to rehome adults, as many people prefer cute kittens. Monthly, we assist with bottle-rearing about 40 kittens and pups and up to 30 older litters.”

To supplement funding to ensure every animal gets the care they deserve, Meg and her son, Declan, opened the

Dawn’s Treasures Charity Shop on Dalrymple Street at the beginning of 2025.

The shop is a treasure trove of pre-loved goods. For the bibliophile, there is a book room complete with a reading nook.

Audiophiles will delight at the extensive range of reasonably priced records, while there is quality and inexpensive homeware, clothes and furniture to suit every mood.

“Having Declan and his partner, Gabby Moura, join me has been a blessing. They, too, are passionate about animal welfare, and their help at the charity shop has proved invaluable,” she said.

“They tirelessly sort through donated items, ensuring they are well-displayed in a space inviting to shoppers. As a family, we are reaching our goals as a trusted animal welfare organisation that has the best interests of every animal at heart.”

Staying true to its motto, Saving lives, one paw at a time, the organisation has thrown its weight behind advocating for sterilisation.

“The unabated breeding is jeopardising animals’ lives and placing welfare organisations under immense pressure,” she said.

“To control feral cat colonies, we offer limited trap, neuter and return services. Through these operations, we return neutered animals to their territories, lessening stress associated with being completely removed from their habitat,” explained Meg.

“These projects rely heavily on donations to cover veterinary care.”

For more information about The Dawn Paws Foundation, its work, adoptions and Dawn’s Treasures Charity Shop, WhatsApp 082 377 8299.

The charity shop is open Monday to Friday from 10:00 to 17:00, and Saturday from 09:00 to 13:00.

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