Triumphs and Tails with Tracy

Nestled within the lush landscapes of South Africa, Dog Town SA has blossomed into a renowned sanctuary for dogs in need, a testament to its founder Tracy McQuarrie’s unwavering dedication to animal welfare. Tracy’s journey with Dog Town began unexpectedly; she was deeply moved by a TV show that highlighted the compassionate work at Dogtown, an animal sanctuary in Utah, USA. Determined to bring similar standards of care to South Africa, Tracy travelled to Utah, where she completed a course at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary. “I came back to South Africa with a blueprint,” she explains, “and a dream to create a place that would truly change the lives of shelter dogs.”

“Every dog is an individual, and we always remember that” Tracy shares. “Our behaviour team assesses each dog to identify their comfort zones and stress triggers, then crafts a personalized program.”

What started as temporary kennels on a friend’s property one Christmas became the foundation of Dog Town SA. Initially, Tracy intended only to care for a handful of dogs over the holidays, but the impact of her work was undeniable. “I saw the huge impact the enrichment and training programs had on the dogs,” she recalls. Six months later, Tracy made the life-changing decision to close her post-production business and dedicate herself entirely to creating a haven for shelter dogs.

Building a Sanctuary with Heart

Dog Town SA isn’t just a shelter; it’s a place where dogs receive expert care focused on both their physical and emotional well-being. At the heart of Dog Town’s philosophy are values of quality care, expertise, and community. “Saving a dog is not merely providing shelter, food, and water,” Tracy emphasises. “It’s about making sure every dog receives physical, emotional, and mental release.” With a team of internationally certified animal care professionals, Dog Town sets the bar high for shelter care, while maintaining strong ties with the community by providing resources, training, and support for local shelters.

Every dog that enters Dog Town’s gates receives an individualised care plan. Tracy notes that many dogs are simply waiting for the right family and require only minimal support to stay happy and stimulated. However, for dogs with more complex needs, particularly those who have experienced trauma, Dog Town has created a robust rehabilitation program led by its team of behaviourists. “Every dog is an individual, and we always remember that,” Tracy shares. “Our behaviour team assesses each dog to identify their comfort zones and stress triggers, then crafts a personalized program.”

One such success story is Buddy, one of Tracy’s own dogs and an early resident of Dog Town. Buddy arrived with a past cloaked in mystery and fear. He was skittish, the kind of dog who would shrink at the sight of a stranger, keeping to the shadows and darting away at the faintest movement. Tracy knew it would take patience and a gentle approach to coax him out of his shell.

Day by day, she worked with Buddy, showing him that he could feel safe in the world again. Little by little, he began to trust her, allowing Tracy to catch glimpses of the loyal, loving heart hidden beneath his initial nervousness. It was a long road, but she was never in a hurry, honouring Buddy’s pace as he learned to trust her hands and voice.

Eventually, Buddy blossomed into the role of a loyal, ever-present companion, a symbol of transformation that became a Dogtown legend. Tracy fondly calls him her “little old one-eyed shadow,” a gentle acknowledgment of the one eye he lost yet never needed to see the love around him. Today, Buddy follows her everywhere, a steady presence by her side. His journey from a frightened shelter dog to a loyal family member mirrors the mission of Dogtown itself: to see beyond the first impressions, beyond fear, and into the heart of every dog that enters its care, knowing that they, too, can one day reveal their true potential.

Challenges and Creative Solutions

Operating a rescue organization has its challenges, and funding remains one of the most persistent.

“Funds are always a tough part of rescue,” Tracy admits. To address this, Dog Town has created public initiatives that generate income while allowing visitors to enjoy quality time with their dogs. “We’ve created an amazing spot for the public with private dog parks, walking trails, and a dog-friendly café,” she explains. Each purchase directly supports Dog Town’s mission, with a portion of all profits going back into the shelter’s needs.

In addition to fundraising, Dog Town maintains an online shop offering merchandise, toys, and treats for dogs. The team also runs the Barkin Lot Lottery for shelter dogs, a virtual adoption program that allows supporters to sponsor the care of a Dog Town resident.

Shaping Public Perception of Shelter Dogs

Public perception of shelter dogs can often be clouded by misconceptions, one of the biggest being the idea that shelter dogs are inherently “broken.” Tracy is quick to challenge this view. “Many of our dogs are simply here because of circumstances—they’ve had families before, and they’re still wonderful pets,” she says. Dog Town also debunks the myth that shelters are filled only with mixed breeds; the sanctuary has a diverse population, including many purebred dogs.

Dog Town’s commitment to preparing dogs for adoption is thorough. The shelter’s caregivers work daily on socialising and training, ensuring that each dog is well-suited to their future family. “It’s not about adopting the unknown,” Tracy explains. “We’ve invested a lot of time to get to know our dogs so that you get the best companion for you.”

Community Involvement and Volunteering

For Tracy and her team, community involvement is essential. Volunteers play a vital role in supporting Dog Town, whether by offering their skills or simply spending time with the dogs. “Volunteers make a huge impact,” she says. “A simple social media share or recommendation in a community group can find a dog a home, and it costs nothing but people’s time.” Dog Town also offers remote volunteer opportunities, ensuring that supporters from all locations can help in some capacity.

Expanding Dog Town’s Vision and Legacy

Looking to the future, Tracy has ambitious plans for Dog Town. As the organisation approaches its 15th anniversary, she is eager to build permanent structures for the dogs, finally implementing the blueprint she brought back from Utah 16 years ago. She also envisions expanding the Barkingmad network of charities to over 100 animal welfare organisations, strengthening resources for South Africa’s underserved animal communities.

Dog Town’s innovative pet insurance initiative is another exciting development. Through this program, Dog Town receives commission on each policy sold, allowing shelters to generate passive income—a much-needed resource for financially restricted rescues.

Guiding Future Generations in Animal Welfare

Tracy’s work isn’t limited to Dog Town alone; she is also the driving force behind South Africa’s branch of the Institute of Modern Dog Trainers, an internationally recognized training school. Through this initiative, Tracy hopes to address two sectors in critical need: animal welfare and youth. By offering IMDT training to school leavers, where they complete six months on-site training at Dogtown, Tracy aims to place newly trained professionals in underserved shelters, where they can share their skills and make a lasting impact.
Her vision for South Africa’s future animal welfare landscape is clear: “My vision of Barkingmad bringing us all together will help so many animals and communities,” she shares.

Tracy hopes that by creating a supportive network of rescues across the country, she can help smaller shelters survive and thrive.

A Personal Journey with Dogs

Tracy’s dedication to Dog Town has deep personal roots. Her own dogs—Buddy, Ginnie, and Laurie—each carry a unique story that has shaped her understanding of animal care. Buddy’s transformation from a fearful pup to a loving, loyal companion holds a special place in her heart. “He was always scared of strangers at the shelter,” she recalls, “but the day he came home, he hopped onto the couch like he’d been there his whole life.”

Reflecting on her experiences, Tracy shares a piece of advice for prospective pet parents. “Choose a dog whose personality suits your lifestyle,” she says. “A dog is a lifetime commitment. Be patient, be consistent, and always build a relationship of trust.”