How This All Began…
The story of Dog Love SA began in Cape Town, in a little apartment I shared with my university roommate and her once-in-a-lifetime Cocker Spaniel, Winnie. Winnie wasn’t just a dog. Gentle, wise, and always watching over us in her own way. She had a bond with her mom that was unlike anything I’d ever witnessed; quiet, deep, and soul-level.
Winnie has since crossed the rainbow bridge, and while I still feel her absence, I know the space she’s left in her mom’s heart is immeasurable. She was her anchor, her companion, and her soul dog in the truest sense. In many ways, watching their bond unfold planted the seed in me to find that kind of connection too. That’s when the idea of getting my own Cocker Spaniel - and this whole journey - truly began.
Gentle, wise, and always watching over us in her own way.
I can say with absolute confidence that Mia is the dog she is today because of Winnie - because of her calm, gentle spirit and the way she welcomed Mia into the world with such grace. Those first six months were magic, and I’ll always be grateful to Winnie for gifting Mia the softest start in life - and for showing me what true canine love looks like.
It was during that time that I began documenting their days - the small moments, the big feelings - and started this Instagram account to share their adventures and connect with other dog lovers in Cape Town. What I never expected was how those early connections would become lifelong friendships. Most, if not all, of those original people are still in my life today, and you know exactly who you are.
To all the original dog moms who showed up, supported, and believed in what I was building: THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU.
A little while after getting Mia, I started my business and we made the move back home to Joburg - ready to begin a brand-new adventure together.
We kept sharing our journey on the Dog Love SA account, and before long, we’d connected with a whole new crew of JHB and PTA dog moms. It felt like finding my people - a community of like-minded souls who, just like me, were looking for connection, laughter, and shared love for our four-legged companions.
Mia and I hosted a few Dog Instameets where online friendships turned into real ones, and some of those meet ups led me to the most important people in my life today - even eight years later.
To all the original dog moms who showed up, supported, and believed in what I was building: THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU. You helped turn a little idea into something truly meaningful.
A few years later, Mia and I did a road trip back to Cape Town to reconnect with some of the OG pups we first met through the account.
Her very first bestie? The one and only Cali (@goldengirlcalibear), pictured here - the one who taught Mia how to leap into the water without hesitation, chasing after balls (or literally any object) like it was her life’s purpose.
Cali’s mom has become one of my favourite humans on this planet. Her unwavering kindness, love, and support - for me, my journey, and my most authentic self - has meant more than I could ever put into words. Even though she’s now living on the other side of the world, that connection has never faded. Thank you, always. <3
Where are we today?
Mia and I are back at it - continuing to share the Dog Love SA message after a few pauses over the years. Through it all, she’s remained the most beautiful reminder of who I am, and who I’m still becoming.
Mia has taught me what it means to be fiercely independent and unapologetically myself. Despite looking like the world’s cuddliest teddy bear, if she’s not in the mood to be your perfect little lap dog, she won’t be - and that’s exactly the kind of boundary-setting I’ve learned to admire. She’s shown me how to be vocal, bold, and to take up space - no matter my size, presence, or the room I walk into.
Somewhere in the middle of all of this with Mia…
THEN CAME MOBY.
But his story deserves its own Sunday spotlight. So let’s save that for another day. Bring the tissues <3
Written by Lauren Palmer (@dog_lovesa)
