Written by Sonja du Plessis, founder of Bouvier Rescue South Africa
Professional photography by Strike a Pose Photography
In all my years of rescuing Bouviers I have never seen such traumatised, scared, neglected, abused, and emotionally tormented dogs. We knew without a doubt that we had to give them a chance of a happy life.
We weren’t prepared for what we saw
It was March 2017 and we’d been contacted about two Bouviers that needed rehoming. Thinking we would just drive out, have a look at them, and try to assess them for rehoming, Julia Keddie Middleton and I had no immediate plans for a foster home.
That moment when we met them will forever stay in our memories; we’ve rescued many Bouviers des Flandres before but were not prepared for what we saw that day. We were utterly horrified: these two dogs looked like moving black felt rugs and the smell of faeces was overpowering. And they were terrified.
We decided to take them away from this hell right that very minute. We walked them slowly to the “Bouv wagon” and, as we drove away, I kept saying to Julia, “Where are we going to take them?”
They were absolutely silent
It was very clear that these poor dogs were traumatised and abused. We only found out later how bad they actually were. What struck me most was how silent they were – when we handled them, they didn’t make a sound; when speaking to them there was no response. All they did was turn their heads away. The extent of their neglect was so bad that they’d basically become void of emotion. It was awful to witness.
We needed to get them cleaned up, but because their thick coats were so badly matted, bathing wasn’t possible. The only option was to clip their coats right off.
We’d warned the grooming parlour about their condition before we arrived and it took a team of four people five hours to free them from those 15cm-deep matted coats. It’s unlikely they’d ever been bathed or groomed; Gracie’s dewclaws were so long that they’d grown round in circles.
Throughout, there was total silence – not a whimper or a growl; no sign of emotion.
The next step
Because Gracie and Shinga were far too traumatised to go into kennels, Julia took them home overnight.
Aside from being infested with worms, there’d been no time for a vet visit, so we had no idea if there were other kinds of hidden illnesses, parasites or skin problems present. They were also terrified and had clearly never been in a house or walked on grass. Thus, they were kept separate from the family dogs.
The following day they were off to the vet, where they were checked, vaccinated, dewormed, microchipped, and sterilised – a big day for these two. The vet confirmed that Gracie had clearly been used for breeding many times and, due to lack of exercise and poor nutrition, she’s smaller than she should be.
Meanwhile, we were racking our brains to decide where to next with our bewildered Bouviers...
Shinga and Gracie part ways
Of the two, Shinga – the male – was the more confident, but he still needed a very special home; one that was not just experienced with Bouviers, but would also have the knowledge, time, and patience to rehabilitate him. A tall order, but we found the perfect family in Judy and Rob Kloeck and their Bouvier girl, Ruby.
Gracie was far worse, emotionally, than Shinga. At four years old, she’d lived her entire life in a cement kennel of approximately 2m x 2m. As such she was terrified of loud noises, open spaces, people… and pretty much everything else. She needed people who would understand this and know how to help her.
The decision was made that Gracie would stay with Julia. We hoped that in a normal family environment we could assess her and get her to interact with the family’s dogs. We couldn’t imagine how long putting the broken pieces of this girl was going to take…
Gracie’s long road to recovery
Gracie moved into Julia’s bedroom, where she stayed huddled in the corner against the wall. Initially, she even pushed aside the soft bed and blanket we gave her, choosing to sleep on the floor instead. She refused to look at anyone, turning her head away and curling up in a tight ball. It would take months for this to change.
Although severely malnourished and terribly thin, she wouldn’t take any treats or food from us. We had to put the bowl down and leave the room or she wouldn’t eat. She also suffered from bad diarrhoea, aside from all the worms she had. Julia had to carry Gracie outside to release her bladder and bowels; often she just did it there in the room, a little way from her bed. She also wasn’t interested in interacting with other dogs; she’d look at them, let them sniff her, but wouldn’t connect.
We just kept on loving her and talking to her, accepting her as she was. But, as week after week ticked by with no improvement, we despaired. She avoided human contact unless Julia went to her, and although she accepted Julia touching her, stroking her and talking to her, she still turned her face away. If she couldn’t turn her face, she just looked up and stared into space.
Julia began carrying Gracie out to the garden every day. There, she would run, run and run, looking up into the sky. This was far from normal joyful running; it was more like pacing back and forth, bewildered, unsure, petrified.
