After 16 years it was time to say goodbye to our dear friend Nala, she was part of our family and after the last stroke her quality of life was just not the same. We laid her to rest with all the other’s before her, at our family farm in Port Elizabeth.
I am an active member of the medical team with the Animal Anti Cruelty League in PE and am well aware of all the abandoned animals in need of homes. Busta our male Lab, that had known Nala all his life was devastated, depressed and lonely. I knew the quicker we found him a friend the better.
I went on to the South Africa Golden Retriever Rescue web site and found Patsy (now Rhani) and knew she was just what we were looking for. After the house inspection we got the all-clear.
Tamasine Smith from Leadchanges was given the job to train her and prepare her for her new home with us.
We were in contact all the time updating me on her progress and what a loving dog she was. Tamasine sent me a full report on Rhani’s journey since she had arrived at Leadchanges.
A few days before Rhani was due to arrive I got a very strange request from Tamasine asking me to overnight post a pair of socks that I had worn and she would put a pair of her socks in with Rhani when she travelled. After reading the rest of the email it all made sense, the socks were a way for her to get used to my smell.
Tamasine was always ready to help and answer all my questions and would often send me pictures of Rhani on her walks with the other dogs.
Rhani finally arrived Sat 3rd March with her bandana, leash, dvd, blanket, breakfast and of course let’s not forget the SOCKS. When the crate was opened she was so glad to see me and I received lots of kisses. She travelled well in the back of the bakkie on the way home.
We followed Tamasine’s advice and stopped about 1km away from the house and my son went to bring Busta our other lab. They both had a good sniff and that was that. I walked them both back to the house where she was introduced to all the cats (who were not so happy but are now all friends.) I think it took her all of 5 min to find the pool and the rest as they say is history.
Tamasine and I are still in contact and I update her on how things are going. She is always willing to give me advice on questions I need help with, as Rhani is still a young dog with lots of energy.
My deepest thanks to The South Africa Golden Retriever Rescue and Tamasine
Rhani is a blessing to our family and we can only hope that she has a long and happy life with us as did our old lady Nala.
She brings new energy and life to the house and is a real mommy’s girl.
Kind regards Louisa Hill and family