Written by Françoise Lempereur
Professional photography by The Being Project
On no particular day, with nothing in mind, I received a plea (one of many) to home a neglected dog. I have no idea what possessed me – I looked into those sad brown eyes and gentle face and I just knew: I had to collect him.
A total wreck
The little white dog was pathetic and I later told my daughter (my voice of reason): “He looks so feeble, the poor thing.” “Yes, mom – like you,” she joked. “Really?! I thought I was more like my out-of-control Pit Bull Terrier!” “Yes, at times,” she said, “but you vacillate between the two extremes; there’s no mediocrity about you!”
He was discarded by society, hurt, and had no reasonable prospects of anyone adopting him. So, driven by God-knows-what urge to help him, I drove some three hours to meet him – the plan being to foster him. And then I saw that face, those deep-brown, soulful eyes and I just knew.
He was indeed a pathetic sight: his eyes were weepy and mucous-filled; his ears and belly skin were very red, swollen and crusty; his nails were far too long from obvious neglect. And he was terrified… trembling. He was a total wreck. And, truth be told, so was I.
Cody’s past
Cody had lived in a concrete cage, an unloved and neglected boy, since his puppy days. He was briefly adopted by a couple whose marriage did not last a year, and then unceremoniously dumped back at the shelter from whence he came. His siblings and even his mother had long since departed. Abandoned and confused, he remained at the shelter for seven long years.
When I met Cody, my heart melted into a soggy mess. I’ve always been this way, rescuing any stray cat out of a tree, or a neglected dog from a gutter. Much to my mother’s despair – “Oh no, please – not another one,” she’d exclaim when I came home with yet another stray beast in need. “Please, mom? Let’s look at him/her… homeless…”
And despite her outward demeanour, she’s as soft-hearted as I am; she’d look into their pleading eyes and my own and, of course, let them stay.
Home is where the heart is
I sank down onto the first available bench, tenderly looking at him until he crawled up, shimmying onto my legs, making his way onto my lap… and into my heart. This poor, bewildered and neglected old boy was just desperate for a loving heart and a home. I knew then and there: he was coming home with me.
Despite the adorable puppies who clamoured for my attention, I recognised a fellow wounded soul.
I looked at Cody, with all his obvious difficulties, and I fell in love. I took him without hesitation or any thought. He leapt into the front seat of my car, gazing adoringly at me (I am a soft sell) and we drove the many hours back home. He laid his head on my arm, close by my side.
Loved and accepted
When I adopted Cody, I took him to the vet to check out his various issues. When she took a look at his ears, she exclaimed: “I’ve never seen such infected ears; I thought I had the wrong magnification on the microscope.” And then: “Oh, my! This is a sick boy.” But not once had he complained. I don’t think he even has a bark.
I haven’t heard anything from him, except a soft whimper when I inserted his antibiotic eardrops and a low growl when I inadvertently bumped his head with my foot. “He doesn’t like feet, Mom,” noted my youngest son, who will not let anyone near his feet.
My daughter, on our arrival, made her feelings clear (although he won her over too): “You are so irresponsible; why on earth do you have another dog? You are like an unattended child!” She is, of course, correct. I am like an unattended child. Ministering to one who’s been as neglected as I. One who just needed to be loved and accepted, without condition. I can do that.
Always by my side
To be honest, I’ve never felt like I fit in anywhere. I’ve felt strangely alien throughout my life, like I got off at the wrong station and am lost in a foreign place. I suspect Cody has felt the same way. We love and accept each other.
Since the moment Cody climbed onto my lap and into my heart, he hasn’t left my side. He’s completely devoted to me – and I to him.
CODY’S STORY
By Tracey-Lee Cohen, KAWS volunteer (Kleinmond Animal Welfare Society)
Cody came into KAWS in 2011 with his mom and siblings when he was about six weeks old; Hermanus law enforcement were considering euthanising them but Riekie Grove from KAWS decided immediately that this was not going to happen. She returned to KAWS with the little family and, one by one, they found their homes.
It never worked out for him
His siblings and mother were long since adopted but our little boy Cody was always overlooked, time and time again.
Cody was given a few sniffs of “happy ever after” but it never worked out for him. He was in foster care for a short time but, due to divorce/separation, he was returned. He didn’t understand why or what he’d done wrong to be returned.
He’d survived his bad start in life only to be denied the chance at a happy home.
Appeal for Cody
KAWS actively tries to home our old long timers as we know that every baby deserves their own family and to live out their retirement years surrounded by family and snuggles.
We posted an appeal for our boy Cody and it caught Françoise’s eye.
When she contacted us, we were beside ourselves with excitement. Would this be the day Cody had been waiting for seven long years? To be honest, we were scared to get too excited as we know there’s a risk of adoptions/fostering not working out.
That very same day, his mom-to-be drove the long, long drive to us. When we introduced them, it was love. Tears flowed all around when Cody climbed onto the bench and put his head on Françoise’s lap. As they say, the rest is history.
Match made in heaven
Cody has once again proven to us that it is worth waiting for your soulmate and that there is a family for every shelter baby. KAWS is always in awe of how social media has placed so many lovely fur kids, and how the most amazing people always seem to find us.
Françoise and Cody are a match made in heaven. Françoise, you are truly Cody’s guardian angel and, from all of us at KAWS, your story has inspired us and continues to give us goose bumps. Go well, Cody, and live the life that you so truly deserve.
About KAWS
Kleinmond Animal Welfare Society (KAWS) is a non-profit animal welfare organisation that was founded in 2001. They aim to serve the areas of Rooi Els, Pringle Bay, Betty’s Bay, Kleinmond and Salandra by taking care of the community’s unwanted, mistreated and neglected pets.
Aside from providing a safe haven for animals and rehoming them to loving homes, the organisation promotes and assists with dog and cat sterilisations, basic healthcare (such as vaccinating and parasite control), and education, amongst others.
To find out more about them and how you can help, email info@kaws.co.za or call 028 271 5004, and read our article on KAWS: http://www.happytailsmagazine.co.za/news-articles/kleinmond-animal-welfare-society/
