Animal behaviorist, dog trainer

BREED : LANGAWEILER
(Mostly Rottweiller, rescued in Langa)
BORN : 1st September 2006
Max was rescued by Johnny Sulu at the age of 6 weeks. Youths were using him as a football on Langa station. Before he could be kicked in front of an oncoming train, Johnny grabbed him, put him in his anorak, which he zipped up firmly, jumped on the train, and brought him to our factory in Elsies River. Johnny has worked with me as our driver for 18 years and has rescued many dogs and cats, but Max has been the one that has changed our lives the most. Max adores Johnny, and I am sure that he understood Johnny’s words as he handed him to me - “Please give this dog a better life.” From day one Max worked his way into our hearts. At first he was bullied by his two “sisters” Sally and Dolly, as well as Lucy the cat, but two years down the line, he has worked his way up to top dog ! Max loves swimming and has an incredible boisterous enthusiasm for life. He has been my best personal trainer, helping me to lose 12kgs in weight, by insisting on regular walks, hikes, swims or anything physical!

Submitted by Jacki

After making the decision to adopt a rescue-dog we visited the various animal shelters & found Pippa at the Animal Anti-Cruelty League. We were told that our precious little puppy had been born on 4 July 2007; her mother was a stray whose puppies had been taken to the shelter when they were weaned. She was eight weeks old, somewhat malnourished & dirty but with much love to give. She is a crossbreed but we call her a “miniature pavement Labrador”.

Pippa is just over a year old now but still thinks she is a puppy. She loves playing with her toys, especially her rugby ball - much to the delight of her dad! Pippa goes everywhere with me that I may take her & as a result has many friends, human & canine, one of her favourites being Sophie whom she met at Sun Valley Dog Training. Pippa’s housemates are two cats. She loves to play with Thai-San & him with her (if he’s in the mood to lower himself to “dog” level), but Mitty stands for no nonsense & quickly puts her in her place. Pippa recently passed her Canine Good Citizen Test & we plan to continue with her training. A dog with good manners is a pleasure to have around & Pippa is no exception. She has brought us so much joy & we love her dearly.

Submitted by Catherine

This is Jinxy Doodlebug (called “Jinx” for short), approximately three years old, she was about to be put to sleep at a local vets as her previous owner no longer wanted her. Now she is a very special member of the family having wormed her way into my heart. She does obedience training every Saturday morning and does every exercise with enthusiasm much to the delight of the other owners watching.

Her very favourite things are agility and jumping and she has won two rosettes at her first two shows for jumping. When not working hard at training, she likes nothing better than a walk in the forest and laying down in the muddiest puddle she can find! She also loves getting new toys, but they must squeak and be furry or else she is not interested.

Submitted by A-J

This is Trafford, he is about 6 years old. His full regal title is “Lord Trafford of Fish Hoek” as that is his manner. He was about six months old when I got him from TEARS and has proved that a former street dog can become an obedience champion, having won about 12 rosettes in various competitions over the years. He is a very special dog, who is very attached to me.

His favourite pastime is sleeping, and he will often arrive at Saturday morning lessons still asleep! He thinks he is in charge of the whole club and sometimes puts new dogs in their place. He would like to be a lap dog, and often tries to sit on my lap whilst I am watching TV. He sleeps on the pillow next to me and is never found far from my side. He enjoys walking in the forest at the weekend, keeping the squirrels fit.

Submitted by A-J

This is Saxon who is now six years old. I went to TEARS to get a dog, and came home with two (Saxon and Trafford). Saxon was a ten week old puppy when I got him and proved to be an obedient dog, passing his Canine Good Citizen exam at one year old. He attends training every Saturday morning and although he does not partake in the lessons any more he can do all the exercises (just in his own time and ONLY for food). He enjoys attending the lessons, sitting in front of every other owner to get a treat and greeting all the other dogs.

His favourite things are food, walkies, chasing squirrels, food and treats. He is a serious guard dog, patrolling the garden every morning and evening to protect his home. I have a very soft spot for “my big guy”, I’m just glad I bought a large bed as he takes up most of it every night.

Submitted by A-J