All The Feels Archives - Good Things Guy https://www.goodthingsguy.com/tag/all-the-feels/ Wed, 28 May 2025 11:57:46 +0000 en-ZA hourly 1 https://www.goodthingsguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/cropped-gtg_favicon-32x32.png All The Feels Archives - Good Things Guy https://www.goodthingsguy.com/tag/all-the-feels/ 32 32 Watch: Adorable Toddler Greeting Everyone on the Train Goes Viral https://www.goodthingsguy.com/fun/toddler-greets-everyone-train/ https://www.goodthingsguy.com/fun/toddler-greets-everyone-train/#respond Wed, 28 May 2025 15:00:40 +0000 https://www.goodthingsguy.com/?p=152545

In an adorable video that has amassed over 23 million views, a happy toddler made it his mission to greet everyone on a train in Cape Town. Of all the...

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In an adorable video that has amassed over 23 million views, a happy toddler made it his mission to greet everyone on a train in Cape Town. Of all the passengers there, social anxiety certainly wasn’t one of them!

 

Cape Town, South Africa (28 May 2025) — Despite the colder weather, hearts were warmed in a big way in Cape Town thanks to a charismatic toddler on a mission to make public transport his own personal meet and greet. There might’ve been many passengers onboard that day, but social anxiety certainly wasn’t one of them!

In the video, the toddler marches through seating areas to wave and greet those already seated with a joyful “hello guys” and a warm wave.

The act, as simple and pure as it was, moved millions of people. In fact, the video has amassed over 23 million views; earning 4.2 million likes.

Watch: Toddler Greets Everyone on the Train

@othembelepumane“Hello guys”🤣 Every chance he gets he greets 🤣

♬ original sound – Othembele

But, it wasn’t just the adorableness of it all that touched people. It was also the concept of what it means to greet another human, and how the art of greeting is slowly waning; making moments like Mr Hello Guys’ all the more special.

Some viewers shared that he ‘changed the atmosphere’ that day, while others humorously shared that “social anxiety is scared of him’ and that ‘he made someone’s day’.

Even PRASA commented on the video sharing “best train mood ever”, while Lipton Ice Tea said “he’s got better social skills than me”.

His mom, Othembele, shared that this is a common activity for her toddler who simply loves going out of his way to connect with people.

“He even asks how are they doing, I’d be standing next to him like his bodyguard,” she laughs.

We’re not sure if there’s a future CEO, Ted Talker or President in our midst!


Sources: TikTok
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Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:

Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

 

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Jenic’s Journey: Serendipity, Heroes and Patrysberg Farm  https://www.goodthingsguy.com/people/jenics-journey-serendipity-heroes-and-patrysberg-farm/ https://www.goodthingsguy.com/people/jenics-journey-serendipity-heroes-and-patrysberg-farm/#respond Tue, 27 May 2025 06:30:23 +0000 https://www.goodthingsguy.com/?p=152041

A non-profit’s after school club ignited a love of learning in Jenic of Patrysberg Farm. After getting her degree (and becoming the first in her family to do so) serendipity...

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A non-profit’s after school club ignited a love of learning in Jenic of Patrysberg Farm. After getting her degree (and becoming the first in her family to do so) serendipity struck when she saw a job advertisement to work at the very same place that nurtured her own passions!

 

Citrusdal, South Africa (26 May 2025) — When 23-year-old Jenic was still growing up on Patrysberg Citrus Farm in Citrusdal, she got to learn about more than just nurturing the land.

In primary school, Jenic joined non-profit the Pebbles Project’s After-School Club where her love of learning grew and grew.

The Pebbles Project is all about uplifting children and families from farming communities in the Western Cape.

It was at the After-School Club that Jenic really got to hone in on certain passions, like the arts and computer literacy. And, it was also here that she met some of her first heroes like the SEP practitioners who made a big impression on her.

This wholesome foundation led Jenic to become the first in her family to earn a degree after she finished studying a Bachelor of the Arts at the University of the Western Cape later on in life.

It was during her studies that her dreams started to sharpen.

“I always enjoyed helping other children at the After-School Club on the farm… While I was studying, it all just clicked, I realised I wanted to work with children and become a teacher.”

