Sterilisation Drive in De Doorns

That love recently led me to De Doorns, a township filled with stories that are both heartbreaking and inspiring. There, I witnessed the quiet, tireless work of Sidewalk Specials, an organization committed to changing the lives of not just neglected dogs but also the people who love them. I had heard about the challenges—the poverty, the lack of veterinary care, the overwhelming need—but seeing it firsthand was something else entirely. De Doorns sits within the Breede Valley, a region known for its sweeping grape farms and rich history. Yet despite its agricultural success, so many here struggle every day. Families fight to put food on the table, and their beloved pets often suffer alongside them—not for lack of love, but for lack of resources. Sidewalk Specials doesn’t just rescue animals. They offer free veterinary care, sterilization programs, and education, ensuring that these dogs—so deeply cherished by their owners—get the help they need to survive and thrive. But there’s something else, something harder to put into words: the dignity and kindness with which they operate. They don’t treat these communities as outsiders looking in—they respect them, uplift them, and work alongside them to create lasting change.

You can learn more about Sidewalk Specials and support their work by visiting their website or social media channels. Together, we can turn awareness into change.