One step forward
Then, one day, she gently took a treat from Julia’s hands – we were over the moon. Progress was being made and she started interacting with the family dogs. Some days were better than others, when she would suddenly revert to just staying in her corner for no apparent reason. One step forward two steps back.
It took around four months from her rescue for Gracie to start moving around in Julia’s room, exploring on her own, and there was some interaction with the other dogs. She’d even look like she wanted to play by pawing Julia’s very playful Giant Schnauzer.
Next, Julia started picking up Gracie, putting her on her bed and playing with her. Often she’d just go back to her safe corner and previous behaviour, but, ever increasingly, she responded positively. Julia continued carrying her outside every day and she’d pace endlessly until she would tire, sit and pant.
A magical Jellybean
Then along came Jellybean, a big, gentle-giant Bouvier foster girl, and it was as if magic had entered Gracie’s world.
Jellybean had a profound influence on Gracie; it was as if there was a special connection between them. Gracie began playing with the other dogs, and, although she was still fearful outside, Jellybean had a calming effect on her that we cannot explain. More and more Gracie started coming out of her shell, getting onto the bed and sitting on the couches – even sleeping on them. She even started watching TV with Julia.
We’re so thankful to Julia and, of course, Jellybean, who’s started Gracie on her road to recovery. Gracie still has a long way to go. She’s still very skittish around strangers and will not approach them easily. She now goes up and down the stairs out into the garden when she wishes and plays with the other dogs, joins in, and is starting to become part of the family. Staying with the family watching TV or just hanging around with the pack in the kitchen.
Although Gracie still sometimes reverts to her original behaviour, this doesn’t last long. She’ll never come up for adoption as we fear that she won’t cope with a new home and strangers. So, after nearly a year, Gracie is finally on the road to recovery and will live with Julia for the rest of her natural life.
Gratitude
There is so much to be grateful for in the story of Gracie and Shinga. Thank you Dr Julia Keddie Middleton for your ongoing rehabilitation with Gracie and for giving her a forever loving home. Thank you to the Kloeck family for opening your home to Shinga.
We’d like to thank all the people who felt Gracie in their hearts and gave donations towards her rehabilitation, vet, food and care costs.
A special thank you to our friends Bouvier Welfare and Rescue UK for their generous donation towards Gracie’s rehabilitation costs. We’d also like to thank Tertius Kleinhans and his wife for their generous donations to help Gracie.
AMAZING GRACIE
By Julia Keddie, Gracie’s owner
A year ago Gracie came into my life as a “foster” baby. We’ve grown a bond that is very special and she’s a foster no longer… she is mine forever.
Gracie’s progress was so slow that there were many times – even months after her rescue – when I broke down in tears to Sonja, saddened and afraid that she may never trust and love. Her constantly turning her head away, refusing to explore, and frantic pacing in the garden was heartbreaking and frustrating.
So, when Jellybean arrived and a new Gracie emerged, we were amazed – what a wonderful experience it has been since then! She’s shown herself to be a gentle and playful dog, and loves being wherever I am.
From huddling in the corner, unmoving, today she comes running from my room when she hears me arrive home. Her poor little chopped-off “tail” wiggles with excitement to meet me. From total silence she now has the funniest bark. She bounces when excited and jumps over me to get at treats; I often end up with tea all over my clothes. She’s playful and chases a ball (although, when she gets to it, she doesn’t really know what to do with it).
Believe it or not, Gracie loves going for walks on her lead and, when in wide-open spaces, loves to run and explore. And when we get visitors and Gracie comes downstairs, instead of hiding, she quickly sniffs out the dog-lover in the group and plops herself onto their lap until the visit is over.
Gracie has seen many a foster arrive and leave during her year with me; she plays with any fur child keen to play and becomes all motherly around puppies.
Every morning when I walk towards Gracie she rolls over for tummy tickles and kisses – she loves to lie cuddling with me. Her favourite thing is to jump onto my TV chair before me when she sees me heading towards it and there she sits until I sit down beside her and invite her onto my lap.
Gracie still has her own safe space in a corner of my bedroom and whenever I see her anxiety build, I take her to her safe space.
The experience has taught me that special love, care, dedication, faith and space to heal can transform even severely traumatised doggies.
Words cannot describe how proud I am of Gracie, from an awful existence to a happy princess – my Princess Gracie, whom I love dearly – she’ll never again be sad, unwanted and treated badly.
SHINGA’S NEW LIFE
By Judy Kloeck, Shinga’s owner
Shinga has settled down wonderfully. In the beginning, I must admit that I had my doubts about him ever becoming “normal”, but he’s proved us all wrong and become quite the star. He’s going forward in leaps and bounds. We love him to bits and have seen changes and improvements, although there’s still a long way to go.
