IOL Pets Issue 2

PETS

Issue 2 October 2020

Issue 4 | October 2020

Adopt, don’t shop

INSIDE #Adopt, don’t shop Brotherly love Making the right choices Settling into a fur-ever home Puppy love A passion for pets Rags to riches Famous furry influencers

CONTACT US PUBLISHER Vasantha Angamuthu vasantha@africannewsagency.com PETS EDITOR Nelandri Narianan nelandri.narianan@inl.co.za EXECUTIVE EDITOR: LIFESTYLE Nelandri Narianan nelandri.narianan@inl.co.za DESIGN Tanya Fynn tanya.fynn@inl.co.za PRODUCTION Renata Ford renata.ford@inl.co.za BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT Keshni Odayan keshni.odayan@inl.co.za SALES Charl Reineke charl.reineke@inl.co.za Kyle Villet kyle.villet@africannewsagency.com GENERAL ENQUIRIES info@anapublishing.com

EDITOR’S NOTE

HEROES FOR ANIMALS https://jhbspca.co.za/ http://www.spcadbn.org.za/ https://capespca.co.za/ JOHANNESBURG https://www. kittypuppyhaven.org.za/ https://tears.org.za/ http://animalallies.co.za/ http://4ourpaws.org.za/ http://www.huskyrescue.org.za/ https://www. anewhopedogrescue.com/ https://www.sarac.co.za/ https://tranquilityrc.co.za/ https://www.aacl.co.za/ https://woodrockanimalrescue. co.za/ https://barkingmad.co.za/ https://nspca.co.za/find-yourspca/ https://www.wetnose.co.za/ https://dog.rescueme.org/za https://www.adoptapet.co.za/

By clicking on any of these links

DURBAN https://stray-paws.business.site/ https://mazaratanimalrescue.webs.com/ https://montclair-animal-hospital.business.site/ https://www.huskyrescuekzn.com/ https://www.friendsofthedog.co.za/ http://darg.org.za/ https://tears.org.za/ https://www.four-paws.org.za/ http://pugrescue.co.za/ https://www.adoptapet.co.za/ https://www.safehavenanimalrescue.org/ WESTERN CAPE https://www.pawsofcapetown.com/ https://www.kittenscapetown.co.za/ https://tears.org.za/ https://www.fallenangels.org.za/ http://darg.org.za/ http://uitsig.org.za/ https://oscarsarc.org/ https://dassenbergrescue.org/ http://townshipanimalrescue.co.za/ https://www.hartteamsa.com/ https://www.animalrescue.org.za/ https://www.change4thebetter.org/ https://megsmutts.co.za/

COMPILING the list of adoption shelters on this page reduced me to tears. I could not help scrolling through every site, looking at the forlorn faces of animals in cages … their eyes all seemed to say the same thing.

If I could, I would adopt them all …

The theme of this month’s Pets magazine is “Adopt, don’t shop”, an adage that has become a clarion call in the past decade as shelters burgeon with rescues and SPCA centres around the country sound out daily pleas for animals waiting for their “forever homes”.

Their fate, without rescue, is often death.

As I looked at yet another pair of sad eyes staring back at me on a shelter site, the sweet purr of my darling Katarina jolted me.

Feed me now, was the clear message.

I was a dog person until a little grey kitten with black stripes and the cutest white feet, that created the illusion of socks, walked into my life. Appearing out of nowhere, she took up residence in the back garden, and then, rather cheekily, moved into a playhouse we’d set up for our cocker spaniel, Toby (he never bothered with it anyway).

Quickly realising that this kitten was planning on staying, I dashed out to buy cat food. She was nervous about contact at first, as was I, but we developed a bond that grew steadily over the months.

Then came the feeding bowls and blankets and cat treats … and a year later, Katarina is part of the family.

She is a purry little madam who loves being stroked and having her tummy tickled. The mischievous twinkle in her stunning green eyes as she lazily stretches out to show off her sock toes, and the special purr that follows, makes me realise that this is an animal who knows she’s found a home.

The magic that pets add to our lives cannot be fully explained or comprehended. Indian author Ruchi Parbu came close, saying: “Pets understand humans better than humans do.”

