Redemption Dogs Rescue and Rehab

20/02/2025

🥁 Drum roll, please…

BRUNO’S BEEN ADOPTED!

And in a plot twist none of us saw coming - Bruno now even has a cat sibling! We’re so excited to see him thriving in a home with a family of his own, who will never allow his heart to break again.

A huge thank you to the Vietri family for giving Bruno the happy ending he’s waited so long for. And to everyone who supported, shared, and rooted for him along the way: this moment is for all of us. 🥂

Bruno, you were never just another rescue dog. You were family. And while we’ll miss you more than words can say, knowing you’re safe, loved, and home at last makes every moment worth it.

Happy tails, sweet boy. You made it. 🤍🙏🏼

14/02/2025

Earlier this week, we were informed of an incident involving a dog and a horse.

Allegedly, a ferocious and highly aggressive stray pit bull was beaten mercilessly by the horse’s owners and then disappeared while being pursued by an angry mob.

Hours later, we were called again. The dog had been found, cornered in a nearby garage.

What we expected to find was the “vicious, dangerous” animal described to us.

What we found instead was Nina.

A small, broken, bloodied soul.
Too afraid to move.
Too shut down to fight.
Too traumatised to understand that we were not there to hurt her.

She didn’t growl. She didn’t snap. She simply curled into herself, trying to disappear.

The tightly knotted ropes around her neck and the old fighting scars told us everything we needed to know.
She does not know what it is to be safe.
She does not know a gentle hand.
She does not know that humans can be kind.

This is not aggression. This is trauma.

Nina is finally safe. But physical safety is only the beginning. She has a long road of rehabilitation ahead of her.
And we will be by her side every step of the way.

We operate entirely on donations. If you can contribute to Nina’s care, please consider donating. Every cent helps provide the medical care, food, training and support she needs to start over.

We cannot do this without you.

🔗 Donate: https://redemptiondogs.org/donate/

Bank Details:
First National Bank
Account Number: 63107971615
Branch Code: 260557
SWIFT Code: FIRNZAJJ

Send proof of payment to: [email protected]

Reference: Nina

07/02/2025

Missy didn’t ask to be rescued - she demanded it!

She strutted her stuff into a stranger’s house, tail held high, completely unbothered by the resident dogs losing their minds over the audacity of her arrival.

But beneath all that confidence, she was in trouble. She was covered in ticks, dangerously thin, and suffering from a badly infected abscess. A vet exam revealed that just weeks before, Missy had likely been nursing kittens of her own, only to be abandoned once she had served her purpose.

But Missy doesn’t dwell on the past. She’s the kind of gal who lands on her feet - literally! Today, she’s healthy, sterilised, vaccinated, and ready to grace the right home with her presence.

She’s confident, clever, and just the right amount of sassy. She’ll throw herself onto her back for attention, charm you with her mesmerising eyes, and keep you on your toes with her unshakable sense of self-importance. She knows her worth and expects you to know it too!

Missy fought bravely to survive.

Please help her find the happily-ever-after she’s seeking by opening your heart and home to this brave, young girl.

🔗 More on Missy: https://redemptiondogs.org/adoptables/missy/
✉️ Adoption Application: https://redemptiondogs.org/adoption-application/

06/02/2025

“I don’t know how many years I have left, but however long I’m with you, I will give you everything.”

My name is Bruno, and I am tired.

Not just in the way an old dog slows down, but in the way a soul grows weary from too much loss. For 11 years, I had my sister by my side. We weren’t born together, but we belonged together. And now, for the first time in my life, I am alone. I don’t understand where she went. All I know is that I wake up, and she isn’t there.

I wasn’t always searching for a home. I once had one – a real one. For eight years, I knew what love felt like. I knew the comfort of routine, the feeling of belonging. Then, one day, it was gone. My humans went their separate ways, and I was caught in the middle, unwanted. Jana and I were sent away, and we spent the next three years simply existing. Passed from one place to another, never truly wanted, until we were left behind completely.

