Hot Cares helps Happy Yappers create more second chances for rescued dogs

For Janet Diack, every dog that arrives at Happy Yappers Animal Sanctuary carries a story — and the chance of a better ending.

Since 2018, Janet has quietly built a sanctuary of hope just outside Magaliesburg, rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming dogs who might otherwise have nowhere to go. At any given time, Happy Yappers can care for up to 140 dogs, each receiving dedicated attention, medical care, and the chance to rediscover trust. 

But like many animal welfare organisations, the shelter faces a difficult reality: space.

When shelters are full, heartbreaking decisions sometimes follow. And that’s why Hot Cares stepped in.

With a donation of 5, Hot Cares will fund the construction of four additional runs, creating safe spaces for more dogs to be rescued, rehabilitated, and eventually placed in loving homes. The support doesn’t stop there. A further R20,000 contribution will assist Happy Yappers’ outreach programme, helping provide sterilisation, vaccinations and essential treatments for dogs in surrounding communities.

“Senior dogs bring calm companionship, steady personalities and a lifetime of quiet wisdom,” says Janet, speaking about the sanctuary’s Golden Hearts campaign, which encourages the adoption of older dogs.

Two of those “golden oldies,” Charlie and Madala, have recently found homes — proof that love and patience can transform lives, even later in life. Now the team hopes that Oliver, a gentle older dog who has spent many years at the sanctuary, will soon experience that same happy ending.

Happy Yappers’ work extends beyond the shelter gates. Through outreach programmes in nearby townships, the team helps families care for their dogs by offering vaccinations, deworming treatments and sterilisation drives — preventing suffering before it begins.

“Age should never be a barrier to love.”

Thanks to the support of Hot Cares, Happy Yappers can continue doing what it does best: giving vulnerable dogs a second chance, and helping communities care for the animals they love.

Because sometimes the difference between despair and hope is simply having one more safe space.