Raef and his daughter had previously adopted Dash from the Cape of Good Hope SPCA some time ago. Dash had since passed away, leaving his family devastated. Raef explained the last few months of Dash’s life in great detail, with more than a 1000 photos of Dash and their favourite memories, reducing even our toughest to tears. Replacing Dash would never be possible, but they had a huge gap in their lives and decided to visit the SPCA once more to see if they could adopt again.
Adopting Paul the Malinios
Paul had already been in the kennel for some time. He would normally spin in his kennel, an early sign of kennel stress, but on the day of their first visit gave Raef his paw through the kennel door. It was clear that there was an unexplained unique connection.
Raef and his family committed to adopting Paul and spent much needed time with our resident behaviourist, who had been working with Paul for over a year. She knew Paul’s likes and dislikes and could make sure Raef and his family were well prepared for the adoption and adjustment period.
Raef and his daughter had instantly fallen in love with darling Paul.
Pure Devotion
Paul the Malinios has never seen the inside of a house. The first night he was at his new home, Paul was petrified and completely overwhelmed. It was a cold and rainy night, and he refused to come inside. Raef spent the night sitting next to Paul in the pouring rain to make him feel secure. True dedication does not begin to describe Raef’s devotion to the unsure newcomer. Over the next few weeks, Paul settled in and bonded with his new family.
Returning to SPCA for a friend.
Raef again reached out to the SPCA saying he thinks he was ready to get Paul a friend, so he brought Paul with to visit the SPCA to find a friend. Stunned at the transformation, SPCA staff witnessed a completely different dog from when he first came into our care! He is confident, playful and so clearly loved! As Raef is an experienced owner, he wanted to come in to view Naomi, also a Malinios from the same confiscation.
As confident and chested as Paul was now, it didn’t take him much effort to impress Naomi and the two hit it off immediately.
In loving memory
We remember sweet Dash, who helped both Paul and Naomi find their happy homes. If he had not been such a wonderful dog, his family may not have returned to the SPCA to adopt Paul and Naomi.
