What started off as a once-off charity event, which invited people to attend a yoga class in exchange for dog food or monetary donations, has now become a well-known organisation. Stellenbosch-based animal welfare organisation, Change for the Better Foundation, has worked with Downward Dog for Dogs (DDFD).
“I had no experience in doing anything like this. I just flew by the seat of my pants,” said Michelle Banwell, founder of DDFD, which is based in Sea Point, Cape Town.
In addition to raising funds, donations, and awareness for animal shelters, DDFD has also partnered with other organisations in events, such as Paws-a-While, an organisation that promotes responsible pet ownership and adoptions, focusing on large-scale sterilisation campaigns in underserved communities.
“DDFD plays a valuable role in supporting animal welfare organisations,” said Carolyn Dudgeon, founder and executive director of Paws-a-While.
Paws-a-While has collaborated with DDFD since 2021 when Banwell hosted yoga classes for Paws-a-While’s annual World Animal Day celebrations on 4 October.
“It’s a unique and joyful way for people to connect with animals while supporting animal welfare,” said Dudgeon. “This support helps make initiatives such as sterilisation drives possible, one of the most effective ways to reduce animal suffering,” she said.
“DDFD has been the heart of this organisation for almost 10 years,” said Annelie van Wyk, chairperson of Change for the Better Foundation, an organisation combatting pet overpopulation. “Without DDFD, thousands of animals would have been subject to neglect and suffering,” she added.
Banwell said that she believed animal welfare organisations are doing the “really hard part”.
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, DDFD was unable to host events, but started reaching out to brands to sponsor items for raffles. “In the past two years, it’s been crazy because now brands are actually approaching me and saying ‘oh, we want to sponsor something,’” said Banwell.
Lush, a well-known cosmetics and skin care brand, partnered with DDFD and TEARS Animal Rescue in a two-day event, hosted at Origin Art Gallery, Cape Town, in November 2025.
“It was a no-brainer when we started chatting about possibly doing a fundraiser for TEARS,” said Nicole Waso, brand communications manager at Lush. The event featured soap-cutting activities and curated goodie bags for attendees.
Banwell said that DDFD has also collaborated with Show Up & Flow, which are weekly yoga classes on Clifton beach during the summertime. Thrift sales have also been included in some of the events, and DDFD also hosts “Pawlates”: Pilates classes where rescue puppies join participants.
The next planned event will take place on Mandela Day. Each year, Downward Dog for Dogs marks the occasion by hosting an event where participants can complete their 67 minutes of service.
However, Banwell is also planning to host an additional event before the colder weather sets in. Attendees are encouraged to stay updated via their Instagram and website.