After getting her Postgraduate Certificate in Education, a serendipitious moment struck.

She saw a job advertisement that was for an SEP Educator and Trainer at the very same After-School Club that helped her own education journey flourish!

“When I saw the job post, I didn’t hesitate,” Jenic shares. “It felt like the perfect way to give back to the children in my community.”

Today Jenic works hard to mentor the learners on Patrysberg farm and give them the same safe and inspiring environment that once shaped her.

“I feel so thankful. I’ve seen how tough things are for children in my community, how they can feel defeated, and I’ve seen how Pebbles helps them broaden their skills and dream bigger. Pebbles changed my life. Pebbles made me want to learn, to rise above my circumstances, and now I want to help others do the same.”


Sources: Liesl Ahlers 
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Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:

Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

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A Tea Party Was Thrown Just for Township Grannies https://www.goodthingsguy.com/people/a-tea-party-was-thrown-just-for-township-grannies/ https://www.goodthingsguy.com/people/a-tea-party-was-thrown-just-for-township-grannies/#respond Mon, 26 May 2025 06:00:39 +0000 https://www.goodthingsguy.com/?p=152068

Crumbs, laughter and togetherness. A tea party thrown just for township grannies (and the grandpas who managed to sneak through) reminds us that sometimes the most important joys are the...

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Crumbs, laughter and togetherness. A tea party thrown just for township grannies (and the grandpas who managed to sneak through) reminds us that sometimes the most important joys are the humble ones.

 

Johannesburg, South Africa (26 May 2025) — A tea party for township grannies recently celebrated the pillars of so many households in South Africa. Leaving behind a trail of happy crumbs, the tea party rightly gave the gogos their flowers of appreciation.

Organised by Charity Begins with Me (CBWM), the humble occasion was in no shortage of song, laughter or treats. Thanks to CBWM’s community, a variety of delicious treats were organised for the guests of honour, leaving behind more than enough for them to take home.

“They showed up, some in taxi’s, some in wheelchairs, and some on crutches,” shared CBWM’s Stephan Ferreira. “It wasn’t very fancy…It was chaotic. It was stressful. But it was perfect. Just for one afternoon, we tried to forget about the hard times and the suffering and we appreciated each other.”

With pots on the fire to supply hot water for the (many) cups of coffee, biscuits, cupcakes and muffins galore, the day brought smiles to many weathered faces. 150 grannies (and a few grandpas who managed to sneak into the party) were present.

Efforts like this are a reminder for all of us that sometimes the most important joys aren’t the flashy ones. They’re the simple ones in which one person says to another (or over a hundred in the case of this tea party) ‘I see you. I see your efforts. I see you carrying more than you show’.


Sources: Charity Begins With Me 
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Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

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How Stress on a Stormy Night Became the Purple Kennel Project! https://www.goodthingsguy.com/environment/how-stress-on-a-stormy-night-became-the-purple-kennel-project/ https://www.goodthingsguy.com/environment/how-stress-on-a-stormy-night-became-the-purple-kennel-project/#respond Fri, 23 May 2025 07:00:49 +0000 https://www.goodthingsguy.com/?p=151913

One night, while worrying about animals without shelter during a terrible storm, a heartwarming idea was born. Today, that once-small idea is the Purple Kennel Project, a movement that’s put...

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One night, while worrying about animals without shelter during a terrible storm, a heartwarming idea was born. Today, that once-small idea is the Purple Kennel Project, a movement that’s put thousands of roofs over dogs’ heads!

 

Cape Town South Africa (23 May 2025) — As the weather dips into icy territory and storms brew at a whim, numerous animal shelters and rescue organisations will scramble to keep their residents warm. But, tough times like winter also offer a perfect storm for heroes to step up. Today’s inspiration? The Purple Kennel Project!

In the Western Cape, the Purple Kennel Project have worked for years as a helper to the helpers—donating kennels to organisations, impoverished pet owners and those who most need to put a roof over their animals’ heads.

This was no massive corporate epiphany or a huge task force rising to the occasion. Instead, it was one kind of human, one big storm and many animals in distress that started it all!

