“Everyone thinks they have the best dog – and none of them are wrong” – anonymous.
Dogs are amazing creatures, Whether you have one or a couple, or merely love spending time with these furry friends, there is no denying that the presence of a dog will put a smile on your face and joy in our heart.
This year, Village n Life under our Pet Places brand is proud to support Dancers Love Dogs – a wonderful NGO, focusing on the mass sterilisation of dogs across the Western Cape.
Dancers Love Dogs is a non-profit organisation that relies on the generosity of animal lovers across South Africa in its effort to sterilise dogs and ultimately give them the happy and full life that they deserve.
Founded by Brigitte Reeve Taylor, the charity organisation has made a huge impact in helping to sterilise dogs in the 8 years it’s been active. Thus far, more than 12 700 dogs have been sterilised thanks to the initiative.
Unsterilised dogs remain one of the biggest problems when it comes to animal welfare in the Western Cape. There are hundreds of unsterilised dogs that live on the streets or in rural areas, resulting in accelerated breeding and more puppies left to live a life on the streets. Dancers Love Dogs is trying to curb the incessant breeding by paying for the sterilisation of dozens of dogs.
The annual Dancers Love Dogs show features some of South Africa’s most talented dancers on one of the country’s biggest stages at the Artscape Opera House in the heart of Cape Town. Now in its 8th year, all profits made from ticket sales are donated directly to the cause. Vets are paid directly by the organisation for mass sterilisations across Cape Town.
One seat to the show = one sterilisation.
We were lucky enough to attend the (completely sold out!) show on Saturday, 5 October, and to say that the evening was one to remember would be an understatement.
Upon arrival at the stunning Artscape Theatre Complex – which is, undoubtedly one of the most beautiful theatre complexes in South Africa – we were greeted by a host of four-legged friends and their doting owners. Some famous ‘influencer’ dogs were also in attendance, and our hearts melted when we could finally meet the devastatingly cute Mr Miyagee; a tri-coloured, long-haired Chihuahua hailed as South Africa’s smallest celebrity dog. Mr Miyagee is also a trained therapy dog and a certified emotional support dog.

Mr Miyagee and his parents
The show, which was MC-ed by local comedian Alan Committie, consisted of two acts, each featuring 13 performances by some of the best choreographers and local dancers in the scene. While all of the performances were amazing and beautifully choreographed, there were some stand out performances that got the audience on their feet.
Three of the performances included dogs in their routine. ‘Skater Dog’, by Kate Wannenburgh and her dog Shadow, saw Shadow beautifully dance with Kate, and even saw Shadow riding around on a skateboard!
Another standout performance was by the incomparable Hope Maimane, who was specially flown in for the show. The intense performance, entitled ‘Inception’, was choreographed by Hope.
Hope also participated in some improv fun, by performing an improvised ‘bird dance’ with MC Alan Committie, which had the audience in stitches.
Between performances, some South African Guide Dogs and their humans were introduced on stage with a short story about the dogs’ life and their exceptional dedication to their humans. Before and after the performance, the SA Guide Dog Association also sold cute, guide dog toys in their efforts to raise funds for this wonderful cause.
Pet Places sponsored a one-night stay at any one of our Pet Places properties as part of the raffle prize that was won by one lucky winner.
The evening concluded with a heartwarming thank you speech by Brigitte Reeve Taylor.
A wonderful evening full of delight, dogs, and dance: we are so glad to be a part of the amazing initiative and wish Brigitte and her team the best of luck and many more years of stunning shows and successful sterilisations.
Image credit – poster & featured image: Dancers Love Dogs Facebook
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