Christmas Miracle for Special Dogs of Emigrating Family

One of the most heartbreaking aspects of moving to another country is the decision on whether to take your pets with you or not. When a couple in South Africa realised that their beloved blind Rottweiler cross, Misty, may not cope with the New Zealand quarantine requirements, they turned to facebook group Paws R Us to find a new family for Misty and her labrador ‘buddy’ Stalker. The two-month search for the perfect new home for the special dogs captured the hearts of people all over the country. This weekend that story finally had a happy ending…

On Sunday Paws R Us wrote on their facebook page: “It has been a massive team effort over the last 2 months – particularly here on Facebook – and we have been pushing hard to find them a Christmas miracle.”

Paws R Us said “the bond between these two dogs was clear right from the start – we did not want to separate them under any circumstances.”

Finally two weeks ago, they were contacted by Marilyn and Bruce, a couple who live on a smallholding in the Magalies area. At first Paws R Us were hesitant, worried that the couple’s existing pack of dogs (all 12 of them!) would be too overwhelming for Misty.

However, as time ran out, they realised they would need to take Marilyn and Bruce up on their generous offer.

On Saturday they drove to the smallholding and described the wonderful meeting between Misty and Stalker and the couple’s other dogs. It turns out that all the dogs are rescues, all are older and all have their own stories of “hard times and magic”.

Paws R Us said “they embraced Misty and Stalker relatively easily after a good sniff.

“Misty blew us away as she moved across a completely new area where she could not see a thing – she lifted both her front paws as she walked, almost in a trot-like motion – picking out the steps from the level areas. She would walk into walls and fencing, and promptly turn and continue her exploring. Never once, did she look like anything other than the confident and fearless spirit that she is.”

Marilyn and Bruce have apparently created a separate space for Misty and Stalker where they can escape and have ‘alone’ time.

Paws R Us reported that Stalker was the “true big brother” – protectively circling Misty and making sure she was okay.

“By the time we left the home yesterday, we knew that Misty and Stalker were with special humans who had already outdone themselves…” wrote Paws R Us. “Marilyn has done homework on Google on how to care for a blind dog.”

The dogs’ original family stayed for the full two hours, supporting both dogs as they started the process of merging with a new family.

“And in the end, it was a very tearful farewell as they said goodbye to their two furry kids,” said Paws R Us.

Knowing that many South Africans moving abroad face criticism when leaving their pets behind, Paws R Us stressed that – like many – this family did their homework, assessed the situation and made what they believe is the best decision for their dogs, and contacted a rescue organisation at least two to three months in advance so that a proper networking campaign could be implemented.

Paws R Us said: “We know that the rescue network is frustrated and fatigued when it comes to the sheer number of emigration cases coming through…However, not every case can be judged and generalised in the same way – there are always unique variables.”

The new owners and original family plan to stay in touch to ensure that the two special dogs adapt well to their new home.

Paws R Us thanked all those who shared their posts, offered foster care or offered to pay for kennelling.

“You have opened your hearts and again confirmed that not all humans are the same,” said Paws R Us.

The non-profit group ended their message by saying: “MISTY and STALKER – all we can say is that you have truly humbled us by your beautiful spirits and your bravery. We learnt a LOT from both of you yesterday” and added that “the magic of the Spirit of Christmas is alive and well!”

Paws R Us (SA) focuses on educating society about animal care, whilst also doing animal rescue, networking and re-homing.

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Paws R Us (SA):
https://www.facebook.com/PawsRUS.SA/