For nearly a decade, Issie Booyens has been a devoted volunteer at the Langebaan Animal Shelter, giving back to her community in the most heartfelt way—through the love and care of animals in need. Every week, she dedicates 4 to 5 hours to walking, training, and caring for the shelter dogs, providing them with the attention and affection they desperately crave.
Issie has witnessed incredible transformations over the years. She recalls how love and attention have the power to heal both broken animals and humans. Whether it’s helping starved, scared dogs regain their trust in people or watching them learn basic commands, Issie finds deep fulfilment in being part of their healing process. The greatest reward for her is seeing these dogs, once terrified and neglected, adopted into loving homes.
Although she doesn’t have one specific favourite dog at the shelter, Issie is particularly fond of Lady and Penny, two gentle souls who have captured her heart with their loving and attention-seeking personalities.
When it comes to the community’s role, Issie believes that joining the shelter walks, even for a day, can make a huge difference. Not only does it offer the dogs much-needed interaction, but it also teaches children the value of caring for animals. She emphasizes that shelter dogs love attention, feeling loved when volunteers talk to them during their walks.
Issie’s most difficult moments have been seeing the shelter dogs get sick or pass away, but even in those heartbreaking times, she finds solace in knowing that these animals felt loved in their final moments. Her message to the world is clear: animals deserve to be treated with respect, to feel safe, and to be loved.
For those considering volunteering, Issie has simple advice: it’s incredibly rewarding. Helping these animals heal, change, and eventually find forever homes is an experience like no other. Her call to the community is to donate, whether it be time, money, or supplies. Every contribution helps feed, care for, and walk the shelter dogs, making their lives a little brighter.
