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Woodrock News & Newsletters


The Bark-chelor: Three Roses, Three Beautiful Beginnings
Love was truly in the air at Nine Yards on Valentine’s Day when Woodrock Animal Rescue hosted our very first Bark-chelor - a playful celebration of rescue, second chances, and forever homes. Inspired by the drama of a certain popular dating show, the Bark-chelor swapped cocktail gowns for wagging tails and replaced red carpet moments with rescue stories that touched every heart at the green lung precinct in Parktown North. Nicole Capper visits us at Nine Yards And while ever
2 days ago2 min read


Where Purr-formance Meets Purpose: CATS Cast Visits Woodrock Cat Café
While audiences are swept away by the iconic song “Memory” in CATS, the cast recently created a few heartwarming memories of their own at the Woodrock Cat Cafe. Currently captivating audiences at the Teatro at Montecasino until 22 February 2026, the cast took time out of their performance schedule to visit Woodrock’s feline residents - each with their own powerful story of rescue and renewal. Ché-jean Jupp (who plays Munkustrap in the production) reflected on the visit: “It
Feb 121 min read


Where Style Meets Purpose: Woodrock Thrift Comes to Parkwood
Fashion lovers, thrifters and treasure hunters - we have exciting news! Woodrock Thrift has moved into a beautiful new space in Parkwood, thanks to a generous partnership with Byron Thomas Properties . This marks an exciting new chapter for our thrift initiative which blends style, sustainability and compassion in a way that feels both chic and deeply meaningful. A New Home for Pre-Loved Fashion Located at 29 Glamorgan Road , just around the corner from our popular Pop-Pup
Jan 302 min read


Sage: Left to Die, But We Will Not Allow Her to be Forgotten
She was hurt, abandoned, and left alone. This is Sage’s story — and how you can help make sure justice is done. Sage’s Story On Sunday, January 11 th , Sage , a black-and-white Pitbull-type dog, was found outside Woodrock Animal Rescue in Hennops River Valley. She was critically injured, clearly in pain, and had been abandoned when she needed help most. All the signs pointed that this girl’s severe injuries and suffering was the result of a brutal and illegal practice. Sa
Jan 162 min read


Woodrock’s Beloved Pop-Pups Return to Joburg This Weekend
Woodrock Animal Rescue’s much-loved Pop-Pups are back from this Saturday, 10 January, inviting Joburgers to meet rescue dogs, connect with their community, and find a forever friend. The wait is over! Our popular Pop-Pups return this weekend, bringing rescue dogs back into the heart of Johannesburg’s suburbs and giving you the chance to connect, engage, and fall in love. We are looking forward to seeing you again at Fourways Crossing and at our brand new home in Parktown Nor
Jan 92 min read


Impact in Numbers: What you helped us achieve in 2025
This year, we battled crises without warning, overwhelming moments and days that felt bigger than our team… and you carried us through every single one. Thank you, though, never feels big enough, so instead of words, these are the numbers YOU made possible. OUTREACH STERILISATIONS — WHERE YOU HELPED US SHOW UP This year, your support allowed us to reach communities where access to veterinary care is limited. Areas where we sterilised: Walkerville Virginia Olievenhoutbosch She
Dec 31, 20251 min read


Together, We Made It Matter: A year of education, compassion and community
As we reflect on the year as it draws to a close, one truth stands clear: None of what we achieved this year could have happened without you! Real change is never the work of one – it is built with many hands, each giving what they can. At Woodrock, we are alive to the power of people taking up space and showing up with heart. Thank you to our volunteers and donors for helping us turn small acts of care into life-changing moments for animals and the people who love them. ED
Dec 29, 20252 min read


Because of you, hope had a heartbeat this year. A Message From Our Founders, Nicholas & Stella Meldau
Thank you to every donor, supporter, adopter and volunteer. You are the reason Woodrock can breathe through the pressure. Shelters look simple from the outside, but on the ground, things can get brittle: heartbreak, courage, and relentless work! Your kindness is our strength. Your belief is our lifeline. Your support is the bridge that carries every animal toward hope. We do the work; you make it possible. This year, we battled crises without warning, overwhelming moments and
Dec 28, 20251 min read


Happily Homed: A Tail of Healing: Chiquita Finds Her Perfect Place
Sometimes the right dog doesn’t just find a home - she restores calm, comfort and connection. Chiquita’s story is a tender reminder of the extraordinary emotional intelligence dogs bring into our lives, especially when it’s needed most. When Chiquita arrived at Woodrock, it was immediately clear that she was something special. This tiny Chihuahua-cross was quickly identified as an ideal candidate for our Paws @ Work wellness programme. These are a very special group of dogs
Dec 26, 20252 min read


The snake that slithered into the Virginia Sterilisation Outreach
Because when we say we’re an animal rescue, we mean all animals. An outreach of this scale never happens by chance. It demands vision, meticulous planning, and an unwavering commitment to animal welfare. The logistics. The timelines. The coordination. Every moving part is carefully aligned long before the first animal arrives. The Virginia four-day outreach in late November began after Thea of the SPCA called us to help, and the ball was set in motion. But no matter how metic
Dec 19, 20251 min read


Bonny’s New Beginning. A Happily Homed Tail.
After an unexpected loss, this gorgeous, brown-nosed Pitbull has found love again Bonny came to us from a home where she was deeply loved. Her companion, Coda, had been adopted from us to join this gorgeous, brown-nosed Pitbull. For a while, they were the perfect little family but when their pet-parent faced a difficult emotional period, the heartbreaking yet responsible decision was made to surrender them. Rehoming pitbulls are never simple but then Bonny’s photo appeared o
Dec 18, 20251 min read


Puppy Fostering at Woodrock Animal Rescue
“Saving one puppy won’t change the world, but for that one puppy, their world will change forever.” At Woodrock Animal Rescue, our Puppy Fostering Program lies at the very heart of what we do. It’s an act of love, compassion, and hope — a bridge between rescue and forever. When you choose to foster, you open your heart and home to a little life that needs care, comfort, and the chance to grow into the dog they’re meant to be. Every puppy deserves a safe place to learn about
Nov 7, 20252 min read


MySchool becomes Woolworths MyDifference
We are deeply thankful to everyone who has supported Woodrock Animal Rescue through the Woolworths MySchool program. Your generosity...
Sep 16, 20252 min read


Visit the new Woodrock Mews
Last month, Woodrock Animal Rescue launched the Mews, a revamped version of our cattery in Pretoria. Welcome to The Woodrock Mews , ...
Sep 6, 20252 min read


A Happily Homed Tail. Darling Dingo finds a home!
With us since November 2023, and after more than two years at our shelter, our beautiful boy with the gentlest soul, Dingo, has finally...
Sep 5, 20251 min read


Mid Year Newsletter 2025
Woodrock Animal Rescue’s mid-year newsletter is filled with heartwarming milestones. From the grand opening of The Woodrock Mews cattery...
Sep 4, 20251 min read
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