Pink October – In Memory of Oscar
Because every act of love can change a life
Oscar made me a Dog Mom long before Dog Mom® was ever a brand. I adopted him when he was just five months old, and for the next eight years he filled my life with more love and laughter than I ever thought possible. He was my shadow, my best friend, and the reason I first understood what it truly meant to be a dog parent.
The Hardest Goodbye
In October 2019, my world changed forever. Oscar was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of lymphoma affecting his liver and spleen, known as hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma, a cancer that arises from large granular lymphocytes. I had to make the hardest decision of my life. Watching him lose his spark was heartbreaking. The boy who once greeted every visitor as if they had come just to see him started to fade before my eyes. Letting him go was the most painful act of love I have ever had to give.
Emmy and I missed him terribly. She and Oscar had always been close; his playful energy balanced her quiet, gentle nature. Emmy has always preferred her own space when people visit, while Oscar believed every guest was there purely for him. Losing him brought us even closer, two hearts healing together in a quieter house that suddenly felt far too still.
Healing and New Beginnings
Fast forward to Levi’s arrival, the whirlwind who changed everything again. He was just 11 days old and needed bottle feeding around the clock. You can read more about how he came into our lives here and here. Kerry from The WOW Project knew exactly what she was doing. She asked me to keep him for a few days, just until they found him a home; but of course, she knew that a few days would be all it took for him to steal my heart. And she was right. He never left.
The WOW Project has continued to inspire me ever since. Kerry and her growing team do incredible work, from township outreach and sterilisation drives to rescuing, fostering and finding loving homes for dogs and cats who might otherwise never have had a chance. Their motto says it all: Making a Difference. One animal at a time.
Honouring Oscar Through Pink October
When October came around this year, it felt only fitting to honour both causes close to my heart: Breast Cancer Awareness and the countless dogs who lose their lives to cancer every year. Pink October became our way to celebrate Oscar’s memory while supporting The WOW Project and the amazing people who give animals a second chance at life.
During the campaign, R25 from every Pink T-shirt, Hoodie and Cap sold, along with every item from our Rescue Range, was donated to The WOW Project. Thanks to the incredible support from our loyal customers and so many new faces, we raised R1450. Every purchase, every share and every word of encouragement made a difference.
To everyone who supported this campaign, thank you. Your kindness helped honour Oscar’s memory in the most meaningful way possible and continues to support the incredible rescue work that changes lives every day.
Oscar taught me what unconditional love looks like. Emmy reminded me how to heal. And Levi brought Oscar’s spirit and joy back into our home. Together, they remind me why Dog Mom® exists: to celebrate love, loss, second chances and the beautiful bond we share with our furry kids.