When considering getting a pet, how ethical is it to buy from breeders when there are so many animals waiting for homes at shelters and rescue centres?

It is even possible to find a specific breed of dog, with the right amount of looking – if that is your preference.

The IOL Pets team implores you to open your hearts to fur babies around the country looking for forever homes. Saving a life would be a pawfect way to end 2020.

Nelandri

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Saving a life With shelters having to compete with pet shops, they encounter a struggle to keep up with the demands of caring for the ever growing number of animals in their kennels. By adopting, you essentially have the chance to save a life if they are from a “kill shelter” and there is nothing more rewarding.

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Gain a loving companion From morning cuddles to always having someone to greet you when you return home, when you adopt a pet, especially an adult dog/cat, you are giving them a second chance at happiness and they make the most loyal of companions.

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Doing the charitable thing When you adopt from a shelter, you are helping a ‘not-for-profit’ organisation and also everyone who meets your adorable pet will then think about adopting too.

This will change the outlook of people who think that the only way to get a pet is through buying one from a shop.

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Help overpopulation Shelters ensure adopted animals are sterilised: this aids in putting an end to so much suffering due to unwanted pet overpopulation, which is a huge problem worldwide.

#ADOPT DON’T SHOP

There are so many reasons to adopt a pet into your family, but here are just 12 we hope will help convince you SACH A VAN N IEKERK

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Taking pressure off of animal shelters Many shelters run on the donations made by the public and the services of volunteers.

By adopting an animal, you are helping the shelter to free up room and resources for another animal in need, resulting in fewer miserable stray animals wandering the streets.

Fighting against over breeding and puppy mills Breeders are often not registered and do not follow the regulations set in place for breeding dogs or cats in a humane manner. This can then lead to overbreeding, which in turn results in behavioural as well as inherited health conditions that can be painful and deadly to the animals.

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Less expensive When you adopt a purebred pet from a shop, you will pay a much higher price for your new pet compared to adoption fees. Additionally, there is a hidden cost to adopting a thoroughbred. Quick breeding results in these animals being more susceptible to genetic diseases which can be harmful for the animal and expensive to treat. Mutts, on the other hand, come from a very diverse gene pool and are therefore less likely to get sick in later years or suffer from any diseases.

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Learn valuable lessons about life From washing, brushing, feeding and caring for them, when you become a pet parent, you learn a myriad valuable lessons about caring for a life other than your own. This can be a great characterbuilding experience for children.

Good for exercise When you adopt a pet, you are helping to improve not only their quality of life, but your own. From getting in a little more exercise than before with all those games of fetch, and regular walks in the park for some fresh air, you’ll thank them

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when you go down a pants size.

Sensory stress relief Stroking their soft fur, having them sit on your lap and simply just enjoying their company – pets are sensitive and respond well to body language and other cues. A wagging tail and a loving purr can immediately brighten a dull day, help cheer up and calm you.

Your home will thank you A lot of the pets from shelters and rescues are already house-trained, this means you may be saving your rug from a puddle of pee (and you pocket from the cleaning fees).

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Since they are used to the company of other animals and people (which not all privately bought pets are), it often means introducing them to your family will be much easier and less stressful.

Make new friends Pets are an absolute magnet for meeting new people. Whether it’s making friends at a training school, or someone passes by and stops to pet your new pooch and strikes up a conversation over their breed, having a pet opens up many opportunities to meet a whole new community of animal lovers.

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MY TAILS OF LOVE

Sacha and Ferdie

Labs Jessie and Ferdie taught me the meaning of unconditional affection SAC H A VA N N IE KERK

Jessie and Ferdie

AS AN eight-year-old, I was oblivious to the discussions and planning that led up to the day my dad pulled into our driveway with a Labrador in the back of his baby blue VW Kombi.

Almost half my height, the 10 or 11-month-old dog came with the name Jessie, bestowed upon her by her previous owners who’d abandoned her and her brother at the SPCA. Looking into Jessie’s gentle eyes, I learnt the reason behind her and her brother Ferdie’s disownment was because of their loud barks.

Not wanting to separate the siblings, we decided to adopt both.

