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Fur-tober Fest: SAID Celebrates 67 Years of Love, Care, and Second Chances
A Legacy of Compassion Turns 67
Few organisations in Johannesburg carry as much heart as the Society for Animals in Distress (SAID). Based in Midrand, this beloved non-profit has been healing, feeding, and protecting animals since 1958. Now, as it turns 67, SAID is inviting Joburgers and their furry companions to join in a celebration that’s as joyful as it is meaningful: Fur-tober Fest.
Taking place on Sunday, 26 October 2025, from 11 am to 3 pm, the event will unfold at the corner of Anton Hartmann and Moerdyk Street in Vorna Valley, Midrand. Instead of buying a ticket, guests can simply make a donation of their choice at the door, with every rand directly supporting SAID’s mission to care for animals in need.
A Lifeline for Joburg’s Forgotten Animals
For more than six decades, SAID has been a lifeline for animals from low-to-no-income communities across Johannesburg’s northern and northeastern areas. Every year, the society provides around 80,000 veterinary treatments, ensuring that even the most vulnerable pets receive the medical attention they deserve.
From emergency care to education and sterilisation campaigns, SAID’s team has quietly built one of the city’s most enduring legacies of compassion. Many locals who grew up in informal settlements will tell you that SAID was often the only reason their childhood pets survived.
The Fur-tober Fest Promise: Food, Music, and Furry Fun
If you’ve ever wanted an event that combines good food, live music, and wagging tails, Fur-tober Fest is the place to be. Visitors can browse a community market packed with local treats, crafts, and hidden gems, while the air fills with laughter and the sounds of upbeat music.
There’ll be fun competitions, raffles, and kids’ activities throughout the day, making it an event for the whole family. And, of course, four-legged friends are more than welcome; SAID has made sure the festival is fully dog-friendly, as long as pups are kept on a leash.
To top it all off, the event will also see the launch of SAID’s 2026 calendar, featuring some of the organisation’s most memorable “animal heroes.” Each purchase helps fund SAID’s ongoing outreach and care programmes, so attendees can feel good about supporting a cause that truly matters.
A Celebration That Gives Back
What makes Fur-tober Fest special isn’t just the fun or the festivities. It’s the reminder that every small act of kindness, a donation, a calendar purchase, or even showing up, helps SAID continue its extraordinary work.
In a city where animal welfare often competes with bigger social challenges, SAID has proven that compassion can make a tangible difference. Its longevity is not just a sign of resilience, but of the deep bond between Joburg’s people and their animals.
So, grab your leash, bring your best furry friend, and join the “paw-ty” that celebrates 67 years of love, healing, and hope.
For more information or to support SAID’s mission, visit www.animalsindistress.org.za.
Also read: The emPOWERment Summit 2025: A New Era for Youth, Mental Health, and Trans Inclusion
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Source: The South African
Featured Image: RexiPets
