A day in the life of an SPCA rescue dog
From a life of neglect to a snuggly warm home, Blue has found a loving family in Marlands.
After responding to a call placed by a Rondebult resident alleging animal cruelty involving pit bulls in the area, the Germiston SPCA sent an inspector to investigate these claims last month.
Upon arriving at a house in the area for an inspection, the SPCA’s inspector, Taryn Bannister, found a female pit bull being kept in a box situated on the side of the house, seemingly neglected.
“When we get calls of this nature, we visit the homes for an inspection where we check the shelter of the animals, food, water and condition of the animals,” said Jeremy Jeffrey, acting manager of the Germiston SPCA.
“We can see if the dogs have been fighting or used for fighting and we can detect any indications of abuse.
“In this case, she was not kept in a safe place.”
A few days following the visit, the owner surrendered the dog to the SPCA, who then put her up for adoption.
“While she stayed with us at the office, we named her Blue, because she has one blue eye,” said Jeremy.
“After a few days you could tell her temperament had changed. She just wanted to be loved and she was less feisty and more playful with everyone in the office.”
Carla Peach and her family from Marlands heard about Blue and had a keen interest.
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“I have quite a few pet groups on WhatsApp and Jeremy posted a picture of Blue after someone enquired about a pit bull puppy in the group on March 7,” said Carla.
“When I saw her picture, I just fell in love with that little face.”
The Peach family already has a 10-month-old pit bull named Levi and they desperately needed a friend for their busy pup.
“I enquired about adoption fees the next morning and begged my husband, Regardo, to agree on entering the adoption process with me. He also fell in love with her and agreed we should try our luck.
“I took my lunch that day to go to the SPCA to meet her and complete the paperwork.
“Jeremy was a star in organising the home-check and keeping me updated with our application,” she said.
A meet-and-greet was scheduled for Levi and Blue on March 9, and they got along famously.
“Levi was so excited and just wanted to play with her all day,” Carla recalled.
“She came home with us on that day and Levi sat next to her, like a big brother, all the way home.”
Blue had to make a transition from a bad environment to a warm, loving home, a transition which wasn’t easy apparently, but well worth it.
“Initially she was a bit nervous, she is quite a feisty little one, so she would bark every time someone would walk too fast or got too close, too quickly.
“And she seemed a bit fearful of Levi, who just wanted to play with her at all times.
“We actually had to separate them in the beginning because Levi had no end of playtime with her and she would get so annoyed with him,” said Carla.
According to Carla, Blue now roams around her new home freely and has changed into an obedient, loving little pup who loves snuggles.
“For that little body on her, she is such a feisty little one. My husband reckons me and her are very similar – tiny and feisty,” she joked.
The Peach family dynamics have changed since Blue has been home, and it’s been a delightful change.
“Levi is so much calmer since he has a friend to play with. At sleep time they are both exhausted,” said Carla.
ALSO READ: Support the Germiston SPCA and care for animals
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