However, Ferdie was only able join our family a few weeks later.

Jessie had a pink nose, golden fur and the most striking features.

In awe, I secretly decided she would be my dog, ignoring the fact that I had three eager sisters to share her with. The first week wasn’t easy. Jessie had to sleep on a blanket with newspaper around her as kennel cough made her weak and reluctant to eat.

But after a week of hiding her medicine in cubes of cheese and staying up late to check on her, she began to perk up. Nipping at our ankles as we ran through the garden, she would slobber all over our faces if we got to eye level. And when Ferdie arrived, we enjoyed seeing their personalities evolve and their friendship shape into something so special.

Always one to chase after birds, greet everyone by leaping up on

them and resting her paws on their chest and stealing meat off the braai, Jessie was the wild one.

And, following in her shadow, Ferdie had the most gentlemanly personality with a goofiness when you least expected it. My fondest memories of the pair will always be seeing them take turns to poke their heads inside our lounge windows while we watched television or did homework.

Having these two loving labs as a child and into early adulthood taught me invaluable lessons about responsibility, how to care for others and most importantly, what unconditional love means. I once heard a saying by American writer, Josh Billings: “A dog is the only creature on Earth that loves you more than he loves himself.”

Of course, we experienced this in our own capacity as pet owners, but it was best shown to us by how they treated one another in their later years. Best friends and companions since birth, Ferdie never left Jessie’s side when she got sick. She spent her final days lounging in sunlight, and while she slept, Ferdie would comfort her with his presence and the occasional head nudge.

I look back fondly at the memories of Ferdie and Jessie, how they coloured my childhood.

And, I will always be grateful for their booming barks, because that is what led to their previous owners dropping them off at the SPCA, so they could find their forever home with us.

MAKING THE RIGHT CHOICES LIKE ike adopting a baby, adopting a pet can be daunting. From choosing a perfect pet that will fit in with your lifestyle and petproofing your home, to ensuring you are financially and emotionally ready to take on an additional member of the family, the experience can be overwhelming.

Let me tell you a story about how I met my gorgeous pup Fluffy (pictured). Ours was love at first sight. I was not planning on being a pet parent. Ever! Growing up, I was always scared of dogs. But one Friday morning we stopped to buy roses at a farm in Magaliesburg.

And boy, we got more than we bargained for. While still asking for directions to the right farm, we met a new mom feeding her puppies. I

KED IBON E M OD ISE

spotted Fluffy from a distance. She stood out from the litter. Our eyes locked and I knew my life was about to take a different turn.

When the owner asked if I wanted her, I said yes! It was only when we arrived home that I realised just how ill-prepared I was for this new journey of pet parenthood. Fluffy didn’t have

food. She didn’t have a place to sleep. She didn’t have a water bowl.

She just didn’t have anything.

A friend suggested I take her to a vet. Thankfully, Doctor Natasha Ross, a senior veterinarian at Blue Bush Animal Clinic, gave us a starter pack of food, shampoo and a crash course on how to take care of my pooch, and of course a thorough check-up and immunisation.

This is the reason why I got excited when my editor told me to put together the ultimate guide to adopting a pet. We chatted to animal experts Carren Nickloes from the Animal Anti-Cruelty League (AACL), and Meg Wilson, of the National Council of Societies for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NSPCA).

THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO ADOPTING A PET Nickloes’s top tips on how to prepare your home for a new pet. l Prepare everyone for new responsibilities l Buy all items required for the new animal, including bedding, correct food etc. l Puppy or kitten-proof your house. l Make sure your pet is comfortable. l Show your new pet their potty place. l Balance the love and attention with quiet time. l Keep an eye on your new pet's habits and tendencies.

Adopt rather than buy pets l Wilson explains: “When an animal is bought from a breeder, the buyer is potentially supporting and perpetuating animal cruelty – this in the event that they buy an animal from back yard and irresponsible breeders. There are so many beautiful animals at SPCAs it is not necessary to add animals into an overpopulated situation.

their pet. l Do you have the time, knowledge, and finances to support this animal? Bear in mind that it is on average a 10-15-year commitment.