I don’t know why life keeps pulling the ground out from under me. But I do know this: I am still here. And I still have love to give.

I may not be young, but I still dream of a home where I can rest my head without fear of losing it again. A quiet place with soft voices and kind hands. A home where someone will look at me and see more than just my age or my past – but the heart that still beats with hope, no matter how many times it has been broken.

I don’t need much. Just someone to stand beside me in my final chapter. Someone to say, You are safe. You are loved. You are home.

And I will give you everything in return.

🔗 More on Bruno: https://redemptiondogs.org/adoptables/bruno/

✉️ Adoption Application: https://redemptiondogs.org/adoption-application/

04/02/2025

My name is Takkies.

And for six years, I was nobody’s dog. Now I hope, one day soon, I will be somebody’s everything.

For as long as I can remember, I lived in the same place, in the same community. Everyone knew my name, but no one claimed me. I slept outside. Sometimes I got food, sometimes I didn’t. I existed, but I never really belonged to anyone.

Then one day, I got sick. Too weak to stand, too exhausted to try. I don’t know how I ended up trapped inside that cold, hollow pillar, surrounded by dust and concrete. Maybe I was running from something. Maybe I was just looking for a place to disappear. For two days, I lay there - waiting.

But then, someone came for me.

A child in the community saw me suffering and asked for help. That’s how I was found. Carried over a fence and into safety for the first time in my life. I was covered in ticks, barely clinging on. The vet said my blood was so diluted from disease that even their tests struggled to confirm just how sick I was. But they fought for me. And I fought, too.

At first, I was terrified. I didn’t know kindness. I didn’t trust hands reaching toward me or voices calling my name. I hid. I shook. I didn’t dare eat when people were watching. I was so afraid of doing something wrong that I tried to bury my mess inside the house, scratching desperately at the tiles, terrified of punishment.

But something changed.

Little by little, I realised that this time, no one was going to hurt me. Gentle words replaced shouting. Hands reached out not to hit, but to comfort. And slowly, I let my guard down.

And then, I found something I never knew I needed; love.

Now I can’t get enough of it! I live for affection, for belly rubs, for the feeling of someone choosing me every day. I am proof that even the most forgotten souls, the ones left behind and unseen, can learn to shine when given the chance.

I am looking for a home with older children who understand that I wasn’t always this brave and trusting. A calm, kind family that will cherish me the way I’ve always dreamed of being cherished. I’d love a laid-back, preferably female dog companion, but no cats, please.

For six years, I was nobody’s dog. But I know, deep in my heart, that there is someone out there who will make me theirs.

Maybe that person is you?



🔗 More on Takkies: https://redemptiondogs.org/adoptables/takkies/

🔗 Adoption Application: https://redemptiondogs.org/adoption-application/

03/02/2025

It is with incredibly heavy hearts that we must share with you the passing of our precious senior girl, Jana.

We know that Jana and Bruno have crept into the hearts of so many of you, and we know that you were advocating for them to find their happy-ever-after as much as we were!

We find solace in knowing that Jana was surrounded by love, compassion and kindness in her final days, and that she crossed the rainbow bridge peacefully with her best friend by her side. However, as rescuers, whose sole purpose it is to deliver on the promise of redemption we make to these animals, this is a devastating blow nonetheless.

This heartfelt message received from Jana’s first family - who loved her very much - touched our hearts deeply, and perfectly captured the often forgotten human element of animal rescue. It reminded us of the triumphs and heartbreaks that come with rescue work, and the importance of giving every animal the care, safety, and dignity they deserve.

Bruno is deeply saddened without his sister, and we are now even more determined to find him a loving retirement home where he can enjoy his golden years and bask in the individual love and affection he so deserves.

We want to thank all our supporters for your unwavering dedication, kindness and encouragement. It means the world to us, especially during times like these. Thank you for following Jana and Bruno’s journey, for cheering them on, and for standing by our mission.

Jana’s legacy will live on in every life we touch and in the work we do each day.

Rest peacefully, sweet Jana. You were deeply loved, and you will never be forgotten.

