Growing old isn’t easy, and growing old without a family is even harder. Senior dogs are often overlooked in shelters because potential adopters worry about the unpredictable costs of lifelong veterinary care.
That is precisely why Cape Dachshund Rescue created their Frosty Face Foster Programme. The non-profit organisation matches elderly dachshunds with loving foster families, waives adoption fees where needed, and covers every single dog’s veterinary expenses for life. The foster families provide the love; Cape Dachshund Rescue removes the financial burden.
With 85 senior “Frosties” currently in their care, veterinary bills average a staggering R35,000 every single month. Operating without paid staff or dedicated kennel premises, the volunteer-driven rescue relies entirely on public support and donations to keep their oldies healthy and comfortable.
Ahead of Mandela Day 2026, the team launched a BackaBuddy campaign, aiming to raise R55,000 to cover six solid weeks of veterinary care.
Turning Mandela Day Actions into Real Impact
In the spirit of Nelson Mandela Day, Cape Dachshund Rescue broke down their fundraising target into tangible acts of kindness so donors could see exactly how their contributions changed lives:
🐾 R67 provides a deworming treatment for one senior dog.
🐾 R150 funds a therapeutic pawdicure to keep paws healthy and pain-free.
🐾 R670 vaccinates a senior dog against preventable diseases.
🐾 R1,000 contributes toward essential dental surgeries to restore comfort, appetite, and quality of life.
Our guide on how animal welfare organisations build community through crowdfunding highlights how connecting donors directly to tangible outcomes transforms small contributions into collective momentum.
From 50% to 100% Funded
By mid-July, the campaign reached the 50% mark, but the race wasn’t over. The volunteer team mobilized their community across WhatsApp, social media, and word-of-mouth networks to rally support before the deadline.
By July 16th, the campaign hit 75% funded, proving once again how powerful micro-donations like R67 can be when a dedicated tribe comes together.
By Saturday, July 18th, Mandela Day, the target was officially passed! Supporters across South Africa had raised over R55,000 for the 85 senior dachshunds.
Every Rand Direct to Vet Care
Because Cape Dachshund Rescue operates with zero overheads, zero paid staff, and no physical facility costs, 100% of the funds raised go straight toward medical treatments, dental procedures, vaccinations, and routine care for their 85 Frosties.
In a heartfelt post to their supporters, Cape Dachshund Rescue expressed their appreciation:
“❤️ You did it! Thank you! ❤️
Because of your incredible generosity, we’ve raised more than R55 000 for our Mandela Day fundraiser! Your kindness means our 85 beloved Frosties can receive the veterinary care they need, giving them comfort, dignity and the best quality of life in their golden years… From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for believing in our old dogs and making Mandela Day count.”
Much like other inspiring pet rescue success stories in South Africa, this campaign demonstrates that age is no barrier to love—and that every senior dog deserves to live out their golden years in comfort and dignity.
How You Can Support Senior Rescue Dogs
While this Mandela Day campaign successfully funded six weeks of care, Cape Dachshund Rescue’s mission is ongoing.
- Support ongoing vet care for the Frosty Face Foster Programme by visiting Cape Dachshund Rescue on BackaBuddy. (Section 18A tax certificates are available on request).
- Foster or Adopt: Open your home to a senior dog by contacting Cape Dachshund Rescue.
Organising a fundraiser for an animal shelter or rescue group? Learn how to raise funds for animal shelters using crowdfunding or discover more inspiring stories on The Giving Lab.
