Written by Helen Taylor, Founder of Rainbow Nation Animals
Professional photography by Photography by Megan
Loofy, one of the special township dogs, was surrendered by her owner because she was “sick” and was no longer wanted. Loofy’s owner then legally surrendered her to Rainbow Nation Animals.
The trouble with Loofy
Loofy initially presented with some fur loss and strange marks on her face two-and-a-half years ago. Despite taking her to our vet several times, the skin condition didn’t improve. In fact, it began to deteriorate quite rapidly. We then took her to a different vet with a resident skin specialist, but again the condition worsened – to such a degree that poor Loofy was losing a lot of her beautiful black hair, and she developed raw, red painful patches of skin over a large part of her body.
We were losing hope of ever being able to cure her and were dreading the possibility of having to put her to sleep if we couldn’t resolve the issue. We made an appointment with Dr Garry Eckersley, the best specialist vet in the country (in my opinion), and took Loofy along. I was feeling really desperate.
After a lengthy examination and several microscope slides with skin samples, Dr Garry diagnosed a rare auto immune condition. He reassured us that she’d respond to treatment, but that it would take time.
A happy dog
We persevered with all that he instructed us to do, and Loofy was on medication for many months, but after only a few weeks, we saw an improvement! We were delighted, and after just over a year, all Loofy’s fur had grown back (albeit with lots of white hair). Dr Garry explained that the white hair that grew back would eventually be replaced with black hair once she was fully healthy again.
Throughout all the discomfort, vet visits, medication, shampooing, etc., Loofy was absolutely amazing and transformed into a happy dog once more. After a few monthly sessions with Dr Garry, who treated her with such compassion, she began to enjoy her outings – she’d squeal in delight when she saw him and run right over.
When she first came to us to be fostered, she was sweet but clearly depressed. My husband, John, immediately bonded with Loofy, initially probably because she lived in his office during lockdown, but later just because she’s a wonderful, loving dog. He took her to visit at a family member’s retirement home, and Loofy just took to comforting the residents as if she’d been doing it all her life.
John then got the idea of possibly doing therapy work with Loofy and approached Top Dogs to chat.
Loofy finds her purpose
They said we should bring her for an assessment of suitability, which she passed. Then they started her journey to qualification.
She made several supervised visits to Netcare Milpark Hospital’s ICU – adults, children, and the burns unit. Everyone was amazed as she adapted to each situation and provided gentle love to each patient – more enthusiastically with the children, toning it down with the burn injury patients, and responding to each adult according to their physical condition. We’d bought tiny teddy bears for Loofy to “give out” to those in need of an extra something special.
After the requisite six visits, Loofy qualified with flying colours. All who’d been following her progress were extremely proud of this awesome team of two, and it was truly an emotional moment to think of where Loofy came from to get to this point.
Me being me, I immediately went out and bought “accessories” for every occasion – Valentine’s Day, St Patrick’s Day, Christmas, Easter, etc., and before long, Loofy had her own (huge) box of accessories suitable for any occasion! John just shook his head at my craziness, but he’s used to it by now. So, depending on the occasion, she’ll be able to provide additional entertainment.
One of our committee members, Jenny Shone, who’s always taken a special interest in our township special needs animals, then decided it was only right that Loofy should have a graduation party to celebrate her qualification. Other dogs were invited, and this was held at a local venue. All who were there – furry or otherwise – thoroughly enjoyed the outing as there was a doggy menu as well. Not sure who actually placed the order for the scrambled eggs (whether Loofy herself or John), but this was met with great enthusiasm by the dog of the moment.
Our township dogs are absolutely awesome, and each and every one has taught me valuable life lessons. If people could be more like them, what a wonderful world it would be!
