Written by Mandy Store of TEARS, Megan Panton of MuttMix and Frenet Botha
Professional photography by Chasing Light Photography
TEARS Operations Manager Mandy Store shares…
Previously named Basil, Ranger McDanger is an eight-month-old, medium-sized boy who’s very cuddly, super playful, loves his chew toys, and adores his humans. He was surrendered from Masiphumelele, near Cape Town, and has since had a MuttMix test undertaken.
TEARS believed he was a Pit Bull-Basset Hound mix – and they were half right.
“Knowing his results helped us find him a wonderful forever home with the Botha family,” says Store.
“We knew he was very human-orientated and he loves to be loved by humans. Once we received confirmation of his Pittie mix breed, we made sure he went to a home without cats and with responsible owners. He’s the people’s favourite and literally steals the heart of every single person he meets!”
When Ranger McDanger first arrived at TEARS, he came with more than just a backstory – he had a skin condition that needed ongoing care. “We were a little worried about finding him the right home,” admits Store, “because his special diet needs to be kept up consistently. But once people met him, that concern melted away. He’s absolutely irresistible, and his new family understood exactly what he needed. We couldn’t be happier for him.”
“Testing what breeds are in mixed-breed dogs will ensure dogs are placed in the right homes so that the dog complements the humans, and the humans complement the dog,” says Store.
Every dog deserves to be understood. By sponsoring a MuttMix test, you help TEARS Animal Rescue unlock a part of their story and match them with the perfect forever home. Click here to donate.
Ranger McDanger’s MuttMix Results:
21% Staffordshire Bull Terrier
21% Bull Terrier
16% Miniature Bull Terrier
16%. Siberian Husky
14%. American Pit Bull Terrier
12% American Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Oh, and one thing the lab forgot to include: 100% Good Boy.
Megan of MuttMix shares…
Some dogs arrive at a shelter carrying nothing but uncertainty.
Ranger McDanger arrived at TEARS with a skin condition, a mysterious breed mix, and a face so wonderfully unique that even the rescue team couldn’t quite agree on what he was.
Part Staffordshire Bull Terrier? Maybe.
Part Basset Hound? Not quite.
Part adorable little gremlin? Absolutely.
As a proud Shadow Project Pup, Ranger’s MuttMix DNA test helped uncover the story hidden behind those unforgettable ears and cheeky grin. The Shadow Project aims to shine a light on rescue dogs waiting for homes, celebrating the mixed-breed magic that makes each one unique.
Despite having plenty of admirers, Ranger waited patiently for the right family – one that would see beyond his medical needs and fall in love with the mischievous, sock-stealing, cuddle-loving character underneath.
What followed was a DNA surprise, a perfect match with the Botha family, and proof that sometimes the dogs who make us laugh the hardest are the ones who leave the biggest pawprints on our hearts.
And Ranger McDanger? Let’s just say his DNA results explained a lot... and somehow made him even more loveable.
Frenet Botha, new owner of Ranger McDanger, shares…
When we first visited TEARS, we went in with open hearts to meet a dog who might be overlooked. We really love “Pitbull-type” dogs, or even a dog who may not be social with other dogs, because we know they often wait longer for homes but have just as much love to give.
Then André spotted Ranger in the kennels as we walked past and immediately asked, “What is that little gremlin?” We were told he must be an interesting mix and they were awaiting DNA test to see what he’s made up of!
We were instantly curious, but when then they mentioned that Ranger already had a list of applications, we thought his forever home was already full of options and left it at that.
Some time later, our foster journey unexpectedly turned into a long-term foster arrangement, and I noticed that Ranger was still available months later. I immediately asked about him. TEARS was very honest and upfront with us, explaining that he had a skin condition that could require ongoing management.
Instead of putting us off, we were sold!
We feed raw, and from experience I know that some dogs with sensitive skin can benefit from a less processed diet. On it, Ranger’s skin has improved beautifully and he itches significantly less. There are still a few scaly patches on his back legs that I’d love to investigate further one day through allergy testing. It would be wonderful to understand whether this is due to something in his environment that we can adjust to help him even more.
Ironically, I had planned on getting a Bull Terrier at some point in my life, and now I have my own little Bull Terrier lookalike – 37% of it!
Ranger Mc Danger is an amazing little character and an absolute joy in our home. He loves stealing socks and launching himself at you with all his bodyweight when he plays. He really keeps us laughing with his mischievous personality.
