Written by Loraine van der Merwe, SPCA Rustenburg Committee Member
Professional photography by Mardo Foto's
Samantha, aka Sammy, was surrendered to us with the reason: “Nobody at home wants her”.
The gentle white-and-cream Spaniel was very confused as to why she’d been brought to us. She was very, very scared. When I went to see her in her kennel, she was shaking non-stop. She had so much fear in her, and she felt let down by her humans.
Day by day, I began showing her that I cared about her and that she could trust me. It worked! She became the most awesome girl. I’d spend time with her each day as I was so proud of how well she was doing.
She’s one special girl and we couldn’t have asked for a better family to become part of!
Rina Niemandt, Sammy’s new owner, shares...
Thank you for wanting to share the beautiful story of Sammy with your readers.
It so happened that I came across the article of Sammy on the Facebook page of SPCA Rustenburg on the evening of Sunday the 23rd of April, which brought me to tears – I couldn’t think how anyone could give up on such a beautiful little girl; the fear in her eyes killed me! How cruel can people be!?
I showed it to my husband and told him that I had to go and fetch Sammy and make her happy again.
I was determined to change her life for the better. He agreed with me and I immediately commented on the post to say I was interested in adopting Sammy.
That Monday morning, I was early in the office and kept checking the time as the SPCA office only opens at 08h00. Minutes felt like hours and, just past 07h30, I took a chance and called. Belinda, the receptionist, answered and I told her I needed to have Sammy and wanted to start with the adoption process immediately. She was extremely helpful and guided me through the process.
On Friday the 28th of April, we drove the two-and-a-half hours from our home in Vanderbijlpark to Rustenburg for the meet-and-greet session with Sammy. We took Brandy, our one-year-old Spaniel, along. It goes without saying that it was a moment that I’ll never forget when we entered the gate of the SPCA and saw Sammy in the garden playing with Belinda and Lorraine.
It was love at first sight; I knew she had to come home where we’d protect, love and make her happy again!
The drive back home was a sad one as it felt as if we were failing Sammy by leaving her back in Rustenburg, but we had to follow procedure to ensure we could adopt her. On the way home I contacted the Vanderbijlpark/Vereeniging SPCA, who were also very helpful in arranging for the home checking. The inspector of the branch came through very early on Saturday morning and approved our home, saying Sammy would love staying with us.
Belinda arranged for the sterilisation as quickly as possible, but the earliest available appointment was the 9th of May. It felt like a lifetime before we eventually went to fetch Sammy on Wednesday the 10th so she could spend the rest of her life with us.
The first few weeks were tough as Sammy had separation anxiety. We bought her a calming collar and our help at home gave her lots of attention whilst we were at work. When we got home we played with her, taking walks on the estate and introducing her to the new environment.
And now, Sammy’s a totally changed girl who’s my shadow day and night. She can’t wait to get to my chair before me and always has a happy tail. She enjoys every minute with her sister, Brandy, and cousin, Bailey, and can’t wait for the evening to come when she and Brandy accompany us when we feed the Fallow Deer and Nyalas at our place.
I know Sammy is in her happy place!
Watch the video as posted to SPCA Rustenburg’s Facebook page https://fb.watch/lBeW_9tS6j/?mibextid=Nif5oz.
