Hi Everyone
I hope you’re all well. Things on my side are fantastic. I couldn’t be happier.
To think that it’s only been a year and a half since I arrived at TEARS from Lavender Hill with a severe case of Sarcoptic Mange. Who would have thought that I could have transformed into such a sophisticated couch connoisseur and flip-flop inspector?
It’s been two months since I chose Ryan and Maaike as my forever family and I’m happy to report that everything is going exceptionally well. They’ve adapted beautifully to life with a doggo in Mouille Point.
My hunch that these two were good humans was spot on, and I’m not just talking about their prime location. Although let’s be honest, living close to a dog park and the beach, I mean that’s every pup’s dream, right!
It gets better though. Ryan and Maaike also have plenty of time to come on beach and mountain adventures with me. (Considering how busy most humans are nowadays, that’s huge!) They also have a super comfy couch that they’re more than happy to share. Hello afternoon naps.
I’ve taken to snoring with abandon during said naps to let them know they’re doing a good job. Can’t have them worrying about that can I? It’s clear that they received some excellent training, but I’ve implemented a structured regime nonetheless.
I heard somewhere that humans thrive on routine and I can definitely attest to this. The pair are quite literally coming along in leaps and bounds. You should see them on the mountain trails—it’s something else!
I’ve included some of the things I do with them in case you want to share them with all my soon-to-be-adopted pals back at TEARS.
- Daily socialization with other dog humans at the park (helps build their confidence)
- Weekend exercise routines on the beach and mountain (keeps them active)
- Testing their attention to personal belongings (the left flip-flop challenge)
- Proper coat smoothing techniques (they’re becoming quite proficient)
Between them, I’d say Maaike has shown the most promise and has thus been promoted to “favourite human” status. Ryan is coming along nicely too, but he needs work on his flip-flop protection protocols. I’m sure he’ll catch on before long. He has great potential; we just need to work on his attachment issues.
Thanks to everyone at TEARS Animal Rescue for giving me the tools to make a success of life with humans. Taking care of them is no small feat but seeing how happy they are makes it all worthwhile. I’m so proud of their progress and delighted to have them as my forever family.
Last but definitely not least, a special bark-out to Hill’s Pet Nutrition for the amazing food that helped me recover and get healthy enough to live my best life. Their nutrient-dense yumminess made all the difference on my road to recovery.
Now it’s my turn to be in the nurturing seat.
Sending love, wags and wet kisses,
Murphy (Chief Human Trainer and Couch Inspector)
P.S. If any of my shelter friends are reading this, don’t worry about finding the perfect humans. When the right ones come along, you’ll know. If they have kind eyes and a soft touch, that’s all you need. Everything else you can train!
The TEARS adoption process includes three simple steps: completing the online Adoption Application; visiting TEARS to meet-your-match (or matches), and completing a home check so you become the official pet parent to your new four-(or even three-) legged best friend!
For those who cannot adopt, financial donations or donating pre-loved items to the TEARS Thrift Shops helps fund the costs in keeping the TEARS Veterinary Hospital and Mobile Clinics, kennels and cattery open and running!
Those who are interested in donating to TEARS can click here or do so via the TEARS bank account:
Acc Name: TEARS
Bank: Standard Bank Blue Route
Current Bank Account: 072 062 886 / Branch No: 051001
Financial donations to TEARS are tax deductible, with donors receiving a Section 18A tax certificate.
TEARS website: www.tears.org.za
TEARS Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/TEARSAnimalRescue/
TEARS Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/tearsanimalrescue/?hl=en.
ABOUT TEARS ANIMAL RESCUE:
TEARS is a pro-life, non-profit organisation established in 1999 (registered in terms of Section 18A of the Income Tax Act) whose core aim is to rescue, treat, rehabilitate, reunite, and rehome lost, abandoned, abused, and neglected companion animals and to educate pet owners and the youth living in the four under-resourced communities within which we operate.
We strive to meet the needs of the under-resourced communities in the Southern Peninsula by providing:
- free sterilisations and subsidised medical support that includes vaccinations, deworming, and parasite control
- access to two TEARS mobile clinics that offer primary healthcare and pet care support.
- Access to the TEARS Veterinary Clinic, offering veterinary care for vulnerable pets for almost any condition, illness, or injury at a welfare rate.
TEARS remains the only facility in the Cape Peninsula’s far South available seven days per week, including an after-hours mobile clinic service from 4.30pm to 7pm with limited veterinary care. TEARS treat the hundreds of animals who need treatment each month for various conditions, illnesses, and injuries.
Our experience enables us to manage the population control of companion animals in these areas, based on available funding, and to reduce the spread of zoonoses as a means of supporting community health and complying to the WHO’s One Health approach to the animal-human interface.
We are partnered with community-based NGOs and community leaders to support vulnerable pets and pet owners living in the four core communities we are mandated to serve. Our Programmes aim to bring about systemic change through strategic interventions based on community involvement and support. Implementing effective animal welfare solutions in high-density and low-income communities has been proven to positively impact human welfare by delivering health, environmental, economic, educational, and social benefits.