08/09/2026
A Lifeline for 5 dogs and an Invisible Animal Defender
Derek’s absolute priority is ensuring his 5 rescue dogs stay with him. We are raising funds to give Derek a soft landing during this crisis.
Your donations will go directly towards:
* Emergency Living Support: Covering basic food, veterinary care for the dogs, and essential living costs while he transitions.
* A Bridge to the Next Chapter: Giving him financial breathing room until he can create alternative income.
Derek never turned his back on an animal or a human in need. Let’s not turn our backs on him when he needs us most. Every single donation, no matter how small, helps keep this rescue family together.
Please open your hearts for Derek and his babies. Donate, share, and help us save the man who saved so many.
For over 20 years, Derek du Toit has been a voice for the voiceless. As a dedicated animal welfare advocate, he has poured every ounce of his soul, energy, and time into protecting companion animals across South Africa.
From fighting for stricter breeding legislation and penning educational eBooks, to stepping in pro bono to protect distressed pet owners facing aggressive HOAs and Body Corporates, Derek has never asked for anything in return. When families were going through their darkest times, facing the heart-breaking reality of having their furry family members torn away, Derek stood as their shield.
But today, this everyday hero is the one who desperately needs a lifeline.
For the last 15 years, Derek has lived on a plot in Midrand, Gauteng, working as the property’s caretaker to offset his rent. It was a peaceful sanctuary where he could provide a safe haven for many rescue dogs he took in – as many as 12 at one stage - from various welfare organisations over the years because they had nowhere else to go.
Tragically, the property has recently changed hands. The new owners have different plans for the land, and by the end of September, Derek’s caretaking services will no longer be required. In the blink of an eye, Derek is facing the terrifying reality of having no income, no roof over his head, and worst of all, the fear of losing the 5 rescue dogs that he regards as family.
It’s ironic that the very circumstances that he has helped others to navigate for more than a decade, now threaten him and his animal family.
Hello, Request for Financial Support for a Retiree with his only Dogs A Lifeline for ...
