Photos supplied, and written by Jean-Mari Smit – Co-founder, English and French Bulldog Rescue SA (EFBRSA)
They needed help with their aggressive bulldog, Buddy’s owners told us. They didn’t trust him, they couldn’t handle him, they couldn’t work with him, and so he was kept enclosed in their yard. We were told that he’d snap, growl, lunge at and bite them. Their vet even went as far as removing his canine teeth so he couldn’t injure them. Buddy had to go.
Instantly, as a rescue, you worry, because a human-aggressive dog isn’t something you can take any chances with. Someone could get seriously hurt.
We needed to assess Buddy to make sure what we were dealing with.
Assessing Buddy
When Philly Naidoo, a volunteer for EFBRSA, heard about Buddy, she immediately arranged to go see him. Like us, she wasn’t sure about what to expect, but she went with a heart full of patience and hope.
Buddy took to her very well. She sat with him for a very long time, trying to see what he was like and how he’d react to her being in his space. Buddy didn’t attack her once. Philly talked to the family and asked them what would trigger Buddy to snap at them, how they’d approach him, etc.
We soon realised that maybe Buddy needed another environment.
So, we found a foster home for him with Anje Brink, and he was collected on the 27th of December. Buddy did so well in the car – he loved the adventure of going for a ride, but still we weren’t sure how he’d cope being in a new environment with new people. Philly spent the whole day with Buddy and his foster mom, trying to ease Buddy into everything very slowly.
Buddy looks at everything like it’s the first time he sees it. There’s wonder in everything, and yet he’s so unsure about everything.
The trouble with Buddy
The fact that he isn’t feeling very well makes it a little harder on him as well. Buddy has bad diarrhoea; he’s developed sores on his bum because of it, and he also has a very infected nose roll and sores on his feet. He was seen by our vet and has been given medication, which he’s been taking like a champ.
Buddy definitely has some sort of psychological issue. He’s not human aggressive, but he is somewhat reactive in certain situations. We contacted a dog behaviourist who met Buddy to assess him. All our suspicions were confirmed: Buddy suffers from extreme anxiety, certain things make him very fearful, and he struggles to trust people.
The behaviourist ensured that we receive a report, which we’ll use to help, not only Buddy but those taking care of him as well. He needs to learn that he can trust and that not every encounter means he’ll get hurt, while the person taking care of him will learn how to better read his behaviour and body language. This way, for instance, when he shows that he’s tired and wants to be left alone, they’ll know to do that.
Buddy isn’t an aggressive dog; he’s completely misunderstood, and the way he’s been dealt with has caused him to associate certain things with negativity. We need to undo that as best we can. Buddy is a dog who needs to learn how to be a dog; he needs to learn that having a bad day or a bad reaction to something is okay. We all have bad reactions and bad days, don’t we?
Understanding the breed
Buddy is a prime example of someone expecting the wonderful picture painted about this breed and then getting something completely different – and not knowing what to do with him or how to deal with the behaviour taking place.
Bulldogs need socialisation, just like any other breed. Yes, there are exceptions who love everyone they meet, but the reality is that there are also those who don’t get along with other dogs, don’t like kids, don’t like people, etc., no matter how much you socialise them or how many puppy classes they attend.
The “Nanny Teddy Bear” picture people have of this breed sets them up to fail – it creates an expectation that they cannot live up to.
And yet, Buddy is an utterly wonderful dog.
Hope for the future
Buddy’s journey is only starting. He has a long way to go, but our hearts are overjoyed knowing he’s found a place to call home. He’s the only dog. He has his own safe space to retreat to when he feels tired or drained. He has a home that understands his boundaries and why they’re important – and accepts them and him with love. Buddy has a quiet, peaceful home where he has a garden and a splash pool; a home with patience on tap and love whenever he feels up to it. A family who understand that Buddy will come to them when he’s ready, and that time is Buddy’s best friend, because time is giving him the opportunity to process, adjust and heal.
What warms our hearts the most is that Buddy and his new dad, Brandon van Heerden, instantaneously connected. It was like they’d known each other for years. Buddy was calm and accepting of touch, following Brandon everywhere.
We’re very hopeful and excited about the possibilities ahead for Buddy.
Thank you, Anje, for giving him a safe foster space to learn to just be Buddy and that being himself is perfectly okay.
Philly, where do we begin to say thank you? All your time, all the calls, the effort, patience, love and kindness that you pour into Buddy – we cannot thank you enough. You are his earth angel, and he just adores you. Thank you for everything!
About English and French Bulldog Rescue SA
EFBRSA is a registered non-profit organisation dedicated to the English, French and American Bulldog breeds. We rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome Bulldogs throughout South Africa. We strive to educate prospective owners about these wonderful breeds, discourage unethical breeding, and help people to understand the Bulldog breeds.
Bulldogs are our passion, and we’ve been on this ever-growing journey for nine years. For more information on EFBRSA and what we do, feel free to visit our Facebook page @English and French Bulldog Rescue SA
Read Happy Tails Magazine’s article about this fantastic organisation here.
For any assistance with a Bulldog in need, please email us on bulldogrescuesouthafrica@gmail.com. Or WhatsApp Zandra Van Dyk (Founder) on 065 953 7367 and Jean-Mari Smit (Co-Founder) on 076 635 3615.