How does one choose the right pet for their family? What are some of the points to consider when choosing a pet? Nickloes shares some of her top tips. l Think about your lifestyle l Financial implications l Say goodbye to preconceived ideas: you may like the look of a particular pet but that does not mean they are right for you. l Every pet has its own personality and certain breeds of dogs often have strong traits, need a lot of exercise and play to stop boredom. l Are there children in the family. Certain breeds are better with children than others – for example, the Labrador Retrievers are referred to as one of the best dog breeds for families. l They are known for a fondness for being around children and getting along well with other pets in the home too.

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Nickloes advises l You could save a life – animals shelters are overpopulated with animals that are strays or no longer able to be looked after by their owners. l Help break the cycle of overpopulation of dogs and cats l Assist in putting a stop to the mass breeding facilities

What are some of the essential pet supplies one must have?

Shelter – kennel if outside – blankets or bed. l Access to good food and clean water l Food and water bowls l Toys for stimulation l Treats for training l Boundary walls (dogs especially) that are strong and high enough to secure the animal l Monthly parasite control (fleas, ticks etc.) l Pet medical aid How can society lend a helping hand? l Financially – the cost of looking after the many animals in a shelter is huge. This could be in the form of monthly donations, sponsorship or fundraisers. l Time – Volunteering to help at the shelter and fundraise l Share adoption profiles on social media l Assist with wishlist items

Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened Anatole France

Nickloes explains qualifying criteria l Potential adopters should always check if they can afford to take on a pet and do they have the time to spend with a pet. l Any pet is a lifelong commitment. l The applicant must be in a position to pay for private veterinary treatment in the event that it is required, should have a suitable property and should have time to spend with the animal.

What are some of the most crucial points to consider before adopting a pet? The experts advise: l Taking on a new pet is a big decision for any family. l Apart from the financial implications of feeding, vet bills and health care of any animal, the family should be able to provide the time to play and walk

HOMING a rescue animal takes time and patience. After puppies and kittens, these animals are probably most in need of proper socialisation.

Pushing them too hard, too fast is a recipe for disaster. It is best to move slowly, helping them to acclimatise to their new home and form positive associations. Many shelter animals have experienced trauma and challenges and may be fearful at first.

They would need time to build trust relationships.

SETTLING INTO A FUR-EVER HOME PETS REPORT ER

A G UI D E TO S OCI A L IS I NG YO UR RES C UE DO G

A G U ID E TO SOCIALISIN G YOUR NE W CAT

1. Prepare your home for the new arrival The first few days after the adoption are crucial in establishing a good relationship.

Preparing your home for the new arrival is critical. Where will your dog sleep? You’ll need to get a bed, bowls for food and water, toys to entertain him, find out what food he eats, etc. Also remember, you will have to potty train your dog so be prepared for some accidents inside. Dog-proof your house of dangerous things to chew and put away items of value.

1. Cats are creatures of habit and love predictable environments. During the first few days, avoid making loud or sudden noises, and always leave an escape route for the cats so that they feel they can protect themselves by retreating to a hiding place.

2. Give them space Give a newly adopted dog space by going directly home after picking him up at the shelter instead of immediately taking him out to meet your family and friends. He is probably scared, may have some behavioural problems you do not know about, and doesn’t know you very well yet. Read his body language and don’t force physical contact or food on him; he will let you know when he’s ready.

3. Play it safe When the cat has become comfortable eating from the food dish, sit down a metre or two away, and after a few moments, reach over from behind and gently stroke her. Never bring your hand directly toward the cat’s face, as this will startle her.

3. Get them familiar with their living area Start your socialising process by showing him his sleeping area and taking him outside in case he needs to potty. Then, in a non-closed off area with dog toys, you can begin to bond, but don’t exert too much excited energy quite yet. This is also the time to show him where the food and water bowls will be as well as pee pads, if you are planning on potty training indoors. Give treats while you gently give pets. In time, he will let you play and cuddle and he will eat at designated times.

4. Establish a bathroom schedule Having and keeping to a bathroom schedule will greatly help your new furry baby adjust to being a part of something. After training, your dog will be so proud to know when he needs to get your attention to let him out to do his business.

