Volunteer turns rescues into loving companions

For nearly four years, canine behaviourist Anne Calvert of Edenvale has volunteered her time and expertise to The Animal Guardians (TAG) in Rynfield.

The impact of her gentle nature and passion for dogs, especially rescues, can be felt throughout the organisation and has miraculously transformed hundreds of fearful canines into adoptable pets, ready to be rehomed with a loving family.

“I have always had a deep seeded love for dogs and decided to put my passion to good use by enrolling to study canine behaviour,” she said.

“Upon completion of my studies I did offer one-on-one consults for clients but my goal was to work with animal rescue centres. I wanted to make a difference in the lives of animals that were not given a chance.”

Volunteering at TAG three times a week, Anne uses her time to gain the trust of animals that are hand-shy due to abuse or neglect.

As the relationship grows she spends her time acquainting the animals with new sensations such as walking on a leash, socialising with other dogs, playing and receiving love.

“Gaining an animal’s trust is difficult and takes tons of patience,” said Anne.

“With new intakes, I may spend days sitting outside the kennel just so that the dog can get used to my presence while it cowers in the corner, scared, confused and traumatised.

“I will later enter the kennel and again just sit there, allowing the pup to come closer to me and guiding me on what it is comfortable with.”

With a smile brightening her face Anne continues by saying that once she has been able to gain a dog’s complete trust it is a special moment when a once broken dog shows their true personality.

“I love exploring with the dogs, discovering their unique personalities and identifying their individual as well as inbred characteristics,” she said.

“This allows me to better assist ‘adoptive’ families in finding a dog that will easily slot into their lifestyle, thus becoming a fully-fledged member of the family.”

When considering adopting a rescue animal, Anne says that families must be fully committed to making the animal part of their family.

“Dogs are sentient beings, successful animal-human relationships depends on humans, being willing and committed to building a life-long companionship with another specie,” she said.

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