Written by YankaPop’s Momsie, a very Proud Pit Bull Mom, Marizanne Ferreira
Professional photos by Luc Hosten
Yanka was my cherished soulmate, my beautiful girl. She was always more than just a pet; she was joy, comfort, and unconditional love. From the moment she bounded into my life, and with the help of social media into so many other lives, she filled every day with laughter and warmth. Her playful spirit and gentle nature taught me so much about loyalty and compassion.
Often elegantly dressed or just wearing a stunning designer collar, I felt like a bag lady next to her. It was ok... she was my security “blankie”. I needed her.
Yanka had a purpose. She had to save and enrich many lives. She’d accompany me when I was walking/working with anxious or frightened Pit Bulls and other dogs. Her peaceful and gentle demeanour would often help with their anxiety. She was just an amazing foster Mom and gave warmth and comfort to so many baby orphans – be it lambs, monkeys, mongoose, buck, goats, baboons or even a crow! The little ones would latch onto a loose piece of her skin and suckle away. She let them be. She’d clean and stimulate them.
She was a great comfort to my blind sheep, Angela, the elderly at the various retirement homes we visited, and also to many children. She’d help adults to face their fear of dogs.
That was my girl, that was how she rolled. Not once did she growl, ever. Twice she was attacked and bitten by other dogs and once a Mountain Reedbuck head-butted her. She didn’t retaliate. She’d just look at me as if to say, “Momsie, why are they so mean?”.
Yanka had a purpose. She was my Bestie. We were a unit. Life as known before Yanka had become mundane and irrelevant. I wanted to spend every possible moment with her. She went with me just about everywhere! She’d sleep between my legs when I was getting a facial, lie next to my chair at the hair salon, wait for me with the reception ladies whilst I had my eyes tested, and quietly sat at my feet in church at my friend’s funeral. Coffee shops, markets, beaches and parks were her playground. She was just THAT well-behaved girl that I could take with me everywhere. She made me proud.
The only time she ever broke my heart was when her heart stopped. I miss her wagging tail and soulful eyes, and every cuddle, every moment spent together is now etched in my heart.
As I navigate the painful void she’s left behind, I’m forever grateful for the countless memories we created together. She’ll always be a part of me, my faithful companion.
May my sweet girl rest in peace, knowing that she touched many hearts and was loved by many. She was that light in my life and I’ll carry her spirit with me always.
My Yanka-Kwanita, friend to everyone, adored by many, feared by none!
Editor’s note... Knowing how much Yanka IS loved by so many and how much she’s missed by us all, Marizanne shares a little more...
Yanks missed her 12th birthday by 25 days. Her passing was sudden, but it was perfect. She crossed the rainbow in style, outside, in the sun, peacefully and in my arms.
In January of this year she had a routine check-up at the vet. They found irregularities in her liver and we were referred to a specialist.
She was such a trooper at the specialist and would “sit & stay” like only she could whilst needles were shoved into her and testing and probing undertaken.
It was confirmed that her liver needed help, and we changed her diet and she was on various medications.
Life carried on… and I booked three days at Springlands Farm as a 12th birthday treat for her.
On Friday, the 27th of September, we went to the beach and my girl had a ball. She swam, she played, she dug her usual half-moon hole around me in the sand. It was a good morning. She was so happy and my cup was full.
That afternoon, I noticed blood in her urine and off to the vet we went. My girl was sick. Her platelets were a mere 12 and her liver had deteriorated. She spent her weekend enjoying her favourite food and sleeping in my arms while we waited for the treatment to kick in.
On Monday we went back to the vet, who sent us to the specialist. Sadly, the treatment didn’t work and her spleen was in danger of bursting
I knew I had to act only in her best interest and took Dr Böhm’s advice. It was the hardest thing I ever had to do.
Every single Prayer I had for Yanka since she arrived, flea infested, at my home so many years ago until her last breath was answered.
I knew life without her would be very hard, but I prayed for her to go before me and for that I’m grateful.
(You can read more about beautiful Yanka-Kwanita here: https://www.happytailsmagazine.co.za/happy-tales/living-life-sheepishly-yanka/)