Recently, the Purple Kennel Project’s founder, Samantha Chatham (better known as Sam) took to share the story of how the Project came to be. It’s a tangible dose of inspiration for anyone who wants to serve their community better to just start with where you are and what you have. You don’t need it all mapped out nor do you need an army behind you—sometimes all you need to turn wanting to help into actually getting started and letting the rest take shape from there!

As Sam recalls, the Purple Kennel Project began back in 2016 on a “horrendous stormy night”.

“Whilst lying in bed unable to sleep thinking of all the wet woofers…I had an epiphany! All welfare [organisations] need kennels I thought…and decided from that moment on, I would rather focus on purchasing a few kennels a month and simply donate them to the amazing [organisations] working out there doing much-needed animal outreach in the impoverished areas.”

Before this point, Sam had done her bit with donating money but knew there was room to take the goodwill further.

From there, things started to snowball into place. Sam found a roadside carpenter to help build the kennels, redirected friends ‘gifts’ to the then-unnamed kennel project, and eventually started personalising labels to the donors who made the kennels possible!

Today, the Project is entering its 10th winter with the fantastic record that thousands of kennels have been contributed since Day One.

“Thanks to the generosity of many, we have sent out around 3700 warm kennels…that’s around 412 for each of our 9 years…more than 1 a day!” Sam shares.

“[The Project is] more than I could have ever dreamed of,” Sam reflects adding that there is still so much work to do.

Become a Kennel Champion

Medium kennels are R440, while large ones are R570 and Jumbo creations are R750. Additional costs go toward branding and labelling.

You can contribute by sponsoring a kennel in your name, someone you love, in your own pets’ honour or even a nickname of your friend group! Whether it’s a birthday gift or another important occasion, you’ll be giving a one-of-a-kind gift few chocolates or flowers could ever rival.

Companies can also get involved CSR-wise, but so can communities like social or activity clubs.

You can find out more information here.

And, even if you can’t contribute directly, spread the word or use Sam’s movement as a springboard to start your own. The next time you catch yourself worrying about a big problem, consider taking a moment to figure out what ‘one thing’ you could do to improve one life impacted by said problem. This is how we impart change!


Sources: Purple Kennel Project; GTG 
Don’t ever miss the Good Things. Download the Good Things Guy App now on Apple or Google
Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:

Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

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Rescued Circus Lions Begin New Journey in South Africa https://www.goodthingsguy.com/environment/rescued-circus-lions-begin-new-journey-in-south-africa/ https://www.goodthingsguy.com/environment/rescued-circus-lions-begin-new-journey-in-south-africa/#respond Wed, 21 May 2025 11:00:38 +0000 https://www.goodthingsguy.com/?p=151726

Two lions named Goliath and Coralie spent years in a cramped circus cage in France. Now, they are finally on their way to a new life in South Africa!  ...

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Two lions named Goliath and Coralie spent years in a cramped circus cage in France. Now, they are finally on their way to a new life in South Africa!

 

South Africa (21 May 2025) — Former circus lions Goliath and Coralie will soon begin a new life in South Africa following a life of confinement in France.

The lions, named Goliath and Coralie, both spent years in the French circus industry where they were subject to cramped cages and a life unfit for any animal.

However, thanks to an an investigation by Free Life Association, incredible rescue efforts from Animal Defenders International (ADI) and an airline’s generous flight donation, the two are set to land in Johannesburg on Thursday morning!

ADI are a global team who work tirelessly to handle some of the biggest and most dangerous animal rescues in the world. From going undercover to expose animal suffering to impressive rescue and relocation efforts, ADI are the reason many animals got a second chance.

“It’s a dream come true for Coralie and Goliath,” reflects President of ADI, Jan Creamer. “They’re leaving behind a tiny cage to roam freely in their natural homeland.”

The lions are set to head to the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary (ADIWS), a secure refuge boasting 455 acres. Over 30 big cats and other rescued animals live at the sanctuary. Many of these animals were also rescued from the circus industry.

As Jan Creamer highlights, the rescue also marks the beginning of a new era considering that wild animals in circuses will be banned in France by 2028.

