Little Miracles are given a chance

By Nombulelo Fatyela
Jun 20, 2016
2 min read

Driving on the R59 along the reading interchange it’s a common sight to see animal caucus on the side of the road. Residents of New Redruth complain about an open veld nearby that is known to have a smell of dead animals. These stories of abandon animals are what made 21 year old Chanel Naidoo an active animal rights activist from Alberton to create an organization to address just that. Chanel Naidoo runs an organization called Changing Little Lives that focuses on rescuing abused or abandon dogs, and dogs that have lost their way from home.

We meet at a local Mugg and Bean to discuss what inspired her to start such an organization that’s helping pets and pet owners around Alberton. Chanel credits her love for dogs that pushed her to start the organization. “I love dogs, I grew up loving all my dogs and caring for them.” She is an owner of three adorable dogs. Her face lights up when she states that “it’s important that animals are given a second chance. My organization is to help the voiceless animals, it also aims to educate my community members to take care of their animals.”

Chanel who was born and grew up in Alberton says that “It has not been easy starting this organization because of problems with funds. ‘’I am limited with the amount of dogs I can take in because I don’t have the right facilities and resources. Finding sponsors has been difficult but local community members are doing their bit to ensure my organization operates.”

Chanel looks down on her phone and shows me images of a dog that was abandon in a box because it was deforemed.” A frown appears on her face when she says “it’s the old aged dogs and the puppies that suffer the most”

Asked how she lets community members of Alberton know about her work she says “I have an active Facebook page where I share stories of lost dogs, rescued dogs that need medical attention and if members would like to adopt any dog my page provides that platform.”

She describes how the organization would be more financially stable and have established structures to accommodate more animals in need.

To help grow Chanel’s organization you can visit the Facebook page to called Changing Little Lives.

Chanel’s work and dedication for animal rights is truly inspiring, her dedication to advocate for the voiceless is what makes her one of her community’s gems. Hopefully her work would inspire to change how we treat and care for our animals in our communities.