Written by Charnelle de Beer, Committee Member, SPCA Rustenburg
Professional photography by Lizel Snyman Photography
A few months before Billy’s dad surrendered him to us, we first crossed paths when he asked for help in getting Billy sterilised. This was because, where they lived, the people had said that, in order for Billy to stay, he had to be sterilised. Billy was the only thing he had left of his dearest beloved wife who’d sadly passed away.
Of course, we’d do our best to get help so that Billy could stay with his dad. We immediately got a sterilisation sponsorship from our wonderful community and a lady even sponsored a groom. So, Billy was sterried and groomed and returned to his dad looking like a million bucks!
Months passed and Billy and daddy came to us again, this time with a broken heart and very sad.
We’ll never forget this day. Animals come in on a daily basis when people surrender them, but this day we cried like babies with Billy’s dad and Billy himself. Billy wasn’t wanted where he stays – he felt it wasn’t fair for Billy to feel unwanted by other people, and he was scared that something would happen to his dog. He made the hardest decision to let his scruffy little friend find a new home.
Our hearts broke for this man. All we could do was promise him that we’d do everything to find him a home and family where he’d be wanted and very loved. It was devastating when the gentleman couldn’t let Billy go, and Billy was very scared and confused not knowing what was going on. This was a day we wished we’d won the lotto so we could buy a place where they could be together.
Billy’s dad came to visit him regularly in our kennels because he just wasn’t coping. All of us at the SPCA gave the little dog daily extra love and attention and soon he began to be a happy guy again, but still always watching our front gates: “When is daddy coming back?”
Billy and his dad stole thousands of hearts from our Facebook post, including those of the Muller family. They rushed to come meet Billy and immediately started the adoption process, and what a lovely family Billy got!
Finally, we got to share the awesome news that we promised Billy’s dad: “Billy is going to get adopted.” He was so happy and full of happy tears. The day before Billy’s new parents came to collect him, his dad came and sat with him in his kennel and prayed with him. It was very emotional to see.
The Muller family arrived and wanted to meet Billy’s dad to assure him that the little dog would be loved and well looked after. Daddy finally started to smile again – he was very happy with Billy’s new family.
Billy immediately went to his new mommy whom he loved at the first sight. It was a bittersweet day for everyone, but we’re so happy he found the Muller family. We get regular updates on beautiful Billy Bob and he’s just so very happy. The Muller family stays in contact with his previous dad.
Here are the links to Billy’s emotional Facebook videos:
Elmien Muller, Billy Bob’s owner, shares...
On the 17th of October 2022 I saw the Facebook post of Billy, the dog that was surrendered to SPCA Rustenburg. What immediately affected me was the fact that the tears were running down his owner’s cheeks while he handed Billy over. It was Billy’s previous dad, and Billy had this bewildered lost look on his face.
I read the story of his surrender due to being “in the way” on the premises where they lived. He was his previous dad’s wife’s doggy, who’d sadly passed away, and he loved Billy a lot as it was a link to his precious wife. He worried about him.
When I read this story, I was in tears. I had to help Billy and his dad! I showed my husband the video and a plea for adoption of Billy. My husband, Jean, said: “Phone them now, let’s bring him home.” After all the paperwork was completed and the home check done and approved, we fetched Billy on the 22nd of October 2022.
We met his dad at the SPCA, and he felt peace in his heart that Billy would be ok! Billy immediately came to me at the meet-and-greet and he slept on my lap on our way home. We’re inseparable and he has other doggy brothers and sisters who accepted him immediately.
He’s full of confidence and loves attention and cuddles. I’ve kept contact with his dad, sending videos and pictures to show him that Billy is loved and well looked after.
Billy’s story was quite huge and received a lot of attention due to the sad situation of his surrender.
My husband and I got a heroes’ welcome and so many awesome positive comments on social media, but all I wanted to do was to make a difference in this little boy’s life.
My Billy Bob is very dear to my heart and very special. Always remember, you don’t have to be rich or famous to make a difference, you just need to CARE!
