Written and photographs supplied by Tania Le Roux, Director of Lucky Paws Rescue
Angie Anchen Le Roux was born on a smallholding on 6 July 2017. She was one of eight puppies from a Scottish Terrier father and Jack Russell mother. At just four weeks old, seven of the puppies were surrendered to Polokwane SPCA (the owner kept one). These tiny arrivals all contracted parvo due to their young age and low immunity.
While Polokwane SPCA had a vet’s support, they didn’t have a clinic. I took the puppies in, caring for them with the vet’s guidance and medication. Only four puppies pulled through, including our Angie. I fell in love and adopted her through the SPCA while her three siblings found other homes. Seven years later, we still keep in touch with her two sisters and their wonderful families.
After beating parvo, Angie was immune by 10 weeks and no longer contagious. She started at Limpopo K9 Training Academy right away – such a quick learner, mastering “sit” and “down” in her very first lesson! She kept training until she completed advanced obedience.
She absolutely loves agility work – we even nicknamed her “Angie Agility”. One of her trainers noticed how much she adored people and suggested trying out for Pets as Therapy. Angie passed her test and became a therapy dog. Now, she brings smiles to nursing homes, visiting people in frail care and disabled adults. She’s even featured on Pets as Therapy’s website (pat.org.za).
She’s such a fun-loving dog but knows exactly when to be well-behaved. Having her in my life is a true gift – I’ve made so many friends because of Angie, and she just loves everyone she meets.
Though her life had a rough start, she’s never looked back. Every day with Angie is full of joy.