Nestled in the tranquil Malmesbury area, The Lucky Lucy Foundation (LLF) is far more than a shelter—it's a sanctuary of love, healing, and second chances for animals who have endured the harshest trials of life. Established in 2010, the foundation was born out of heartbreak and hope after its founders rescued a pregnant dog, Lucy, tied to railway tracks in Wellington. Though Lucy tragically lost a leg to passing trains, her story ignited a mission to save animals labelled "no hope left"—and The Lucky Lucy Foundation was born.
A Sanctuary Like No Other: Where Love Blooms and Healing Begins
From the moment you step onto the property, it’s clear this is no ordinary shelter. With its lavender-scented herb gardens and serene spaces, it is a sanctuary of peace and purpose, designed to offer comfort not only to the animals but to visitors and volunteers alike. Every corner whispers compassion, and every step carries the promise of a brighter future for those who call it home.
Saving the Unsavable: Transforming Lives Through Care, Compassion, and Second Chances
LLF is dedicated to rescuing animals facing impossible odds. These are often cases where rehabilitation requires immense resources and unwavering care—animals that might otherwise be euthanised. Each dog and cat that comes through their gates receive a thorough assessment and a personalised rehabilitation plan.
Finding Forever Homes: Tailored Adoptions That Change Lives
The adoption process is equally meticulous, designed to ensure that every animal finds a home suited to their breed, personality and specific needs. Home checks are conducted with care, and all animals are sterilised and microchipped once they enter the sanctuary, ensuring responsible pet ownership and breaking the cycle of unwanted litters.
When Home Isn’t Possible: Creating a Lifetime of Love and Comfort
For animals that may never find a home, LLF offers a lifetime of care at the sanctuary. Dogs are housed in spacious enclosures, lovingly named places like “Ground Zero” and “Groomingdales.” Each space includes roomy kennels, shaded areas, and even mini pools that are topped up with ice on hot summer days—a testament to the foundation’s focus on joy, comfort and dignity.
A Wonderland for Whiskers: Where Every Cat Finds Joy, Peace, and Belonging
Meanwhile, the cattery is a wonderland for its 385 feline residents. Decorated with colourful throws, cosy cushions, and climbing tunnels, it’s a space that encourages natural behaviour. Every cat, from playful kittens to serene senior residents, has their own special corner of comfort. Even the names of the rooms, like “Whisker Wonderland” and “Wigglebut,” reflect the joyful spirit that permeates the sanctuary.
Breaking the Cycle: Fighting Overpopulation with Sterilisation and Education
At the heart of LLF’s mission is its focus on sterilisation—a critical step in reducing the cycle of suffering caused by overpopulation. As proud participants in the National Sterilisation Project (NSP), they host quarterly sterilisation clinics, where ethical veterinary surgeons provide much-needed services. These drives not only help prevent unwanted litters but also assist underprivileged pet owners. However, the main purpose is to bring more affordable sterilisations to the general public who otherwise could not afford the high sterilisation prices of private veterinary practices.
Building a Better Tomorrow: Inspiring Compassion Through Knowledge
In addition to sterilisation, LLF’s educational programs seek to inspire a culture of compassion and accountability. Delivered through group sessions and one-on-one interactions, these initiatives aim to combat ignorance and foster respect for all living beings. By addressing the root causes of neglect, LLF is planting seeds of change that will grow for generations.
Powered by Passion: A Community That Never Gives Up on Love
The sanctuary is powered by a team of 15 passionate staff members and a loyal group of volunteers, all working tirelessly to care for the 157 dogs and 385 cats who call LLF home. Their dedication is bolstered by an equally committed community of donors. Programs like MySchool bring in a reliable amount each month, though the foundation dreams of growing this to considerably more to fully fund their operations.
Golden Years, Golden Hearts: Fostering Senior Pets for a Lifetime of Care
Among their many innovative programs is the Golden Oldie Foster Programme, which pairs senior pets with loving foster families for their golden years. These animals receive all the comforts of home while LLF continues to cover medical costs—a beautiful partnership that ensures every animal enjoys the care and companionship they deserve.
Walking Trails of Joy: Celebrating Happy Hearts and Wagging Tails
For visitors, LLF offers opportunities to engage with the sanctuary directly. Three walking trails wind through the grounds, allowing volunteers, school children and weekend visitors to give the dogs much-needed exercise. On days when every dog is walked, it’s a joyous occasion—a celebration of wagging tails and happy hearts.
A Future of Sustainability: Building a Legacy of Hope and Care
The foundation is also focused on long-term sustainability. With a vision to generate income through farm activities and annuity reserves, LLF is working toward a self-sustaining future. This pragmatic approach ensures that their life-saving work will continue for years to come.
Every aspect of their operations is guided by sound business principles. As a registered NPO 091-636 and PBO 930-036-404, LLF adheres to strict regulatory frameworks, with prior year audited financials available upon request.
Where Memories Live Forever: Honouring Lost Friends in the Memorial Garden
One of the most poignant corners of the sanctuary is the Memorial Garden, where animals are laid to rest with dignity. Here, there are no headstones—reflecting the foundation’s belief that these beautiful souls are not bound to one spot but live on in the hearts and memories of those they’ve touched.
Petworld’s Partnership: Together, We Make a Difference
At Petworld, we were deeply inspired by Lucky Lucy’s unwavering dedication to animal welfare. It was an honour to support their mission with a donation of food, treats and medications—essential supplies that will directly improve the lives of their animals. Seeing their work firsthand was humbling and reaffirmed the power of community in creating change.
Where Hope is Born: A Mosaic of Compassion and Second Chances
Lucky Lucy is a place where every detail matters, from the ice-filled pools on summer days to the personalised adoption processes that ensure every pet finds their perfect home. It’s a sanctuary of second chances, where animals once considered “no hope left” are given not only a new lease on life but also the dignity, love and joy they deserve.
As you wander through DOGgen Island or sit quietly in the alCATraz cattery, you feel the pulse of something extraordinary. This is not just a place for animals to live; it’s a haven where they thrive. Whether it’s the youngest kitten finding its footing or a senior dog enjoying their golden years, every life is celebrated here.
The Lucky Lucy Foundation is more than a shelter—it’s a community, a philosophy, and a promise. For every animal that crosses its threshold, there is hope, healing and a future filled with love.
How to Make a Financial Contribution That Directly Transforms the Lives of Animals
To support the Lucky Lucy Foundation in covering their daily operational expenses, you can donate via EFT to their bank account. Your contribution will directly aid rescued animals in need, enhance the living conditions at the shelter (such as building a new cattery, improving rehab camps and upgrading the clinic), and fund vital outreach programs. These programs include mass sterilisation initiatives, social upliftment efforts and educational projects. Additionally, your generosity will help sustain the foundation’s day-to-day operations, including providing food, paying salaries and meeting other monthly obligations.
Funding Details:
Banking Details: Lucky Lucy Foundation
Standard Bank Cheque
Account number: 410514039
Branch: 023910 (Cape Gate)
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After making the transfer, please send the POP to
contact@luckylucy.org
Assistance with our veterinary bills:
Banking Details: Bergzicht Animal Hospital
ABSA Bank Cheque
Account Number: 4063812698
Branch Code: 334307
Ref: LLF 4833
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Banking Details: Panorama Veterinary Clinic
Nedbank Cheque
Account Number: 1036290670
Branch Code: 103610
Ref: LLF 35568