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All dogs who rescue
humans, or visit them as Therapy Dogs...
"I
rescued a human today
Her eyes met mine as she walked down the corridor peering apprehensively
into the kennels. I felt her need instantly, and knew I had to help her. I
wagged my tail, not too exuberantly, so she wouldn't be afraid.
As she stopped at my kennel I blocked her view from a little accident I
had in the back of my cage. I didn't want her to know that I hadn't been
walked today. Sometimes the shelter keepers get too busy, and I didn't
want her to think poorly of them.
As she read my kennel card I hoped that she wouldn't feel sad about my
past. I only have the future to look forward to, and want to make a
difference in someone's life.
She got down on her knees and made little kissy sounds at me. I shoved my
shoulder and side of my head up against the bars to comfort her. Gentle
fingertips caressed my neck; she was desperate for companionship.
A tear fell down her cheek and I raised my paw to assure her that all
would be well. Soon my kennel door opened and her smile was so bright that
I instantly jumped into her arms. I would promise to keep her safe. I
would promise to always be by her side. I would promise to do everything I
could to see that radiant smile and sparkle in her eyes.
I was so fortunate that she came down my corridor. So many more are out
there who haven't walked the corridors: so many more to be saved. At least
I could save one.
I rescued a human today".
(Author Unknown)
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Hettie Labuschagne
Hettie joined
our team in July 2009. She was very committed to the programme from the
beginning, and soon became a valued member of the TOP Dogs family.
She enjoyed all types of
visits, and worked with various dogs.
Unfortunately, all too soon she became very ill, but her suffering ceased
on 14th December 2009.
We miss you
Hettie.
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Finzie
Finzie
was a founder member of TOP Dogs in July 2008, but had already been a
qualified Therapy dog for several years.
She
enjoyed visits to young and old alike, but was rather fussy about the type
of treats she accepted.
Finzie is now 11 so has decided to give her younger sister the chance to
follow in her footsteps.
Finzie, thank you for all the smiles you have spread as a TOP Dog.
Sadly Finzie’s days of retirement were short
and she has now crossed the Rainbow Bridge. Rest in peace Finzie. |
Mowgli
Mowgli was a founder member of TOP Dogs in July 2008,
but had already been a qualified Therapy Dog for several years.
The children
especially loved him, but he was just as happy visiting young and old
alike.
Mowgli was
very special as he ‘trained’ many inexperienced handlers, and was very
patient with them.
He crossed
the rainbow bridge on 13th January 2010, after a short illness,
and leaves a big gap in the TOP Dogs family.
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Alfie
Alfie has greatly enjoyed his days as a therapy pug but with his
increasing health problems he has had to retire (very reluctantly on
his part! He still gets so excited when he sees the lead and
jacket coming out for his sister and now his niece!).
Thank you Alfie for all the smiles and laughter you have given
others with your special kindly ways, you are a very huggable pug!
Sadly Alfie crossed the rainbow bridge
on 29.07.2011.
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April
April has been enjoying her therapy work
for over 5 years and is now ready to take it easy, retire, and let
her daughter Poppet continue in her place! Enjoy your retirement
April!
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Jade
Sadly Jade crossed the rainbow bridge
on 10.04.2011.
Despite having the very painful
condition, Syringomyelia, she qualified as a Therapy dog on 26th
October 2008, and brought smiles to many faces, when her condition
would allow. Due to this condition she couldn't wear a collar or
harness, so she had her own carry bag.
When she saw animals on TV she would
bark at them, and she just loved being outside chasing dragonflies
and butterflies.
Your suffering is now over Jade.
Thank you for all the smiles you spread with us. |
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Lady
Lady was one of the first dogs to
qualify in Benoni and has been working as a Therapy Dog for the last
7 years. She has guided many new handlers in taking their
first steps in our organisation and has certainly spread many smiles
while wearing her blue jacket. The time has now come for her
to enjoy some peace and quiet in her retirement, although I am
certain that for some time to come she will be ready to go on a
visit when she sees her sisters getting ready. A truly
remarkable friend and companion... Lady by name and Lady by
nature... "practically perfect in every way."
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Charlie
Charlie has had to
retire from his therapy work due to ill health - we do miss Jessie and
Charlie in the team and really hope they will be able to join in Top Dogs
work again in the not too distant future. Get well soon Charlie! |
Janet
We pay tribute to Janet
Kerr, who joined TOP Dogs at a very sad time in her life, but instead of
thinking of her own grief, she put the need of others before her own and
joined our Therapy Dog team.
Her own dog wouldn’t have
enjoyed the work, so she handled Danny Boy on a regular basis, which was
good for him too, as he visited regularly, instead of having to stay home
and take turns with his sisters.
Janet was always willing
and reliable, and it was our great loss when she decided to leave South
Africa and make her life in England.
We thank you Janet for the
wonderful work you did with TOP Dogs, and we’re pleased to hear you’ve
settled into your new life in England.
Danny Boy particularly
misses you, as he doesn’t get to visit as often as he used to, which also
means less treats!!!
Good luck in your new life
and we hope you’ll visit us again soon. |
