Written by Judy Jooste
Professional photography by Michelle Raath
Sandy Dearie and I came into each other’s lives just when we needed each other most.
I had, at the time, just lost two dogs within a month of each other, one from a snake bite and the other to old age, and my heart had a crater in it. Suddenly I had no “job” (attending to my old companions had entailed being on duty 24/7 as the older one was going blind and had heart problems) and I missed my two boys very much.
Wonderful Woodrock
I decided on the spur of the moment that fostering a dog would be a good idea. I didn’t have any particular dog in mind – just that it shouldn’t be a small dog but something more in the line of a German Shepherd.
I’d heard about Woodrock Animal Rescue via the grapevine and seen them on Facebook; once my decision was made, I phoned Woodrock’s founder, Estelle Meldau, to find out if this was an option. Assuring me that it was, she invited me to come over, spend some time, and have a look.
So, on Saturday the 27th of April, my friends and I decided that after a morning function we would go and visit Woodrock to play with the animals and have a personal “look-and-see”.
What an interesting visit and pleasant surprise! Woodrock sports the most beautiful kennels and lovely people.
Not the prettiest dog
I landed up in the puppy pen after a while and in came this Labrador-mix dog with sparse, dark-coloured fur and amber eyes. Whilst not the prettiest dog around, the puppies clearly adored her and she, gracefully allowing them to play with her, exuded a sense of calm and love; she displayed not an ounce of aggression. I’d read about her on the Facebook page but never expected to meet her in person.
Estelle asked me if I would be interested in Dearie. She explained to me that Dearie had mange but that it was under control and she was recovering.
I was a little apprehensive at first as Dearie seemed to be hesitant in making eye contact; she appeared to be avoiding me at first. I nevertheless decided to take her for a brief walk and somehow that simply clinched the deal.
A life of calm and happiness
My little Dachshunds were initially a bit wary of the newcomer as they weren’t used to big dogs, but Paris quickly showed Dearie the ropes (e.g. not to step on her and to check the blankets for a dog before lying down). Now she dances over them.
They welcomed her into the family and showed her the ins and outs of being both naughty and nice. It was such a joy to see this cheerful dog speeding around the house, playing with her new friends. She took out the roses she didn’t like, ate the shoes she hated and redecorated my garden. All very much-needed activities – maybe as much for me as for her!
She loves my couch, the sun, running around and playing all day. Since joining the family, we did the SPCA Wag-a-walk with her little friend Sammie, she went to TTouch™ classes at Woodrock, and she has been an all-round trooper.
Sandy (Dearie) has filled my life with calm, joy and happiness. She’s been healing me with her joyful spirit. I believe that God will send you the dog that you need most at that time, and that to me was Sandy. I am very blessed…
