Written by Dania Skone – Founder and Chairman, Adorabull Terrier Rescue and Rehabilitation
Professional photography by Riaan van der Merwe and Lien Klokow Photography
Adorabull Terrier Rescue and Rehabilitation were contacted by a well-known veterinarian practice on the West Rand of Johannesburg about a pair of Bull Terriers that had been handed in after being found wandering the streets of Roodepoort as strays.
The pair, a male and female, must have been living rough for some time as they were filthy, on the thin side, and very much bonded as they’d been surviving together; they weren’t prepared to let the one out of the other’s sight.
Adorabull made space and undertook the trek to the West Rand to collect them. They were very much determined to stick together and kept a beady eye on each other as they were taken to the vehicle, huddling together in comfort.
We knew they’d need a lot of TLC and guidance.
A learning curve
The lively yet sweet duo, which we named Rudi and Reba, had clearly never received any training, routine or structure in their lives. Coming to Adorabull kennels was a learning curve for both of them. We taught them to keep all four paws on the ground, to take treats gently, to wear their collars and walk on lead. It really was a big step for them both and they were taking to it as best as two dogs who’ve never had the luxury of an owner who’d put the effort into them could.
During this training and settling period, which had only been a few months, Amanda Matthee had sadly let go of her previous two dogs and found the idea of facing the Covid-19 pandemic and being alone without canine companionship very daunting. She reached out to Rochelle, one of the volunteers and a daily walker at kennels, looking to adopt a new family member or two, which is where the new chapter of this little dynamite duo began.
Starting on the long road
Rochelle suggested Amanda come to kennels and meet Rudi and Reba, explaining that they were a bonded pair and that though there was still a long road to go with them, they were guaranteed to make the most serious of people laugh out loud with their antics. Amanda met the pair and quickly fell in love with them. The adoption process was set into motion and the pair went to live with Amanda during October 2021.
Rudi and Reba were renamed Luci and Peanut and quickly found that being in a loving home was what they’d been dreaming of all those nights out on the streets of Roodepoort.
As with all adoptions, some dogs settle quickly and some dogs do need a little more time to adjust. Because they’d both had little to no structure other than that received in kennels, this “house” was an amazing play area and there was work to be done to ensure they’d be calm; putting them into a routine as quickly as possible would also help with the adjusting period.
Luci, as Rudi has been renamed, was a little unsure of all the affection being offered and would at times seem taken by surprise by touch – it’s sad to realise that perhaps not every interaction your adopted dog has had with humans has been positive. Reba, renamed Peanut, developed into a little attention hog and lapped up any opportunity to receive some love and cuddles; she’d also follow Amanda around like a little shadow.
Sadly, in August 2021, Amanda’s mom was held up and robbed during the night in her home. She came to visit and Luci especially bonded with her and would lie at her feet and follow her everywhere. He seemed to really want to be with her and be protective of her, perhaps picking up on her anxiety and fear and wanting to take care of her, as he’d taken care of Peanut while there was no one in their corner. This while Peanut absolutely loved Granny’s visits, as she’d get the lion’s share of attention… and the treat intake increased significantly!
Bringing in the bright side
Luci and Peanut have a favourite outing to their groomer, Aunty Lea. They’re now settled enough to go to the groomer without Amanda being present and they love being the centre of attention and being spoiled. A far cry from the filthy strays they were in the past.
Amanda has added that “Through all the ups and downs, missing my other two dogs (whom she had until they were of a senior age) and other problems, they’re my saving grace and there’s no way they’ll ever be sent back or abandoned. Life’s a journey, and I’m enjoying the ride with them.”
Sometimes, it’s not only the dogs that need to be rescued, but the humans who open their homes and hearts one more time, that need the bright side of life brought into their homes. We can’t imagine a dull moment with Luci and Peanut, and even in sad times, they’ll always find a way to make Amanda feel loved and appreciated.
