Rachel Smith’s love for animals inspired her to turn a simple idea into a community event that could help rescue dogs find loving homes.

The entrepreneur and owner of Smith’s Collection organised the Christmas in July Dog Day at Fourways Crossing to bring together local vendors, families, and animal lovers for a day dedicated to supporting the Woodrock Animal Rescue and raising awareness about pet adoption.

Read more: Woodrock Christmas in July spreads cheer for rescue dogs at Fourways Crossing

Smith often visits the shopping centre with her young child and had become familiar with Woodrock’s weekly adoption days. Seeing the rescue organisation’s commitment to caring for abandoned and neglected animals planted a seed.

“I thought it was so lovely that Woodrock is here every Saturday, but I kept thinking, ‘How can I do something?’ Everyone always says someone should do something. No. If you’re saying someone should do something, then you must do it.”

Smith reached out to local businesses and invited vendors selling pet treats, biscuits, blankets, and other animal-related products to be part of the day. The proceeds from the stall fees were donated to Woodrock to help support the shelter’s work.

She hopes events like these help people realise there are many ways to support animal welfare. “It doesn’t always mean you have to go home with a dog. You can adopt, you can donate, you can volunteer, or you can simply get involved. Stop sitting on your hands and just do something.”

The festive theme, Christmas in July, was an easy choice. “In South Africa, we’re supposed to have that freezing winter weather, almost like the Christmases you see in Europe with the snow. So, Christmas in July just felt like the perfect theme. It was a no-brainer.”

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While the event was filled with families, shopping, and wagging tails, Smith’s connection to the cause is deeply personal. Her own dog, Chico, is a six-month-old rescue who she says found her just as much as she found him.

“When I went to see the puppies that were available, I picked him up and he just nuzzled into my neck. That’s when I knew. Animals choose you; you don’t choose the animal. I was like, ‘I am your mother’.”

That experience has shaped the advice she gives to anyone considering adopting a rescue dog.

“I always tell people not to go to a shelter thinking, ‘I’m definitely taking a dog home today’. Rather go there with an open heart. Spend time with the dogs, touch them, get to know them. They’ll pick up your vibe and you’ll know when you’ve found the right one. It’s like that connection in Avatar.”

Although finding forever homes for rescue dogs remains the dream, Smith says shelters need support long before an adoption takes place.

“They rely on donations and the kindness of the community. The dogs need food, blankets, collars, jackets, and veterinary care. They get all the love they can, but all of that needs money and funding. We all have the ability to make a difference. Sometimes it just starts with deciding to be the person who does something.”

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