Spreading cheer uniquely during lockdown

Being home for more than a month without normality has put a damper on people’s lives.

The lack of socialising can prove to be a dark place to venture alone, but pet dog Jock and Joleyne Love have reversed the down times and brought a smile to many locals’ faces.

The pair did all of this from the comfort of their Modderfontein home, using social media to post their daily activities and motivational messages with home props and creative captions.

However, Joleyne and Jock could not take all the glory.

“My mother wanted me to take a few more pictures of Jock to cheer her up a young disabled girl stuck in Italy with her dad away from her mom.

“I thought it would help a lot more people out there, but I had no idea it would be so much fun and have such a huge impact on the community.”

Jock was seen on the Greenstone Hill Community Facebook group for the first time on the first day of lockdown.

“Having Jock as the model was fun. We’ve had some good laughs and I got more and more excited to share the pictures as I went along.”

The community has since received the light-hearted pictures very well.

“I never dreamed everyone would enjoy Jock’s pictures so much. A large number of people have contacted me to say thank you.

“They told me how they now look forward to seeing his pictures every day and reading his motivational messages for the day. It has been outstanding,” said Joleyne.

She added that she just wanted to make people laugh and keep their spirits up.

“To be honest, it also helped me a lot. It gave me something to do and seeing just how much everyone enjoyed his pics kept me going and gave me motivation to keep the pictures coming.”

It could not have been easy to consistently post motivational messages and pictures throughout lockdown.

Joleyne spoke about how she did it successfully.

“When I set my mind to something I am very determined to get it done.

“I never give up on a project and my mind is very busy; it never rests.”

The pair also tried to highlight in a few of their messages how residents can adopt and support animal shelters in need.

Jock, on the other hand, looked like a professional model in all of the shoots.

He is not new to the limelight.

The eight-year-old pet was a local favourite even before lockdown.

“Before lockdown on his daily walks he always had to stop in the park to get love and pats from all the children and nannies, and he is now a firm favourite.”.

At home, Joleyne said he is an epic bully who makes the family laugh daily.

“But most of all, he just has endless love to give. We are truly blessed to have him.”

Joleyne attested he keeps the family on their toes daily.

“He just loves to be in everything and doing everything with us, even if it is playing with the mop, vacuum cleaner or feather duster. In his eyes life is a big game.”

Joleyne grew up on a farm and was a true horse girl.

“I have always had a passion for all animals and anything animal-related.

She competed professionally for many years with her horses and taught horse riding at a riding school for disabled children.

“I am pro-adoption and I support animal charities whenever I can.”

This is why she would love to find work in the animal industry as she is currently not working.

In future, the pair has no set plans, but they love being able to walk again and, of course, Jock is more popular now.

Jock is a huge supporter of Adora-Bull Terrier Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre and he always promotes the amazing work they do.

“We want people to realise how amazing the breed is; they are so misunderstood,” said Jock’s owner.

Joleyne’s message to the community regarding the pandemic was to be thankful for what you have every day.

“Things are tough; people and animals are suffering worse than we can be imagined. So cherish your loved ones, remember the ones who have their wings, pets included, help where you can and don’t forget to thank the people working in the shops.”