‘When a picture speaks a thousand words….’
Free State, South Africa (21 January 2026) – Monday came with a difficult goodbye for the animal welfare team at Virginia SPCA. Teddy was with them for 15 years. He was their very first yard dog.
Just a year after the current team took office in 2010, Teddy joined the family. He was two at the time, and he spent the next fifteen years there, jumping on the laps of his animal welfare heroes. He followed them everywhere and watched them care for animals just like him – newcomer doggies who found great comfort in his presence, too.
“Teddy taught us patience. He taught us consideration. He showed us what true companionship really means,” Virginia SPCA shared. “Whenever a scared, confused dog arrived, Teddy was there. He would walk alongside the staff, gently helping new guests settle in, offering calm reassurance without needing a single word.”
This little shadow was a part of the team. He helped inspectors and carers understand how they could best serve animals who came through their doors.
“Whenever there was training to be done, Teddy was the willing participant—gracefully and generously offering himself so that we could learn and grow, and so that others could benefit.”
He was right there from the beginning, which made saying goodbye so difficult.
After 17 years, most of them spent with his SPCA family who loved him deeply, Teddy crossed the rainbow bridge.
“Now we must learn what life looks like without you, Teddy. We let you go knowing you lived a full, meaningful, and deeply loved life. From all of us at Team VSPCA, we salute you. Until we meet again.”
Field Assistant Peter Kamwaza has worked at the Virginia SPCA for years. He and Teddy were inseparable. The images below, published by the SPCA on Facebook, are of the two of them in their final moments together.
“We are publishing these images with permission of our Field Assistant Peter Kamwaza. Teddy and Peter moved as one. We are so sorry Peter – thank you for being a perfect friend to Teddy.”
When a picture speaks a thousand words.
These images show a side of animal welfare that we don’t see. The bonds that form and the friendships that last for life. The warmest welcomes and the most heartbreaking goodbyes.
South Africa’s animal welfare workers are heroes and we’ll always fly their flag.
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