The animal rescue community is mourning the loss of Theresa van der Watt, a long-time animal welfare advocate and founder of West Side Animal Friends NPO.

Her passing has left what many describe as an irreplaceable void among her colleagues and the countless animals whose lives she helped save.

Van der Watt, who lived in Eldoraigne, was discovered at her home on May 12, after emergency services conducted a welfare check.

According to close friend Trix Stathakis, concern grew after Van der Watt went quiet on May 8 and could not be reached.

When she failed to show up for work on May 11, her friends, aware that she lived alone, became increasingly worried.

Emergency personnel later found her lying in the passage of her home, surrounded by her dogs.

The exact cause and time of her death remain unclear, with an autopsy still underway.

Stathakis described Van der Watt as one of her closest friends. The two met through animal welfare work in 2011 when Van der Watt offered to foster a small dog for Stathakis’s rescue organisation, Trix 4 Animals.

Later, Van der Watt founded West Side Animal Friends NPO and invited Stathakis to serve as a director.

“Theresa was a loyal, kind, and deeply compassionate person who dedicated much of her life to both animals and people. I could tell her anything, and she would never judge. No matter how busy she was, she was always available for a chat,” she said.

According to Stathakis, Van der Watt never turned away an animal in need and showed remarkable patience with dogs requiring extra care, especially those who had been abused or struggled to adapt.

Van der Watt’s efforts extended beyond rescuing animals. Through West Side Animal Friends, she supported pet owners in communities across the west of Pretoria by providing monthly dog food to help families keep their pets.

Stathakis also described Van der Watt as having a unique calming presence.

“She was so soft-spoken and quiet, yet her presence always made one feel peaceful. She gave the best hugs and advice and always tried her best to help her friends,” she said.

Reflecting on their friendship, Stathakis recounted cherished moments spent in Van der Watt’s kitchen over coffee.

“When I would drop off a dog or collect food, she’d make me a cup of coffee, and we’d sit in her kitchen, chatting about everything life blessed us with and threw at us. We laughed a lot. She always had the best rusks,” she recalled.

Stathakis expressed how deeply Van der Watt’s passing has affected the broader rescue community.

“My heart is absolutely shattered. The animal world has suffered a massive loss. Theresa saved so many lives, both four- and two-legged. No one can fill her shoes, but we can continue her work in her memory.”

West Side Animal Friends director and pastor Elaine Koen, who worked alongside Van der Watt for nearly a decade, said their journey started through a fellow rescuer, Baba Botha, who was involved in charity work with Nagwaak Dierevriend.

After Botha stepped back from rescue work due to age and the emotional toll, Koen and Van der Watt collaborated to meet the growing demand for animal welfare support through the organisation.

Koen described Van der Watt as a gentle and humble individual whose kindness was evident in every aspect of her work.

“Theresa gave tirelessly, whether it was food, shelter, fostering or arranging discounted veterinary care for animals in need. She simply couldn’t say no when an animal was in need. Her instinct was always to help first and figure out the details later,” she explained.

She fondly remembered their shared moments outside of rescue work.

“We’d sometimes go out for a meal and talk about life, rescue work, and everything in between. Those quiet, ordinary moments became incredibly special.”

She noted that Van der Watt’s death came as a shock.

“Her absence has left a deep void not only within West Side Animal Friends but also in the wider animal welfare community she served for so many years,” added Koen.

Emsie McKillop from Maltese French Poodle Yorkie Rescue also paid tribute, describing Van der Watt as someone who would immediately step in whenever an animal needed help.

“Theresa was the kind of person who would drop everything to save an animal in need. No matter how tired she was or how busy life became, there was always room in her heart for one more soul needing love, warmth, safety, and hope,” she said.

She also noted that Van der Watt often served as a source of encouragement to others in the rescue community when the emotional toll of the work became overwhelming.

“She reminded us why we do this, because every life matters. Theresa didn’t just rescue animals; she rescued people, too. Through her kindness, compassion, and gentle spirit, she gave comfort to so many.”

McKillop added that Maltese French Poodle Yorkie Rescue, an organisation close to Van der Watt’s heart, has taken over the care of the dogs she was fostering.

“It is now our honour to continue caring for the precious animals she left behind.”

As tributes continue to pour in, those who knew Van der Watt say her legacy will live on through the countless animals she rescued, the people she supported, and the kindness she embodied throughout her life.

“Run free, beautiful angel. Your paw prints and kindness will remain in our hearts forever,” concluded McKillop.

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