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14/05/2026

06/05/2026

This isn't a "happily ever after" video. It’s a "right here, right now" moment.

Benji is a complicated soul. The reality of our daily life isn't always this quiet; it’s often filled with the sharp edges of his aggression, the frantic heartbeat of his separation anxiety, and the constant management of his failing hips. He is a dog who lives in a state of high alert.

But in this moment, none of that matters.

He didn't just lay down; he chose to let his weight settle into my chest. He tucked his head into my shoulder, and I let mine rest on his. In my professional world, I’d call this "co-regulation"—two nervous systems finally finding a frequency that feels like safety. On the ground, I just call it a miracle.

There is a profound beauty in a creature who has every reason to be defensive finally deciding it’s okay to breathe with you. He isn’t "fixed," and the struggles will be there when we get up from this bed. But for a while, the labels of "aggressive" or "anxious" don't matter.

Sometimes the best therapy is simply being the person a wounded soul feels safe enough to be vulnerable with.

If you’re caring for a "difficult" soul today—whether they have two legs or four—have paws, feet or hooves, I hope you get a moment of truce. It’s what keeps us going

04/05/2026

There is a very polite (and very snuggly) competition happening in my office today.

If you’ve ever wondered what my "view" is while I’m busy with consultancy work or sanctuary admin, this is it. My floor has officially been taken over by a sea of Bassets and Besida residents.

A massive thank you to Carene Geldenhuys for the incredibly generous donation of Kalahari Pet Beds for our SABA and Besida crew.

As you can see from the clips, the "oldies" and the youngsters have wasted no time moving in. In this line of work, we spend so much time focusing on health and rehabilitation, but sometimes the most important thing we can provide is simply a soft place to land. For our seniors with aching joints, these beds are a dream, and for the pups, they’re the perfect spot for a deep, safe sleep while I work away at my desk.

Thank you, Carene, for making our office the coziest place at the sanctuary and for making sure our residents are so well looked after. The "staff" are officially on a permanent tea break!

01/05/2026

Thursday marked a very special milestone: Toby’s one-year "Home-versary" at Besida. 🎈🐾

Toby (or Bias, as we call him) arrived a year ago with his brother, Droopy. He was a nervous, withdrawn soul who looked to his brother for everything. When we lost Droopy a few months later, our hearts broke for Bias—we worried he might fade away. But this resilient boy surprised us all. He had already started weaving his heart into ours.

It took about eight months for Bias to truly find his feet and let his personality shine. For the longest time, he was the picture of strength. But recently, the "rollercoaster" of senior rescue hit again—breathing issues and coughing led to X-rays that revealed an underlying lung condition.

While an adoption application had actually come in for him, SABA (SA Basset Adoptions) made the incredibly ethical and compassionate decision to prioritize his well-being above all else. Because stress and travel could worsen his condition, SABA has committed to Toby staying right here with us for the rest of his days.

They take full responsibility for his medical needs, while we provide the family he deserves. To us, Bias isn’t a "sick foster dog." He is family. He is loved. And he is exactly where he belongs. ❤️

Happy 1-Year Anniversary, Bias! Leave a comment to celebrate this handsome boy’s milestone. 🎂

29/04/2026

The reality of rescue is often a rollercoaster that doesn’t have an "off" switch. 🎢💔

This weekend was a whirlwind of new arrivals, but Saturday night took a scary turn. Our precious Poumpie (Ouma) suddenly went into distress—struggling to breathe, trembling, and her heart racing.

In those frantic moments, there is nothing like the comfort of a vet who truly cares. We want to say a massive thank you to Dr. Lottie Carr and the team at Homestead. They stayed over an hour after closing, waiting for us to arrive, just to make sure this old lady got the medication and monitoring she needed. 🩺🙏

Poumpie came to us as a stray, already carrying the weight of a hard life—hip and back issues, and multiple tumours. Yet, despite her body failing her, her personality remains absolutely radiant.

