Rescue pup Iris is Boksburg's cutest pet

From an informal settlement rescue to the top of the Pet Storey Boksburg competition, Iris has proved that sometimes the pets we save end up saving us.

2 hours ago

Zamantolo Fakude 2 minutes read

Pet Storey and Boksburg Advertiser Boksburg's Cutest Pet winners Iris, Billy and Sage, with their owners and representative of Pet Storey and the Boksburg Adevertiser after the prize-giving. Seen here are Renier Strydom and Chanel Swart, Zanecke Pretorius, Kaylee Repsold, Melany Bruwer, Ashlee Repsold and Norman Dawe. Photo: Zamantolo Fakude

A rescued dog with a difficult start has captured the hearts of Boksburg residents, with Iris taking first place in Pet Storey Boksburg’s Cutest Pet competition with 75 votes.

Owned by Melany Bruwer, Iris won a R5 000 Pet Storey voucher after receiving the most votes in the competition, which opened for entries on September 1.

Iris’ story began in an informal settlement, where she was found covered in ticks and fleas before being rescued.

Bruwer found her through Alcra Rescue via Brakpan SPCA and adopted her in March 2024.

Since then, Iris has become more than just a rescued pet.

“She saved my life,” said Bruwer.

Iris is her constant companion and has become a much-loved member of the family.

Melany described her as beautiful, clever and fiercely loyal, with a wild spirit that has brought joy into her life.

“Iris also changed the way I viewed adoption. While I’m not against responsible breeders, I strongly support giving rescue animals a home. You do not always choose a dog; sometimes the dog chooses you.”

Bruwer plans to share Iris’ voucher by donating R1 000 each to Alcra Rescue and Brakpan SPCA, the organisations connected to Iris’ rescue journey.

Three ladies standing next to each other one is holding a dog. — Winner: Melany Bruwer celebrates Iris' winninng moment alongside Elize Kluyts, advertising manager Boksburg Advertiser, and Chanel Swart, of Pet Storey. Photo: Zamantolo Fakude

A dog showing his half body outside the car — What's your 'storey'? Iris began life in an informal settlement, covered in ticks and fleas, before being rescued. She quickly became so much more than a rescue dog. My beautiful, clever, fiercely loyal girl – my shadow, my joy, my family. Iris has the wildest spirit and taught me that sometimes, we rescue each other.

Yorkshire terrier takes second place

Taking second place with 37 votes was Billy, a Yorkshire terrier owned by Megan Repsold.

Megan was unable to attend the voucher handover; however, her children, Ashlee (8) and Kaylee (11), were there.

Billy won a R3 000 Pet Storey voucher, which will go towards his pampering needs.

Described by his family as full of cuddles and joy, Billy has a personality that makes it difficult to resist his charms.

Two ladies standing next to show young girls, one girl is holding a dog. — Runner-up: Ashlee (8) and Kaylee Repsold (11) proudly represent Megan Repsold and Billy during the price-giving with Denise Manning, of Boksburg Advertiser, and Chanel Swart of Pet Storey. Photo: Zamantolo Fakude

A dog laying on the bed. — What's your 'storey'? Billy is Boksburg's cutest pet! His Yorkie personality shines through daily. You simply cannot say no to this irresistible little boy. He will use his prize money for his pampering needs. Billy is all cuddles and pure joy especially after a long stressful day!

Dachshund steals third place

Third place went to Sage, a Dachshund owned by Zanecke and Willem Pretorius, who received 31 votes and won a R1 000 Pet Storey voucher.

Her owners described the bite-sized pup as a big personality who keeps those around her entertained with her antics.

From giving kisses to standing ‘pretty’, Sage has become a source of joy for her family.

Three men and a lady standing next to each other, the lady is holding a dog. — Third place: Renier Strydom of Pet Storey, Willem and Zanecke Pretorius and Norman Dawe of Boksburg Advertiser, share a celebratory moment with Sage. Photo: Zamantolo Fakude

A dog sitting on the couch. — What's your 'storey'? Meet Sage, our little Dachshund with endless love and an even bigger personality! Whether she's giving kisses, standing 'pretty' or making everyone laugh with her silly antics, she brings joy wherever she goes – a whole lotta love wrapped up in one tiny sau-Sage!

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