Meanwhile, in more good news where triumph prevailed over tragedy, heroes helped save the lives of numerous vultures following a mass poisoning incident in the Kruger National Park. Now, 18 of those survivor vultures have successfully been released! More, here. 


Sources: Animal Defenders International 
Don’t ever miss the Good Things. Download the Good Things Guy App now on Apple or Google
Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:

Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

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Kindness and Rowena Guide Missing ID and Driver’s Back to Owner! https://www.goodthingsguy.com/people/kindness-and-rowena-guide-missing-id-and-drivers-back-to-owner/ https://www.goodthingsguy.com/people/kindness-and-rowena-guide-missing-id-and-drivers-back-to-owner/#respond Mon, 19 May 2025 12:28:20 +0000 https://www.goodthingsguy.com/?p=151536

Kindness at its finest! After Leigh Stefanski had her ID and Driver’s poached, an unsung hero named Rowena went out of their way to reunite the documents with her.  ...

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Kindness at its finest! After Leigh Stefanski had her ID and Driver’s poached, an unsung hero named Rowena went out of their way to reunite the documents with her.

 

Cape Town, South Africa (19 May 2025) — There’s a stomach-dropping sensation that happens when you realise your ID isn’t in your wallet anymore. Now, consider your ID and driver’s licence are both missing in action. In fact, you don’t even have a clue where your wallet is! Few things can cure the realisation that your ID and driver’s were poached along with your wallet, but kindness is at the top of the list.

Recently, Leigh Stefanski told the story of how kindness prevailed at its finest in a situation like this, all without her knowing.

As Leigh shares, her partner had woken up to a Facebook message from someone he didn’t know. The message revealed that said person thought they were in possession of Leigh’s ID and driver’s licence, a vital document duo that Leigh didn’t even know had gone on the run.

“After marching off to get my wallet and looking in every plausible place, I succumbed to the realisation that my wallet was indeed lifted out of my handbag last night.”

Cue an unsung hero named Rowena Hamit, who works for SAPS.

While Leigh was none the wiser regarding her lost documents, Rowena had been on a mission, keeping Leigh’s found documents safe and tracking their person down.

An unnamed colleague of hers had spotted the discarded ID and driver’s licence near local flower stalls and thankfully took them to work (and to Rowena). Rowena’s shift ended early in the morning. Yet, despite how tired we’re sure she was, she still made the effort to leave the documents with a Parliament Control Officer where they’d be safe for collection. And, of course, going above and beyond to reach out to Leigh through her partner.

“Rowena was an absolute gift in my life [that day],” says Leigh. “Not just for the hours and headaches that she saved me in replacing my documents, but for the reminder that there are so many people who are good, and just trying to do right in this world. I am humbled and so deeply grateful.”


Sources: Leigh Stefanski
Don’t ever miss the Good Things. Download the Good Things Guy App now on Apple or Google
Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:

Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

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Watch: Aunty Ruth Plays the Piano By Memory at 108-Years-Old https://www.goodthingsguy.com/people/watch-aunty-ruth-plays-the-piano-by-memory-at-108-years-old/ https://www.goodthingsguy.com/people/watch-aunty-ruth-plays-the-piano-by-memory-at-108-years-old/#respond Sun, 18 May 2025 14:00:34 +0000 https://www.goodthingsguy.com/?p=151414

Aunty Ruth recently celebrated her 108th birthday by tickling the ivory keys in a beautiful moment for all listening in, without a lick of sheet music.   uMngeni, South Africa...

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Aunty Ruth recently celebrated her 108th birthday by tickling the ivory keys in a beautiful moment for all listening in, without a lick of sheet music.

 

uMngeni, South Africa (18 May 2025) — Ruth Hall recently reached an incredible milestone when she blew out the candles on her 108th birthday. As part of her birthday celebrations last month, Ruth (known warmly as Aunty Ruth) tickled the old ivory keys, treating all her visitors (including uMngeni Local Municipality Mayor Chris Pappas) to her gift of song.

Seated at the C. Bechstein piano, Ruth began to play a piece that fans of the Sound of Music will recognise in an instant: Edelweiss.