5. Keep interactions positive Praise and encourage him, lots.

Use treats, they work like a charm.

Reward him for good behaviour and never force him to do something he is not ready for. Patience is key.

2. Most cats will exhibit shy behaviour when introduced to new environments.

Cautious by nature, cats tend to look for the protection and comfort of an environment where they can fully or partially hide.

4. Use toys to engage your cat or kitten in play.

Feather toys or string toys attached to poles are great devices to coax your pet to come closer to you.

5. Do not stare at your kitty.

When you do make eye contact, slowly lower your lids, blink, or close your eyes.

You will see him do the same in response. If he is nervous at your touch, the stress can be reduced if, again, you close your eyes – no predator kills with its eyes closed. In the natural world of prey and predator, when one stares at the other, it means someone is about to be someone else’s dinner.

6. Eye contact DO make eye contact when you have food, a treat, or a gift.

7. Walk around with a ribbon tied behind you so that your cat gets to feel like she is chasing you.

If she approaches to check you out, be still and let her investigate you.

8. NEVER yell at or punish your cat.

9. When you pick him up, do it slowly and gently.

PUPPY

LOVE

A boy with a cleft lip meets a rescue puppy with a cleft lip ... it’s love at first sight for both

Bentley Boyers, 2, meets his new puppy, Lacey, at Jackson County Animal Shelter in Jackson, Michigan. | Lydia Sattler

A RESCUED puppy with a cleft lip had been at an animal shelter in Jackson, Michigan in the US, for almost a week, and staff worried that she wouldn’t be adopted.

Then a man who has a 2-year-old with a cleft lip walked into the shelter.

Brandon Boyers visited Jackson County Animal Shelter last week, hoping to adopt rescued chickens to expand his family’s small farm. But his thoughts shifted from poultry to puppies when he spotted a small black-and-white dog whose cleft lip reminded him of his son, Bentley.

“It was pretty shocking actually,” said Boyers, 27. “I had never seen a dog with a cleft lip before.”

He called his wife on FaceTime to show her the puppy.

“I immediately told him to adopt her,” said Ashley Boyers, 23. “I said to bring her home today.”

Lydia Sattler, the director of the animal shelter, explained the adoption process would take two days. The next day, Ashley Boyers brought Bentley to the shelter for a visit.

“They were head over heels for each other right away,” she said. As Bentley cradled the puppy in his arms and nestled next to her, “everyone started crying. The puppy immediately started soaking up all his love. It was genuine joy.”

Bentley, who decided to name the dog Lacey, was born with a cleft lip and has had two surgeries. He has several more procedures to come, including a bone-graft.

“I found out he was going to have a cleft lip during my gender ultrasound.

He had his first surgery at 5 months old,” Ashley Boyers said. “He’s the strongest little boy I know.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in 2 800 babies is born with a cleft lip in the US. While the numbers aren’t as clear for canines, purebreds have a higher incidence. Although Lacey’s breed is unknown, the shelter suspects she is a combination of many breeds.

“She was one of the last to be adopted,” said Sattler, adding that despite the birth defect, the puppy is expected to live a normal, healthy life.

In a Facebook post, the shelter wrote: “It’s so hard to put into words how meaningful this adoption is to all of us.”

Although the cleft lip is a coincidence, Bentley’s parents believe Lacey was meant to be their son’s dog, they said.

“He knows that the dog has the same condition as he does.

He understands,” said Ashley Boyers. “It is remarkable to see him share something in common with the puppy.”

“My puppy [is] so cute,” Bentley said. “I cuddle Lacey and give her kisses.”

Lacey is adjusting well to her new home and older canine sister, Remi, a 9-month-old English mastiff.

“Bentley spends all day playing with her,” Ashley Boyers said. “They play outside with balls and find sticks and rocks.

And all three of them take a daily nap on the dog bed together.”

But beyond being his playmate, Lacey and her cleft lip will be an important companion. “He won’t feel like he’s alone on his journey,” Brandon Boyers said.

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A PASSION FOR PETS Clothes, holidays, mansions, and cars. Celebrities are all about the new and the now – except when it comes to their pets. From the shores of Mzansi to the boulevards of Hollywood, these celebs are some of the biggest advocates for animal rights. By growing their fur families in the most ethical way possible, they have shown just how rewarding animal adoption is.

