I wish someone had told me about the DARG Book Shack

“I wish someone had told me” is a series of posts that tap into our curiosity at CN&CO. Each week, we hear from someone in our network about something interesting, surprising, or a lesson they’ve recently learned. These blogs are a way to pay it forward and align with CN&CO’s belief that the world can be a better place—and we all share the responsibility to make it so.

This post is by Blake Dyason.

I’ve always struggled with reading. As someone who is really dyslexic, I find it hard to get through a book. Sometimes it’s the font, other times it’s the style of writing. This has made me hesitant to buy books—I can’t tell you how many times I’ve stood in a bookstore, slowly reading the first chapter to see if I’d actually manage to get through the whole thing.

But despite these challenges, I do love a good book. And because I take so long to read, audiobooks have been a game-changer for me. Listening to a chapter every morning has become a ritual that I look forward to—it’s been life-changing.

One of the best things I’ve recently discovered (and something I wish someone had told me about earlier) is the DARG Book Shack in Hout Bay.

DARG (Domestic Animal Rescue Group) is a pro-life, non-profit organisation that rescues, cares for, sterilises, and re-homes previously abused, neglected, and abandoned cats and dogs. They provide a crucial service to lower-income communities in Imizamo Yethu, Hangberg, and the greater Hout Bay area.

Their Book Shack, which you can visit on weekends, is a hidden gem. Every book there is just R10, and while you browse, you get to play with the rescue dogs and cats! They also have an online store that delivers anywhere in South Africa.

If you’re a book lover or an animal lover (or both!), go check them out. And if you have books at home that you no longer need, consider donating them to this amazing cause. It’s a small action that can make a big difference—for the animals and for fellow book lovers like me.