With a controlled flow, timing in tow and not a lick of sheet music in front of her, Aunty Ruth certainly showed everyone present (and the thousands who saw the clip on the internet) that she’s still got it.

Watch: Ruth Plays the Piano By Memory at 108-Years-Old

They often say that one never forgets how to ride a bike, but as many seasoned musicians will know, the same can’t be said of playing instruments like the piano. Perhaps it is not that we simply recall certain skills, but rather that we don’t easily forget those skills that brought us so much joy.

Meanwhile, in other news where musical moments gave us goosebumps, a surprise opera unfolded at the V&A Waterfront recently after the ever-elegant violinist, many mall-goers will know, was joined by the voice of an angel disguised as a shopper!

Must Watch: A Surprise Opera at the Waterfront Thanks to Talented Duo 


Sources: uMngeni Local Municipality; GTG 
Don’t ever miss the Good Things. Download the Good Things Guy App now on Apple or Google
Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:

Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

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Brandon’s Birthday Run Raises Funds for Children’s Running Shoes! https://www.goodthingsguy.com/sport/brandons-birthday-run-raises-funds-for-childrens-running-shoes/ https://www.goodthingsguy.com/sport/brandons-birthday-run-raises-funds-for-childrens-running-shoes/#respond Sun, 18 May 2025 08:00:03 +0000 https://www.goodthingsguy.com/?p=151307

Brandon Gill recently celebrated his 27th birthday in a huge way, running for 27 hours (STRAIGHT) to raise funds for underprivileged children’s running shoes. 145kms, Brandon survived and surpassed his...

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Brandon Gill recently celebrated his 27th birthday in a huge way, running for 27 hours (STRAIGHT) to raise funds for underprivileged children’s running shoes. 145kms, Brandon survived and surpassed his target!

 

Port Elizabeth, South Africa (18 May 2025) — It’s not everyday that a man decides to casually run for 27 hours straight, but Brandon Gill put himself up to the task for good reason: a lot of children in need would benefit from a birthday run like this.

Brandon dedicated his 27th birthday to community organisation Hope 4 Kids with a plan of action: he was going to tackle as many kilometres as possible to raise funds to purchase the kids running shoes.

“Every child deserves the opportunity to dream big, play freely, and explore the world around them, but for many children in underprivileged communities, something as simple as a pair of running shoes is out of reach,” said Brandon. “Without the right footwear, they miss out on the joys of running, sports, and even just having the confidence to be active.”

After a 10km road race he undertook in Colchester (in which multiple children ran barefoot, albeit with glee), Brandon became inspired to put his own running shoes to the best use.

“That day in Colchester inspired me to try and make a difference in some of these children’s lives.”

Last week Friday, Brandon kicked off his 27th birthday celebrations with his own personal marathon. Incredibly, he pushed on, one foot in front of the other, well into Saturday afternoon. We don’t even want to imagine how his body must’ve felt!

As his university, Nelson Mandela University, highlight, their biokineticist alumni surpassed the combined distance of the Comrades and Two Oceans marathons combined; clearing some 145kms!

The birthday run fundraiser was a massive success despite the challenges that are be expected from such an intense feat. From battling the cold to fighting through exhaustion, Brandon saw his initiative through not just by means of his own strength, but the encouragement of others including his girlfriend Jana Relihan who ran with him during the tough times, family members and friends and, heartwarmingly, the Hope 4 Kids children who joined him for the last stretch of the mission!

In fact, the kids crossed the finish line with Brandon; clapping and singing in a powerful moment Brandon expressed as one that meant the world to him.

Thanks to the big birthday run, Brandon raised R29,700 for the children’s running shoes.


Sources: NMU; BackaBuddy 
Don’t ever miss the Good Things. Download the Good Things Guy App now on Apple or Google
Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:

Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

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Basil the Elder Partial Pug Finds His Forever Retirement Home https://www.goodthingsguy.com/environment/basil-elder-partial-pug-finds-retirement-home/ https://www.goodthingsguy.com/environment/basil-elder-partial-pug-finds-retirement-home/#respond Thu, 15 May 2025 15:00:40 +0000 https://www.goodthingsguy.com/?p=151263

Basil the partial pug has waited the whole year for his forever, retirement home. In fact, he was the SPCA Springs longest resident! Now, he doesn’t need to dream about...