21/01/2025

Absolutely unacceptable.

We stand with Animal Welfare Society of SA in calling for more training, better equipment and guidance for our SAPS officers when dealing with animals!

24/12/2024

As the festive season settles in and many of us gather with loved ones, we want to take a moment to wish all our incredible supporters a joyful Christmas and a safe, peaceful holiday season.

Your support - whether through donations, adoptions, fundraising, partnerships, or simply liking and sharing our posts - means everything to us.

You are the heart of Redemption Dogs, and because of you, we can continue saving and transforming lives.
From all of us here at Redemption Dogs, thank you for being part of our journey this year.

Stay safe, stay merry, stay blessed.

With love and gratitude,
The Redemption Dogs Team

Jana, Takkies, King, Chico, Bruno

28/11/2024

Chico demonstrating how we’ve officially adopted our mentor, Gordon Banks’s mantra; NO FREE MEALS.

And here’s why!

By incorporating mentally stimulating activities such as puzzle feeders into your dog’s daily routine, you’re encouraging them to tap into their natural foraging instincts, slow down their eating, and helping alleviate stress and anxiety. But how does it work?

1. First, the obvious. When a dog is engaged in a mentally stimulating activity, it shifts their focus away from overstimulating triggers. Thus helping break the cycle of stress-induced fixation. 👀

2. It burns energy! 🔥 Did you know that mental stimulation is energy-intensive, much like physical activity? After all that brain work, dogs are more likely to feel tired and content, ready to rest and relax. Imagine sinking into the couch after a long day at the office. Isn’t that nice? 🛋️

3. It builds confidence. Yes, really! This is especially helpful for anxious dogs. Successfully completing a task reinforces their ability to handle challenges, creating a positive feedback loop which reduces stress in future scenarios. 🏆

4. And now for the brain chemistry; Dopamine and cortisol. Dopamine, good. 👍🏼 Cortisol, bad. 👎🏼 Now that we’ve got that out the way, let’s delve deeper. The success of completing a mentally stimulating exercise releases the feel-good hormone, dopamine. This promotes a sense of well-being and relaxation. Zen, if you will. 🧘 Because it feels good, the behaviour is reinforced. Meaning the dog is more likely to choose that activity over an unwanted behaviour such as chewing, excessive barking, or pacing, when given the option. These unwanted behaviours typical result from elevated levels of cortisol- also known as the stress hormone. This is because it is commonly caused by chronic stress. In other words, stress that builds up over time! Relatable, right? Well, the good news is, activities that provide rewarding outcomes help to lower cortisol levels, aiding in stress recovery and emotional balance. (Anyone else thinking of getting a puzzle feeder for themselves? No? Just me? Okay then. We’ll move on. ☺️)

Last, but not least, incorporating a puzzle feeder into your dog’s daily routine, instead of relying on it as a last ditch attempt at distraction, creates predictability! Predictably and routine are invaluably comforting for dogs. Especially those prone to anxiety!

PS. It doesn’t need to be expensive either! Think scrunching up your pup’s kibble into some old news paper, rolling it into an old towel as a makeshift snuffle mat. Don’t be afraid to get creative!

And please don’t forget, Chico is still in search of his perfect forever family!
🔗 https://redemptiondogs.org/adopt/

26/11/2024

Meet Missy.

Our Missy, Mistress of Mayhem, Miss Priss, or Little Miss Sunshine—depending on her mood—has a knack for making an entrance. When she strutted into a stranger’s home, tail high, confidence intact, and completely unbothered by the family dogs’ outraged barking, she left no room for discussion. This was her house now, and she wasn’t leaving.

But beneath her bold exterior lay a heartbreaking truth. Missy was covered in ticks, dangerously thin, and battling a badly infected abscess on her tail. Yet, even then, it was clear she had once been loved—a fact that made her story all the more painful.

The vet’s examination revealed her secret: just weeks before her abandonment, Missy had likely been a devoted mother, nursing kittens of her own. In many undereducated communities, it’s all too common for mothers like Missy to be discarded, replaced by their offspring, only for the cycle of neglect to continue. But Missy wasn’t ready to give up on her story—or herself.

