Written by Neeri Naidoo, Founder of PACT (Phoenix Animal Care & Treatment)
Photography by Shreenu King
Jett was rescued on a cold night. No matter how used I may be to the horrors of rescue, I still won’t forget the utter shock I felt.
Someone had witnessed him being thrown from a car that then drove away. He ran after the car, and when he could no longer see it, he ran in circles.
We rescued a very scared and lost dog that night. He battled separation anxiety, insecurities and depression for three whole years.
He was such a beautiful soul, but because he was old, nobody wanted him. Jett is such a handsome, loving and affectionate dog. We never ever stopped looking for a family for him. If we saw him for who he really was, then we believed someone out there would too. And, we were so right....
Lenisha Pakkiri Naidoo, Jett’s new owner, shares...
Jett came into our lives on the 19th of June 2021. I’d followed his story on the PACT (Phoenix Animal Care & Treatment) social media pages for years, hoping that someone would adopt him.
One day in May last year, I saw yet another adoption post for Jett. I decided that I should be the one, instead of hoping for someone else to adopt him. It was the best decision I could have ever made!
Jett has changed my life and my family’s lives for the better.
He arrived a scared, anxious and nervous, yet still so loving dog. We had to work with him to get over his fears and anxiety, all of which were no fault of his own. He arrived with a fear of abandonment after what had happened to him in his past. He’s still “a work in progress”, but we’re so lucky. I’m so happy that I get to show him love, because the love he gives to my family is so honest, pure, unconditional and abundant.
My favourite part of the day is cuddling with him, relaxing and watching TV together. It often becomes an argument between my husband and I about whom Jett is snuggling with the most (lol).
I always say to Jett, “Who rescued whom?”, because it definitely feels like I needed him in my life. Jett has brought so much love, happiness and laughter to us. I only wish he was in our lives sooner...
I have to thank the entire PACT team for all their selfless work and effort through their care for animals across so many communities. If it wasn’t for them, Jett wouldn’t have been rescued or cared for at kennels all the years prior to him arriving in our lives and into our home. PACT has done so much for Jett in the 4+ years that he waited to be adopted, and I know that he appreciates it. He’ll never forget and will love them forever. A special thank you goes to Neeri Naidoo for tolerating all my calls and messages concerning Jett when I’d first adopted him.
I’m so grateful for everything that Phoenix Animal Care and Treatment does for all animals. The entire team are a blessing. They’re a reminder that real-life heroes exist!
