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Written by Louise Brolly – Vice Chairperson of Adorabull Terrier Rescue & Rehabilitation
Professional photography by Tania Cholwich Photography
Zoro was brought to our attention by a person who knew his original family, who were giving him up as they had no interest in him (and, I personally think, lacking the compassion required for any animal, let alone a gentle Bull Terrier).
Never allowed indoors or to be part of the family, he was just a “garden ornament with a pulse”, which isn’t what a Bull Terrier should be! This breed was made to be the centre of attention at all times with their quirky behaviour, and they also make for wonderful friends in times of trouble, when all we need is some comfort or maybe someone to skip on a banana peel! Their comedic timing is genius, if a little unhinged!
Adorabull took the sweet lad into our fold, where he caught the eye of Shannon Botha, and the rest, as they say, is history!
We care for our breed throughout South Africa, with the support of some very loyal people, a plan and a never-say-die spirit. We want to do right and our best for every dog that crosses our path. This can only be done by supportive donors, caring staff, wonderful leadership and an iron will.
We ask our supporters to please continue supporting Adorabull with our initiatives, sponsorship programmes, events and year-round fundraising ideas.
At Adorabull our “second-hand” Bull Terriers come first – some for the first and only time of their lives. They are our number 1.
We feel immensely grateful to be part of Zoro’s story and have them as part of Adorabull’s legacy.
Shannon, Zoro’s new owner, shares...
The 27th of March 2025 is a day that will never be forgotten. Starting as a normal day and ending in a life-changing moment that cuts deep into most family hearts.
From one moment to the next our lives changed, for what seemed to be forever.
My husband, Dr Eugene Botha, started his day feeling a bit off, tired and “strange”, yet fully healthy and capable. By the afternoon, his legs were severely weak and spontaneously collapsing. By that evening his blood pressure was 131/113 and we were in casualty with him not being able to walk and in severe uncontrollable pain.
That weekend was an experience that, in a way, will forever mark my life. In and out of death, the doctors put all their efforts into stabilising my husband. Backwards and forwards from the hospital, I was watching my husband slowly being taken away from me and our children.
A few days after being stabilised and home, we connected with a Healer who had the most beautiful Bull Terrier named Mika. A breed I haven’t connected to in my life, yet Mika had a magic to her that I couldn’t quite explain. The Healer mentioned Mika’s story of rescue and adoption and I saw where she got her magic from. Mika’s story sounded as severe and traumatic as my husband’s.
The weeks to follow were gruelling. From a happy adventurous relationship, my husband was now wheelchair-bound, paralysed from the waist down and me now being his caregiver and nurse 24/7.
Working with the Healer for three weeks, each visit was healing for him in special ways, yet for me too – I’d sit quietly with Mika, just feeling her love and healing. I can remember the moment so clearly. I was shown that we needed to get a Bull Terrier as a therapy dog for Eugene. Without hesitation I filled out the adoption application form online.
The synchronicity of events couldn’t have been more confirming if they tried. A brief moment of panic that this was a bad idea, adding extra stress to our already chaotic life, turned out to be the most powerful decision made.
Adorabull Terriers is one of the most caring and professional adoption agencies I’ve had the pleasure of working with. Their care for their fur children placed in homes is very particular. They arranged everything for Milo – sterilisation, immunisation and delivery.
When Milo arrived, he ran straight to Eugene’s wheelchair and embraced him with the utmost gentle of spirits.
I’ve witnessed much magic in my life, but meeting Milo was something special. His attentiveness to what Eugene needed at each moment was so beautiful to watch. The bad nights were spent with Milo by his side. The good nights he was relaxed in his bed. As if he instinctively knew what was needed. His unique personality and quirky spirit started to unfold so beautifully as the days and weeks went on, which led to his name change. The markings on his face, his playful and cheeky nature led to his name being ZORO.
Zoro has now been shown to be the missing piece to a puzzle we never knew was incomplete. His presence has not only brought healing for Eugene, but filled a spiritual place of love when I felt that I had no more to give. He reminded us that each day brought new love, newness and opportunity.
As we continue to navigate Eugene’s healing, we recently accomplished my greatest dream – a walk in the street with Eugene, Zoro and me. Zoro again showing off his instinctive nature, walking effortlessly and obediently with Eugene each step.
In three months, we went from seeing no way out to an almost fully recovered family, and Zoro played an incredibly large part in this process.
To anyone who’s on the fence about adopting, especially a Bull Terrier, all I can say is that these special animals create a magic in your home that one would never experience otherwise. Their love and special nature transform lives and homes and create a sense of chaotic harmony (if there is such a thing).
To Adorabull Terrier Rescue and Rehabilitation, thank you for helping me save my husband’s life. Today they’re inseparable and the most ridiculous playmates – so incredible to watch.
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