Loudmouth, big heart
"I wish we could all donate towards rescues like Spaniel Rescue, so much so that when they identify animals in need, taking them in and giving them the necessary medical care and food is immediately possible."
One of Roodepoort’s favourite wrestlers, Donovan Blignaut, stage name ‘Loudmouth’, has opened his home to seven four-legged rescues, a Daschund, and her six pups.
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Donovan explained that although his alter-ego is known for his big mouth and ability to charm a crowd while handing out insults, he is the complete opposite. He trained at African Punishment Wrestling Association (APWA) at the Danie van Zyl Recreational Centre and wrestles for Champions Pro Wrestling and boasts the title of former Champion Pro Wrestling All Africa Champion.
I always say that my on-stage character, Loudmouth, and myself are worlds apart,” chuckled Donovan.
He described how Jenny Szmetana, Mandy Robinson’s sister from Spaniel Rescue SA in Poortview, and her daughter Ashley told him about Mandy’s rescue and the mom and puppies which required a temporary home until they could be adopted.
“I train Ashley at APWA, and that’s where I heard about these little guys,” added Donovan while checking on the six tiny fluffy beans in the dog bed across from him.
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Although this was his first time fostering any animals, Donovan eagerly mentioned that there hasn’t been a moment of doubt or regret.
“Next we have decided to hopefully open our home to foster some kittens,” added Donovan.
Fortunately for Mandy and Donovan, all seven of the rescues have possible homes waiting for them. “The mom and two of her puppies are staying with us,” stated Donovan.
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He mentioned that although they have only had the puppies for three weeks, in which they have gone from tiny 300-gram pups to over 1kg, it feels like they have always been there. His sister, Natalie, added that she is going to miss them in the house when they go off to their forever homes in two to three weeks.
Donovan took this opportunity to encourage those in the community who are thinking of adopting an animal from a rescue centre to donate to the rescue as a way to pay it forward.
“I wish we could all donate towards rescues like Spaniel Rescue, so much so that when they identify animals in need, taking them in and giving them the necessary medical care and food is immediately possible,” he explained.
“Opening your home to help foster a dog or cat until they find a forever home is such a small act of kindness that can mean the world to that animal and its future,” concluded Donovan.
If you or someone you know would like to foster, adopt or volunteer to help make life even a little bit better for animals in need, contact Mandy at 078 305 6922.
