Generous Child Passes Down Preloved Dog Bed to Comfort a Pup in Need

Sometimes the smallest gestures leave the biggest paw prints, like when one young child decided his dog’s favourite old bed deserved to become a source of cosy comfort for a pup waiting for a home.

Empangeni, South Africa (24 February 2026) – The Zululand Remedial Centre in Empangeni is currently collecting pet food and goodies for the SPCA as a way of encouraging learners to give back to their community.

One Grade 6 learner, Ayabonga Khambula, moved his teachers with his compassion when he arrived at school holding a donation that was deeply personal to him.

In his two hands, Ayabonga carried a dog bed. His dog had outgrown it, and although it was preloved, with a few chewed corners and dog hairs caught in the stitching from his dog, who used to curl up there every night, Ayabonga was sure it could still bring comfort to a pup in need, especially one that gets scared at night.

“He didn’t see “old.” He saw “still soft.” He didn’t see “used.” He saw “someone else can feel safe here,’” the school shared in a heartfelt Facebook post.

Bringing the dog bed to school to donate to the SPCA, Ayabonga imagined a lonely dog, maybe one missing its family. He thought about how his own dog used to sleep with its nose tucked under its tail in that very same bed.

He was quoted saying:

“It still smells like love.”

For this special boy, parting with his dog’s old bed was a genuine act of giving away comfort, warmth, and a sense of belonging.

“And somewhere, one night, a small dog would curl up in that bed… and feel safe again. All because a little boy believed that even something small can mean everything to someone else,” the school shared in agreement.

His donation has reflected his genuine kindness – something his teachers and mother have attested to – and has received praise from many people reacting to the post online.

“That’s my son…. He is such a kind-hearted boy even at home,” commented proud mum Mbali Khambula.

“That is my learner! Congratulations on raising such a bright, helpful, kind, caring, sharp-witted young man,” said Chantelle Gradidge.

“What a kind, caring, Precious young man! Thank You,” Tracy Ridsdale wrote.

Urgh, so precious. There’s nothing like a child’s innocence wrapped in kindness to leave us in a puddle of mush! Well done, Ayabonga!

Sources: Zululand Remedial Centre

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