This clever girl knew where to find help and landed with us just in time to regain her strength and her rightful ninth life. Today, she’s healed, thriving, and ready for her next chapter. Sterilised, vaccinated, and pampered to perfection, all she needs now is the love and safety she fought so hard to survive for.

Are you ready to welcome Missy into your home—and your heart? She’s waiting to claim her spot as the queen of your castle.

🐾 More on Missy: https://redemptiondogs.org/adoptables/missy/

✉️ Apply to Adopt: https://redemptiondogs.org/adoption-application/

26/11/2024

Our mentor and all-round dogs’ hero, Mr Gordon Banks. 🏆

If you think you know all there is to know about dogs- think again.

A quick chat with Gordon will open your eyes to an entire universe of knowledge that only comes with years of experience and expertise; and you’re guaranteed to walk away inspired to delve deeper into your dog’s psyche than you’d ever imagined possible!

All our trainers at DogTown SA are qualified through the IMDT, where they continuously hone their skills to help dogs thrive. Leading the way is Gordon, or "Mr. G," as our team and supporters affectionately call him. Achieving full IMDT membership in 2017, Mr. G proudly became the first accredited IMDT trainer in South Africa.

As DogTown’s Head Behaviourist, Mr. G tackles the rewarding and challenging work of animal rehabilitation, helping misunderstood dogs unlock their true potential. In his role, no two days are ever the same, embodying the unique journey of each dog he supports. To learn more about Mr. G’s story and dedication, visit - https://bit.ly/3DaPBbL

25/11/2024

Over six incredible days, Redemption Dogs had the honour and privilege of partnering with Dogtown South Africa for the Cape Town leg of their The IMDT-accredited workshops, run through IMDT South Africa. Words cannot fully express our awe and gratitude for this experience.

DogTown SA stands as the gold standard for the rehabilitation of shelter dogs in South Africa, and their commitment to improving the lives and adoptability of shelter dogs worldwide is nothing short of inspiring. These workshops, geared towards upskilling local shelters, volunteers, and dog enthusiasts in everything from basic handling to complex behavioural rehabilitation, perfectly align with our own vision of enrichment, quality of life, and the opportunity for redemption for every dog in our care.

We are humbled by the wealth of knowledge we’ve gained, and it has been a true privilege to learn from mentors whose passion and dedication resonate so strongly with ours. Gordon Banks and the DogTown team, your impact on the lives of shelter dogs and the humans who care for them is immeasurable. We cannot wait for your next visit to Cape Town to continue this journey of growth and learning!

Our deepest thanks also go to our gracious venue hosts, Roxy Woodstock, for providing the perfect setting to make this all possible. And to our generous sponsors, Knead Bakery & Café and Monster Energy, for keeping our attendees fuelled, sharp, and ready to absorb every ounce of knowledge packed into these workshops—we are so grateful for your support!

This experience has left us feeling deeply inspired and more determined than ever to carry forward the lessons we’ve learned to better the lives of the dogs in our care. Here’s to continuing this vital work together for the benefit of dogs everywhere. 🐾

25/11/2024

JANA AND BRUNO ARE STILL WAITING

Two senior dogs, bonded by years of love and hardship, waiting while their golden years slip by. This is the reality for so many senior shelter dogs. They’ve endured more than most but still hold on to hope for a family of their own.

Jana, playful and devoted, just wants someone to share her joy and loyalty. Bruno, gentle and affectionate, longs for the security of a quiet home where he can relax without fear. Together, they’ve faced heartbreak but deserve to spend their final years being cherished.

Senior dogs like Jana and Bruno are often overlooked, but they have so much to give:

• They’re calm, settled, and deeply appreciative of love.
• What they lack in years, they make up for in loyalty and gratitude.
• Adopting them gives them a second chance at happiness—and gives you the chance to change two lives forever.