This is the beauty of the Besida and SA Basset Adoptions (SABA) partnership. SABA takes full responsibility for her medical and end-of-life costs, while we at Besida provide the "boots on the ground"—the vet runs, the sleepless nights, and the endless snuggles.

Poumpie is now back home, resting and being closely monitored. She is safe, she is loved, and she is not alone.

Please keep our sweet Ouma in your thoughts tonight. ❤️

24/04/2026

The weight of rescue can be heavy. When we lose one of our residents, the silence they leave behind feels like it might break us. You find yourself wondering if your heart can take another hit.

Then, there is a soft breath against your arm, a tiny hoof or a tired paw looking for comfort, and you remember why we do this. We get up again, we open our hearts again, and we love again—because they deserve nothing less. Ellie and the crew reminded me today that love is the only way forward. 🤍

20/04/2026

A Quiet Presence, A Devastating Void.

On April 15th, we had to say a heartbreaking goodbye to Sasha, one of our long-term SA Basset Adoptions (SABA) fosters.

Sasha arrived with her brother, Alex, and when we lost him a while ago, we watched her navigate a world that felt far too big without him. Sasha was never the loudest in the room. She was shy, withdrawn, and spent months deciding if the world was a safe place.

But once she let us in? That shy, melting smile was everything.

She was a girl of balance—gentle and never showing a tooth to her humans, yet a stern "governess" to any dog who broke the "Rules of Sasha." She taught the youngsters how to behave with a firm but fair paw.

As malignant lumps and hip dysplasia began to take their toll, we knew it was time to let her run free from the pain. People might think that with so many animals at the sanctuary, one quiet girl wouldn't leave such a hole. The truth is, her absence is deafening. We still look for her on every bed and around every corner, catching our breath when we realize she isn't there.

Sasha, your life mattered. Deeply, honestly, and forever. You weren’t just a foster; you were family.

Run free and without fear, Sashie. You are forever embedded in our hearts. 🐾🌈

14/04/2026

A Soft Place to Land for Two Very Special Seniors

We are so excited to introduce our newest foster residents! This sweet, bonded pair comes to us from SA Basset Adoptions, and they are officially settling into the pack here at Besida.

At 12 years young, Kenzi and Beast are the definition of "super sweet." They are true "old four-footed people" who just want a chill life filled with nothing but cuddles and loves. Seeing them settle in together is a beautiful reminder of why senior rescue is so rewarding. ❤️

While they are safe and warm, they do have some medical hurdles ahead to ensure their golden years are comfortable:

Dental Care: Both Kenzi and Beast need dental work to stay healthy and pain-free.

Health Check: Kenzi has two nasty-looking lumps that need a veterinary check-up as soon as possible.

SA Basset Adoptions is coordinating their care, and we would love to get these treatments started the moment the funds are available. If you’re in a position to help these two sweet souls, please consider a donation toward their medical "retirement fund." Every bit helps!

Let’s show these two some love in the comments! Thank you for helping us give them the dignified, happy retirement they deserve. 🛋️✨

13/04/2026

The wisdom of rescue kids humble us...

10/04/2026

They say a picture is worth a thousand words, but a video of happy, wagging tails is worth even more! 🐾

We recently asked Lauren for some footage of Spots and Torschka in their forever home. Her response? It’s nearly impossible to film them because every time they see her, they just run straight to her for cuddles!

Seeing these two seniors so full of life with Lauren and Glenn is exactly why we do what we do. It’s also a testament to the teamwork behind the scenes. While they fostered with us at Besida, SA Basset Adoptions made sure they were 100% ready for this new chapter by covering the costs for their neuters and much-needed dental work.

Because of that support, these two moved into their home feeling like brand-new doggies! 🦷✨

A massive thank you to Lauren and Glenn for being such wonderful parents, and to SA Basset Adoptions for ensuring our seniors got the best medical start.

💡 Adopted a Besida/SA Basset beastie recently? Please keep those updates coming!"

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