Animal whisperer brings hope
Her passion for helping animals grew to such an extent that she had nursed even the strangest combination of animals back to health.
Whether it has gills, feathers, claws, fur, hooves or even quills, a local 67-year-old animal lover can heal them all. Even though she now has to give up her greatest love in life due to external factors, she fondly told the News more about her journey as an animal whisperer.
Since she was only five years old, resident Frieda Barrable enjoyed taking in injured animals and nursing them back to health. Her passion for helping animals grew to such an extent that she had nursed a small pony, wild buck, a pig, an impala, turtles, a porcupine and a few bearded dragons back to health.
Over the years Frieda’s back yard has become like a small farm for all her animal children.
“I have always helped where I could. People used to bring their ill or injured animals for me to nurse and take care of. Quite often I would care for these animals until they die,” she said.
Frieda even used to invite pre-schools to her home to educate them about animals. According to her it is of the utmost importance for children to know how to take care of animals and nurse them when they are not well – and especially, what not to do.
“Many people don’t realise that the world needs people like me – for the animals’ sake. I would’ve loved to continue helping the animals, but my health and other unfortunate factors don’t allow me to,” she explained.
Frieda currently has nine dogs, a 15-year-old turkey, a variety of bird species and an iguana, among a few other, living on her premises. She also told the News more about her latest addition to the family – a boerbul named Kita.
According to Frieda her sister found the skinny, cripple and aggressive female dog on the side of the road when she was on her way to Magaliesburg.
“My sister decided to take her in as she needed a guard dog. However, Kita refused to eat and remained aggressive. Even though the vet insisted on euthanising her, I refused as it wasn’t an option, so I adopted Kita instead,” she explained.
When Frieda still could not get the dog to eat, she took her to a vet once again where she was informed that Kita had cancer in her right hind leg. Even though her leg was subsequently amputated, she was not given very long to live.
It has been two months since undergoing the amputation and Kita is as healthy as ever. With this Frieda would like to bring across a message that there is always hope.
“It’s all about the animals. We don’t know what they’ve been through. And even though Kita only has a few months to live, I want to give her the best months of her life. I am also extremely grateful towards each person who made it possible for Kita to have a second chance in life,” she said.
She urged the community to care for their animals as if they were their children.
Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at krugersdorpnews@caxton.co.za or phone us on 011 955 1130.I
For free daily local news on the West Rand, also visit our sister websites:
Remember to visit our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages to let your voice be heard!