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Basil the partial pug has waited the whole year for his forever, retirement home. In fact, he was the SPCA Springs longest resident! Now, he doesn’t need to dream about his new home any longer.

 

Gauteng, South Africa (15 May 2025) — An elder Partial Pug named Basil had a lengthy wait before finding his retirement home. A little man with an adorable face, Basil is said to have patiently waited from the beginning of the year before it was finally time for him to pack his suitcase.

A plight shared by senior dogs across the world, adoptions for the grandogs in our midst can be tricky. Many people don’t want to fall in love with a pooch that won’t be with them for a long time, while others worry that older dogs require more effort.

While adopting a senior pet certainly doesn’t come without strings, it also comes with a ton of pros. Older dogs can be far more chilled, may have already been socialised throughout their lives and might just offer that wise sage energy your home needs. Not to mention, the love they have to give is huge; and the love you’ll give them will quite literally ensure that the rest of their life is filled with happy days.

Thanks to Mr and Mrs Veal, Basil finally made the big trip from the SPCA Springs care and into that of his new owners, AKA, his very own retirement home.

Recently adopted a senior dog of your own? Here are some top tips on how to best care for them!

Meanwhile, in more news where animals got a happy ending, a playful African Grey parrot who took the ‘jungle’ in jungle gym literally when it decided to join the children at play was successfully reunite with its mom! Full story, here. 


Sources: SPCA Springs; GTG 
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Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:

Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

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Cape Town Search for Wildfire Runaway Holly Ends! https://www.goodthingsguy.com/environment/cape-town-search-for-wildfire-runaway-holly-ends/ https://www.goodthingsguy.com/environment/cape-town-search-for-wildfire-runaway-holly-ends/#respond Fri, 02 May 2025 11:00:21 +0000 https://www.goodthingsguy.com/?p=150019

Holly, the little dachshund-staffie, went missing following the Table Mountain wildfires. Capetonians from all over put their efforts into spreading the word and keeping an eye out for her, and...

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Holly, the little dachshund-staffie, went missing following the Table Mountain wildfires. Capetonians from all over put their efforts into spreading the word and keeping an eye out for her, and after what felt like an eternity of searching, she has been reunited with her family.

 

Cape Town, South Africa (02 May 2025) — When wildfires strike, there are many consequences beyond excess smoke. While we often think of worst-case scenarios from a human-impact perspective, there’s another side of the coin in which wildlife and domestic animals alike are heavily impacted. Fires on the loose mean a hugely distressing time for animals, which can lead to runaways, injuries, and worse. For the owner of Holly, the little dachshund-staffie, the past few days meant worrying about all of the above. But in fantastic news for her many search parties, Holly has been found at last!

As Animal Welfare Society of South Africa explains:

“After three long days of searching the burnt mountain—through scorching days and cold, dark nights—Holly is finally safe at home.”

The Cape of Good Hope SPCA dubbed the news as something “everybody had been praying for.” This, because Holly’s disappearance on account of the wildfires had been widely circulated on social media; with many locals taking to spread the word and keep an eye out for the chocolate pooch.

“Her owner’s son, Gavin, responded to a sighting at Cape Point Vineyards and was finally able to catch her,” said the Cape of Good Hope SPCA.

Peter Edward Deering, her owner, explained that she had initially gone missing on Silvermine near the MTB parking area on Sunday morning.

Both the Cape of Good Hope SPCA and the Animal Welfare Society offered Holly medical check-ups, with Miss Holly said to have gone for a full assessment at the AWS hospital.

“This work can break us sometimes – but today we celebrate in spite of it. The fire took so much but today it gave us a beautiful reunion! To everyone who kept an eye out, sent in a lead, or whispered a prayer for her safe return — thank you.” the Cape of Good Hope SPCA shared.

You can support future rescue efforts, here!


Sources: Animal Welfare Society of SA; Cape of Good Hope SPCA 
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Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:

Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

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