I know he’s happy and is beginning to feel a measure of safety, love and care. He’s not as frightened and is more comfortable in his surroundings. When I arrive back at the house after being out or at work and he sees my car, he gets so excited, running and jumping all around – it’s so sweet to see and always gives me such a warm welcome.
This makes it all worthwhile – those dark eyes really show love, happiness and, I think, gratitude that you’ve returned and he has not been abandoned.
His favourite places are in the dining room/TV room and on his special bed in our bedroom, although the couch has become a new target; I’ve been accusing Ruby of getting on the couch in the lounge only to find that it’s Shinga who sneaks into the lounge and gets comfy! He tries not to look at me, obviously thinking if he can’t see me, I won’t see him.
For the first two weeks Shinga never barked or made a sound; now he accompanies Ruby to the fence or gate and they bark together. He runs and plays with Ruby, both of them initiating the contact and chasing each other around the garden. They get on so well, and should one go somewhere such as to the vet, they act like long-lost family when they return – very cute to see. He loves travelling in the car and feeling the wind on his face, and thoroughly enjoys walks around the block or to the park.
He just loves “kossie time” (food time); he’s a wonderful eater and appears to savour every mouthful. Like Gracie, you have to place his bowl down and move away – he’s never taken any food or treat out of my hand. He now comes in and out of the house without coaching – but refuses to come through the front door, only the back door. He knows his routine and comes when he’s called.
He still doesn’t like anyone making eye contact or walking behind him; he prefers that you walk in front. He’ll then follow and allow you to stroke him – once you gain some trust he does enjoy you feeling him and rubbing his head. He can be very fearful when approached and sudden movements are a no-no.
In his own time and on a day when he’s feeling a little more confident, he likes having cuddles and hugs – but only on his terms. I think Shinga will always be very cautious and mistrustful but, from when he arrived to now, he’s made great strides. He’s becoming more normal and less skittish. And things can only get better.
It’s a pleasure to watch him sleeping – so very relaxed and at peace. He’s a wonderful gift to us.
Judy’s message on adopting a rescued animal with special emotional needs
My message to anyone adopting or fostering a rescued animal that’s been ill-treated, abused, tortured, etc. is that they must realise that they’re in it for the long haul: there are many, many, many days, weeks, months and probably years of rehabilitation, love, attention, patience and continuous mentoring of their problems and trying to gain their trust.
BUT, when you do get one little aspect right or they show that little more confidence or trust, it’s extremely rewarding to see.
I don’t think their trauma ever goes away, certainly not in Shinga’s case, but hopefully he’ll come to feel safe and happy and gain some confidence with us in our family. He certainly is welcomed, loved, cared for and a great friend to Rob and me, and, of course, to Ruby.
NOTE: Rehabilitating dogs like Shinga and Gracie is challenging – don’t be afraid to ask for professional help from an animal behaviourist. Keep in touch with the animal welfare you adopted them from and have a support system of like-minded people to help.
About Bouvier Rescue SA
Bouvier Rescue SA’s mission is to protect and serve the Bouvier des Flandres breed throughout South Africa by the responsible and effective rescue of Bouviers in need.
These big, majestic dogs with their proud, bearded faces, long legs and thick coats were originally bred in Flanders for farm work, including driving cattle and pulling carts. They’re large, strong and highly intelligent, and love being around their people, which means they need specific homes to provide for these needs or they can become destructive and depressed. They also need proper socialisation and training from a young age.
Unfortunately, people often don’t realise how much work goes into having a Bouvier des Flandres, as they require plenty of grooming, lots of exercise, and proper training with an experienced owner. As such, they often end up in need of more suitable homes when their owners realise they can’t cope; many end up neglected or abused, or simply relegated to the backyard. This is where Bouvier Rescue SA aims to step in and help.
For more information about Bouvier Rescue SA, contact Sonja on 083 260 2153 or email sonjaduplessismay@gmail.com, and visit their website at www.bouvierdesflandresrscuesa.weebly.com
Bouvier Rescue SA is a registered non-profit organisation (NPO 181-148). They are always in need of funds for vet care, sterilisations, food, etc. They rely entirely on donations to do their work – every donation makes a difference.
Banking details:
BOUVIER RESCUE SA
First National Bank Current/cheque account
Branch code 211217
Account number 62583513687
SWIFT CODE FIRNZAJJ