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Jennifer Aniston Jennifer Aniston welcomed a third dog to her family of pooches with Lord Chesterfield. She shared the news to her Instagram account with a video of the tiny pup who fell asleep with a chew treat in his mouth.

“He stole my heart immediately. A huge thank you to @wagmorpets for the incredible work you do. Grateful you take such great care of these rescues and find them their forever homes,” she said in the caption.

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Meghan Markle One of the charitable causes that Meghan Markle has continuously shown support, even while on maternity leave, is animal shelters. Sharing her love for rescue dogs, Markle adopted her first dog named Bogart thanks to the gentle coaxing of Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi.

By the time Markle was dating Prince Harry, she had adopted her second pet, a beagle named Guy that she managed to take with her all the way to the UK. Sharing her love for rescue animals, she wrote an introduction for the annual report for Mayhew – an animal welfare charity working to improve life for cats, dogs and the people in their community in London and internationally.

“As a proud rescue dog owner, I know from personal experience the joy that adopting an animal into your home can bring,” she wrote.

“The role that we, as people, play in rehoming and rescuing these animals is vital, but the role of organisations such as Mayhew is unparalleled.”

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Pearl Thusi Queen Sono star Pearl Thusi has three dogs, Maya, Smokey and Marley. In an interview with an online publication, Thusi shared that she adopted May from a family member and rescued Smokey in Eldos. The trio are often seen on walks around their neighbourhood or at the park with Thusi often calling the two bigger dogs: “Bodyguards, cuddle buddies, friends and personal trainers all in one.”

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Charlize Theron Having grown up on a farm near Benoni, South Africa, Oscarwinner Charlize Theron has an innate adoration for animals.

With several adopted pets of her own, the actress has been forthright about being an animal right’s advocate through her support of organisations like PETA and Best Friends Animal Society.

While she’s rescued many animals before, she’s currently the dog mom of two.

Her social media is scattered with pictures of her two fluffy pooches, Leo and Cleo, who can be seen napping in front of the fireplace, celebrating birthdays with cake and party hats and cuddling with the bond beauty in bed.

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Ian Somerhalder Most famous for his role in The Vampire Diaries, Hollywood heartthrob, Ian Somerhalder, is also known for being a huge animal rights activist. He and his wife, actress Nikki Reed have a daughter named Bodhi, a couple of horses, and a litter of fostered and adopted dogs and cats.

His social media presence is practically dedicated to spreading awareness about the #AdoptDontShop movement. In a picture depicting the actor sitting on a sunny deck, cuddling two dogs, Somerhalder shared: “It blows my mind that we hurt and kill millions of these animals per year. We put them in cold kennels waiting to die while other dogs sit in puppy mills or in pet stores and dog-fighting rings to be torn up.” He went on to say: “Let’s stop abandoning, fighting and killing these incredible creatures – adopt, spay, neuter, donate, volunteer whatever you can do to help.”

Receiving recognition for the role he has played in promoting pet adoption and rescue, in 2015, Somerhalder was presented with the ASPCA “Dog’s Best Friend” award, which is reserved for “a celebrity who has done a great deal to advance dogrelated causes and the welfare of homeless dogs.”

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Billie Eilish During lockdown, five-time Grammy award-winning singersongwriter Billie Eilish kept busy by fostering two gorgeous pound pups from Angel City Pitbulls whilst staying at her parents Los Angeles house.

However, it seems she enjoyed their company a little too much as it resulted in what Eilish joked was a “foster failure”.

The term is used to humorously describe the moment

when a person who was solely meant to provide temporary care and shelter for a rescued pet decides to keep them instead of returning them to be adopted by someone else. On her Instagram she announced the happy news with a post that read: “As for this little nameless monkey… you are miiiiiiiiiiiine!!!”

