JEFFREYS BAY – The community of Jeffreys Bay and surrounding areas is mourning the loss of well-known dog trainer and behaviourist Philip van Heerden, who passed away on 9 March at the age of 71.
Van Heerden, of A Wagging Success, was an active member of the community, working with people and their dogs across Humansdorp, Jeffreys Bay, Hankey and Tsitsikamma for many years.
Through his work he met and supported countless families, building meaningful relationships that extended far beyond dog training.
Those who knew Van Heerden say he had a quiet but powerful way of touching people’s lives.
He often provided a shoulder to cry on and a listening ear, always showing genuine care and compassion for those around him.
Colleague, business partner and friend Dr Tersia Landsberg, who was trained by Van Heerden as a dog trainer and now works at A Wagging Success, said his impact on the community was profound.
“He touched the lives of not hundreds, but thousands of people in the community,” said Landsberg.
“Through his work with dogs he met so many people, and he always reminded us that you cannot look at the dog without looking at its owner. Yes, dogs are important, but it is always about people first because they are also important. Philip cared deeply for people and made a difference in many lives.”
Landsberg said that Van Heerden made a huge success of A Wagging Success.
She said that beyond the immediate community, he had international clients as far as Italy and New Zealand.
Van Heerden was often invited to speak on dog behaviour and training matters on media platforms including GrootFM, PretoriaFM, Die Groot Ontbyt on KykNet, and he featured in multiple episodes of AfriforumTV’s show about animals, called Dierbaar.
He was also closely involved with St Francis Animal Rescue for assessment and rehabilitation of pitbull dogs rescued from townships.
Van Heerden was also outspoken about animal welfare on his YouTube channel and Spotify podcast @A Wagging Success.
According to Landsberg his Facebook page @waggingsuccessza is currently the largest dog training and behaviour page in South Africa.
Beyond his passion for dogs, Van Heerden also enjoyed an active life.
He was an avid cyclist and loved attending motorcycle rallies and playing golf.
Van Heerden’s passing leaves a deep void among friends, clients and community members who remember him not only for his knowledge and dedication, but for his kindness and the many lives he touched over the years.
He will be dearly missed by his clients, his colleagues, and his fiancée Anne-Marie Cloete.
Van Heerden’s memorial service will take place on 14 March at 11:00 at Volle Evangelie Kerk, 38 Kameeldoring Street in Jeffreys Bay.
