Written by Lauren Smuts
Professional photography by NeedOutdoors
Ben was rescued when he was just four weeks old. Animal rescuer and Cape Town representative of Feel Good Funding Adoptions, Jo-Jo Bayvel, rescued him in Hout Bay and cared for him until he was healthy and strong enough to be rehomed.
The people who adopted him the first time unfortunately did not work out, and unfortunately he found himself up for adoption again. Nicola Tullie immediately went to fetch him.
Nicola had him for two months and did a fantastic job of rehabilitating him. His coat is lovely now, he’s healthy and has the most wonderful nature. She socialised him and he’s cat- and dog-friendly, loves people yet is already becoming a great watchdog.
I saw Ben on Jo-Jo’s Facebook post. I was half-heartedly looking for a dog because we lost our old Ridgeback a few months ago and we still have a very demanding Dachshund-cross with separation anxiety. I felt I wanted another dog but wasn’t quite sure. Although I’d have preferred an older dog because of the house-training, chewing, etc., we actually needed a puppy because we live on a farm with sheep, chickens, geese and lots of cats, so we needed a dog that could grow up with them and learn from a young age not to chase them.
When I saw the post about “Blessing” (as he was then named), I knew he was perfect for me. He’s cat- and dog-friendly, and while he has no idea what a sheep, cow, chicken or goose is, he’s learning very quickly that he’s not allowed to chase them. So, I got my puppy that’s already been house-trained and socialised, he doesn’t chew, is obedient and loving, and is just perfect in every way.
I do have a bit of a health concern for him as he walks with a limp, which could be from rickets or something else. The vet advised that we can’t make a definite diagnosis until he can have an x-ray, which can only happen when he’s finished growing. For now, he’s getting the best food and lots of love and exercise. Hopefully, he’ll grow out of it.
Although this is his third home in his short little life of nine months, it will definitely be his last!
Jo-Jo Bayvel, Ben’s rescuer, recalls…
“I saved this baby when he was only four weeks old. He’s the sweetest Rottie in the world! He has a Labby nature. Although his first home didn’t work out, he was fostered by a lovely lady whose lifestyle couldn’t fit with having him forever, but she got him all healed up and got his confidence back.
“And now we have him in the best forever home! Lauren immediately fell in love with Ben and he with her. He’s the happiest Rottie living on a farm.”
