Lela 2025 Cover Model Winner

Lela 2025 Cover Model Winner

“Amid the joyous chaos of a lively household where wagging tails and chirping feathers abound, a gentle giant has emerged as a beacon of hope and inspiration. Lela, a regal rescued Great Dane, has stolen the spotlight as the winner of Pet Prints’ Cover Model competition. Her heartwarming journey from abandoned stray to cherished family member and now cover star is as awe-inspiring as it is moving.”

Before

“We’re a family of animal lovers, and each of our furred and feathered companions hold a unique place in our hearts.”

Lela is part of a home that radiates love, laughter, and the pitter-patter of countless paws. Her mom describes their family as a “perfect pack of seven,” bound by their shared adoration for animals. With an astonishing 37 pets, including 24 dogs, two cats, three chinchillas, and five birds, this household is a sanctuary where every life, no matter how small or large, is celebrated.

After

“Our animals are our heartbeat,” says, Ilse, Lela’s mom. “We’re a family of animal lovers, and each of our furred and feathered companions hold a unique place in our hearts.” From the Labrador that wags its tail with uncontainable joy to the Yorkie and Pekingese who’ve overcome past hardships, each pet has a story of resilience. Even the youngest family member, an 11-month-old toddler, has developed a heartwarming bond with the dogs. But Lela’s story stands out, not just for her commanding presence but for the profound transformation she has undergone since her adoption.

The Call That Changed Everything

Lela’s story began with a phone call on January 8th in 2024. A woman reached out, asking if Ilse could take in a Great Dane in need of a home. Initially, the woman hoped to keep Lela as a companion for her German Shepherd, but the next morning brought bad news—the dogs didn’t get along.
Determined to help, Lela’s mom loaded a crate into her car and set off to meet the majestic dog. What she found left her speechless. “She was literally skin and bones,”Ilse recalls. “But even then, her sweetness shone through. She just wanted love.”
Though the woman claimed Lela was a stray found wandering the streets, her precise knowledge of the dog’s age suggested otherwise. Regardless of her past, Lela had found her future in a home where love and care would erase the pain of her earlier days.

A New Life Filled with Love

From the moment Lela stepped into her new home, she became a source of joy and inspiration. Despite her frailty, her goofy personality emerged almost immediately. “She’s a big goofball,” her mom laughs. “We joke that she’s half springbok, half Great Dane because of how she leaps into the air at feeding time. She’s just a bundle of energy and happiness.”

Daily walks are Lela’s favourite part of the day. Whether it’s greeting her canine friends or meeting curious children, Lela approaches every encounter with the grace and excitement of a true ambassador. “She sits so patiently so kids can pet her, and it gives us a chance to educate people about animal care,” Ilse shares.

The Heart of a Champion

Lela’s story caught the attention of the Pet Prints Cover Model judges not just for her stunning looks but for the resilience and kindness that radiate from her. “When I found out she won, I was overjoyed,” shares mom Ilse. “There were so many amazing pets in the competition, but Lela is proof of what love can do. She deserved it.”

Behind the Lens

The photo shoot for the cover was a celebration in itself. True to her personality, Lela charmed everyone on set with her playful antics. “We laughed so much,” her mom recounts. “She was super goofy and even managed to lick half my makeup off!” (Let’s be honest, it’s not easy to wrangle a dog that’s almost as big as its owner.)

Despite her silly side, Lela’s elegance shone through in the photos, capturing her sophisticated beauty and soulful spirit.

A Name Fit for a Queen

Lela’s name, rooted in Hebrew and Arabic origins, means “black beauty” or “born at night.” It’s a fitting tribute to her striking black coat and the quiet strength she exudes. Her mom adds, “She has this aura of sophistication that’s impossible to miss.”

A Day in the Life of Lela

Lela’s days are a blend of relaxation and bursts of joyful energy. Mornings are for lounging, afternoons are for walkies, and feeding time is a spectacle of springbok-inspired leaps and zoomies. She’s also known for her affectionate kisses, which she doles out generously to her family.

In a home bustling with pets of all shapes and sizes, Lela has found her place as both a gentle leader and an unapologetically goofy girl. “Even our Pitbull is scared of her,” Ilse chuckles.

Spreading the Rescue Message

For Lela’s mom, Ilse, being part of the competition wasn’t just about celebrating Lela — it was an opportunity to highlight the importance of rescuing animals. “Rescue pets rock,” she says with pride. “They come with stories and scars, but with love and care, they blossom into the most incredible companions.”

Her passion for rescues extends beyond Lela. As the mom to four rescue dogs, each with a unique backstory, she understands the transformative power of giving a second chance.

Winning the Cover Model competition has opened doors for Lela to share her story with a wider audience. Her mom plans to take her to community events, where people can meet Lela, take photos, and hear about her journey.

“She’s proof that no matter where you come from or how you start, love can change everything,”

A Celebration of Resilience

Lela’s journey is a testament to the power of second chances and the boundless potential of love. From a malnourished stray to a beloved family member and now a celebrated cover star, Lela embodies the spirit of resilience.

As her mom so beautifully puts it, “She’s proof that no matter the size, all dogs deserve to be loved and cared for.”

With her glossy coat, soulful eyes, and an infectious zest for life, Lela is more than just a cover model—she’s a symbol of hope and a reminder of the joy that comes from opening your heart to a rescue pet.

Congratulations to Lela and her family for not just winning the competition but for inspiring us all with their story. Their journey reminds us of a simple truth: Love transforms lives, one wagging tail at a time.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY: EMMA 0’BRIEN
WORDS BY: MARISE BURGER

Share this post