Oddball attractions loading in both Cape Town and Jozi

Dog lovers in Cape Town can mark their calendars for a special treat this coming week: a “walkies” to the new Museum of Dogs, set to open on Saturday.

Founder Karel van der Vyver, 24, says the goal is to create “a happy space where dog lovers from all over the world will come together to enjoy themselves”.

It will feature a brief overview of the history of dogs in South Africa; exhibitions of pet photography by Emma O'Brien and ceramics by Tania Bubb; as well as short films about dogs from around the world. But primarily it will be a pat on the back to the human bond, with moving “tails” by owners about how their precious pups have enriched their lives, alongside objects representing these warm and fuzzy ties. 

Van der Vyver recently told HeraldLIVE that the project was born out of tragedy: the death of his aunt from cancer about five years ago. In her will, the devoted dog owner left a portion of her estate to dog shelters.

“This got me thinking about all the amazing stories I’ve heard about famous dogs and people’s relationships with their dogs, and the idea of a museum to document all these incredible stories started forming,” he said.

One of the many stories featured in the museum is of a divorced couple who, by sharing custody of their dog, rekindled their romance, while another is about a woman who “accidentally” neutered a pedigreed breeding dog. 

A “memory book” will be available for people to write down their own dog stories, some of which will be included in later displays. The museum will also have a coffee shop and gift shop. 

• 95 Keerom Street, Cape Town. Open Tuesday — Friday, 10am — 5pm. R100 for adults, R50 for children under 16. For more information, go here.