Jana and Bruno don’t have time to waste. They need YOU to step up and be their hero.

Read more about them: https://redemptiondogs.org/dogs/bruno-jana/

Apply to adopt: https://redemptiondogs.org/adoption-application/

They’ve been waiting long enough. Don’t let them wait another day.

12/11/2024

🐾 LAST CHANCE to join exclusive The IMDT Workshops with Redemption Dogs and Dogtown South Africa! 🐾

Calling all dog handlers, owners, and enthusiasts! Whether you’re aiming for a better-behaved pet, looking to upskill as a trainer, or just passionate about animal welfare, don’t miss this unique opportunity!

🎓 Learn from Gordon Banks, DogTown SA’s head behaviorist, as he shares expert insights in three hands-on workshops:

📅 Choose Your Workshop:
• Happy Recallers & Loose Leaders | 14 &
18 Nov
• Canine Body Language | 15 & 17 Nov
• Canine Aggression & Rehabilitation | 16 &
19 Nov

Enjoy hands-on learning, network with fellow dog lovers, and refuel with treats from our generous sponsors, Knead Bakery & Café and Monster Energy!

Don’t wait—support rescue work and gain practical skills to enhance your bond with your dog.

📍 Venue: Roxy Woodstock, Cape Town
🎟 Book now on IMDT South Africa’s website: https://www.imdt.co.za/imdt-courses/

11/11/2024

Today, we received news that’s left us all a bit speechless. Just shy of a month ago, we shared with you that a community member had come to us, asking for help in saying goodbye to his beloved dog, Bruno. A difficult request, but one that spoke to the strength of their bond and the respect he held for his friend’s comfort and peace.

Shortly after that day, a little girl in the community brought us Eddie, a young puppy she’d found and wanted to help. It seemed like a sign—the cycle of love and compassion continuing. We helped Eddie find his way, just as we had helped Bruno.

This morning, though, we received the sad news that Bruno’s owner, Godfrey, has also passed away. It’s a difficult blow, one that reminds us of the strength of his love and the many animals whose lives were brighter because of him. But even as we grieve, we take comfort in knowing that Godfrey and Bruno are together again, reunited on the other side.

And in a bittersweet, almost serendipitous turn, just after learning of Godfrey’s passing, another man from the same community approached us. He had heard about Godfrey and Bruno, and it had inspired him to bring his own young pup to us for help. He wanted to make sure she had the best chance at a happy, healthy life. So, together, we spoke about the cost and commitment of caring for a pet, and he agreed wholeheartedly. He signed up for our outreach program, committing to vaccinations, regular tick and flea treatments, and even scheduling her sterilisation when she turns six months old.

Through conversations like these, we build relationships in the community. We listen, we share knowledge, and we show by example what it means to be a responsible pet owner. In this case, it’s led us to the home where both Eddie and little Dora had come from. Soon, we’ll visit and hope to start a conversation about sterilising the parents to prevent more litters. In so many cases, owners genuinely want to do right by their pets but lack the resources. With trust and understanding, many are open—and even relieved—to know there are ways to help their pets without overwhelming their finances.

Thanks to partnerships with Animal Rescue Organisation and TEARS Animal Rescue, we’re able to offer these services at reduced costs, lifting a burden and giving families a chance to provide a better life for their animals. And we know it’s because of our supporters that we can keep doing this work. You are woven into every story, every life touched. Your donations make each rescue, each act of care, each transformation possible. With you beside us, we’re not only helping animals but helping people in our community learn what love and care can accomplish.

So today, we remember Godfrey and Bruno with love, knowing that their legacy lives on—not just in memories, but in the way they’ve inspired others to care a little more, to do a little better. May they be reunited in peace, walking side by side once more. 🌈 🙏🏼🤍

11/11/2024

Beautiful boy Blaze that we assisted in uplifting from Macassar back in April of last year has finally found his very own family, complete with big sister and lots of love and spoils from mom and dad.

Thank you to our partner Jack's Rescue for persisting with this gentle giant and never giving up hope. 🙏🏼🤍