09 Mar
09Mar

Rare Gold

Finding a perfect home is akin to unearthing gold. 

It’s rare. 

Most people don’t believe that perfect homes exist and those that did, now believe that times have changed and that there aren’t enough homes to go around. 

Whilst the landscape has most definitely changed, when it comes to finding perfect homes, my experience is that if you are willing, God is willing. 

It’s simply a question of changing with the times, never losing hope, walking in faith and taking the necessary inspired action.  


Peace In The Heart

Let’s begin with the ending in mind. 

A perfect home fulfils many criteria, but ultimately, it begins and ends with peace in the heart. 

Following a detailed assessment, peace in the heart is an inner knowing that the placement is right. 

When a placement gives you anxiety, it’s not right. 

In stark contrast, a perfect placement feels good, brings joy and warms the heart.  


Part of The Family

Companion animals are part of the family, they live in the home and are a treasured addition whose needs are carefully considered and catered to. 

Real animal lovers are a very particular type, they truly love animals and this shows in the care that they unwaveringly provide. 

Their animals are their children and they grace them with a life of comfort, happiness and love, and are always there in any eventuality. 

As a cherished family member, they cook for them, provide warmth in the form of snuggy blankets and nice beds or couches and some even allow them to sleep in or on their bed. 

Their presence is valued, cherished, respected and appreciated, they take their animals on holidays or get a house sitter and always make sure they have the necessary company, safety and companionship. 


Breed Specific or Special Needs Experience

When it comes to certain breeds, such as power breeds, it is critical that the person wanting to adopt has the necessary strength, power and experience. 

Strong dogs need strong owners and a failure to get this match right can result in massive problems where both they, other animals and people can get very badly hurt, or even killed. 

Power breeds are high energy dogs and need serious walks, runs and play to burn off their excess energy in a safe way, with someone who can take control if necessary. 

Any dog with special needs, such as aggression or disability needs to be provided for accordingly, with someone who has the necessary skill, power and ability. 

This requires a deeper level of assessment with the very specific needs understood, prioritised and ensured, with no risks taken when it comes to safety.  


Stability & Security

A perfect home is a stable home, ideally where there is always someone around or where the animals aren’t left alone for long periods of time. 

A stable home is a sound, suitable and calm environment with no heavy drinking, drugs or violence and animals are protected from anything that would negatively impact them.

Their safety is paramount, they are not left outside when no-one is home, where they are at risk of being stolen or poisoned, and the Trusted Guardian is aware of such risks and doesn’t take them. 

Stability and security must not be underestimated as in the event that a dog is stolen or lured away, this often leads to being used as bait in a fighting ring or as a fighting dog, both of which results in extreme violence, terror and abuse. 

Appropriate measures must be taken to ensure this outcome, together with poisoning, never happens, and the area that people live in is critical to eliminating these risks.  


There In Times of Need

It is essential that the person who wants to adopt is able to financially afford any and all situations that may arise, or at the very least, be willing or able to raise the necessary funds or make a plan. 

If they have pet insurance, there may be times when things are not covered, and vet bills can stretch into the tens of thousands very quickly and easily. 

Vet care must never be with-held because of a lack of funds and euthanising an animal is unacceptable and actually illegal, for this reason. 

A Trusted Guardian will do whatever it takes to save the life of their companion animal and this is a big part of what makes a perfect home. 

They don’t think twice about moving house or emigrating with them and will do whatever it takes to get them to safety and secure their next perfect home if this is not possible for reasons beyond their control.  


A Line of Communication

I rescue dogs from extreme circumstances where their life was at risk from being euthanised or where they previously endured abuse and neglect. 

As such, they deserve only the best and must never be allowed to find themselves in such situations ever again. 

I provide all of my rescues with a lifetime guarantee, to be there for them for the rest of my life, for the rest of their life, in any eventuality. 

This includes providing information regarding specialist vet care, taking them back should this ever be required and helping to raise money or even providing it myself, for anything they need. 

It is paramount that a line of communication remains open in order to enable me to be an additional Trusted Guardian in times of need, which is critical for both me, and them.  


The Best Life Has To Offer

Rescuing an animal and being responsible for their care is a huge responsibility with very lofty consequences if you get it wrong. 

Mistakes result in deep regret, serious injury or death and this is why a detailed assessment, specific criteria and a home check is essential in determining the perfect placement. 

Even when everything has been checked, it still may not feel right, and this gut feel must be trusted and relied upon when making a final decision, as once made, it is almost impossible to over-turn. 

Something happens once someone sets their heart on a dog, the new caregiver becomes a mama tiger and won’t let go, and this is why it’s critical that everything is 100% perfect. 

Peace in the heart is the only criteria that ensures this and bearing in mind that we hold the lives of these beautiful souls in our hands, our sole mandate is to ensure that they have the best that life has to offer.


Ways To Connect

Thank you for reading, I hope you enjoyed this blog and found points of reference should you be involved in animal rescue and re-homing.

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If you would like to donate, you can message me via my Facebook page or WhatsApp +27 084 287 5050 where I will update you on the various initiatives we have and where to donate.

Thank you in anticipation for your support, we can only do what we do with your help, and it is a privilege and an honour to be able to serve in this way.

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