The newest member of the Eilish fur family has a silky coat of grey and gets along well with the longtime Eilish family dog

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JP Duminy Former international cricketer, JP Duminy adopted a new member into his canine clan with little, Molly. In an Instagram post, his wife, Sue, shared that the pup was rescued from awful living conditions. “Molly was very thin and malnourished and subjected to horrible cruelty and neglect. Thanks to her foster parents for all the TLC, Molly has picked up weight and just recovered from severe ringworm infestation. We can’t wait to give Molly all the love, care and happiness every dog deserves,” she said. The adoption was done through African Tails, a registered non-profit organisation in Cape Town with a focus on mass sterilisation as well as animal rescue and adoption.

This isn’t the first rescue the dog-loving Duminy’s have adopted. In 2012, the couple adopted a rescued puppy named Dimples.

WE’VE all heard the clichéd stories of an actor’s struggles before a career breakthrough: living hand to mouth, waiting tables, couch surfing and generally scraping by before landing that major role.

The star of A Dog’s Way Home has a hard-luck tale that could top them all. Before her big break, she was living in a landfill, rooting through garbage for her next meal.

Meet Shelby, the tan-and-black mutt who portrays Bella, occupying the screen, often solo, for much of the film’s 97 minutes – and whose trash-to-riches saga could itself be a gripping cinematic yarn.

Shelby’s big break came in April 2017, when animalcontrol officer Megan Buhler was driving in a rural area 40km from Nashville, and spotted and approached what she recalled was a noticeably skittish dog emerging from the dump.

“So I knelt down and just said, ‘Oh, come here, baby,’” said Buhler, 29. “She was so scared, and she finally came right up to me, and I was able to put her in my truck.”

The pair headed to the county animal shelter, where the staff took to calling the new resident Baby Girl.

Buhler and TJ Jordi, then the shelter’s animal-control director, had no inkling that 3 000km away, Hollywood was looking for a dog to play Bella in a film written by Cathryn Michon and W Bruce Cameron and based on Cameron’s book.

Cameron is a prolific author who specialises in dog books.

Cameron and Michon, who are married, are unabashed dog lovers and say part of their passion is expressed by advocating for homeless dogs whenever possible.

“We started off in the very beginning saying that the dog that is the star of the movie will have to be a rescue, because we were trying to prove something,” Cameron said.

The filmmakers hired trainer Debbie Pearl, whose company Paws for Effect functions as an animal talent agency finding adoptable dogs and training them for roles.

Pearl then assigned the find-a-Bella job to Teresa Ann Miller, a freelance trainer.

Her mission was to search shelters nationwide for a suitable dog that could play Bella, and then give her the acting chops to do it.

Miller and Baby Girl’s meeting proceeded without a hitch, spanning two hours, with the trainer assessing her new friend on personality, temperament and the ability to respond to simple commands.

In short order, Miller adopted Baby Girl, renamed her Shelby, and took her to California for training.

They trained for three months before filming began.

Then they were together each day on the set.

The film’s reviews, thumbs up or down, have lauded Shelby’s performance. After additional training, she’s now working as a therapy dog at veterans’ facilities, hospitals and schools for special needs.

Shelby now lives with Pearl in Huntington Beach, California. And at age 2½, Shelby has turned out to be as gifted a therapy dog as a thespian, Pearl said. | The Washington Post

WAGS TO RICHES How this stray puppy, rescued from a trash pit, became a movie star DUNCA N ST RAU SS

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@EDDIEONWHEELS This adorably scruffy rescue is described by his owner as being a small dog with a big attitude. Born with a birth defect, Eddie has to attend water therapy to keep his muscles strong and use a wheel contraption that supports his hind limbs. The feisty pooch is said to be living his best life playing with his siblings and giving his owners a run for their money.

@STYLISHPAWS Stylish Paws is a simple online pet shop started by Stacy. Initially she only sold one product – LED collars. Since then it’s gradually grown to have a broader range of items including doggy beds, leashes and toys as well as a very informative blog loved by pet owners. Through the blog she’s discovered her love for photography, Oscar and Zara being the main subjects of course.

Her two pets are the stars of her popular Instagram page where people all over the globe enjoy interacting with her fur family.

FURRY INFLUENCERS

There are many famous pooches emerging online. Gaining quite a following, these pet-fluencers have fans from around the world who seek out their social media profiles for their daily dose of cute.

These are the top 10 famous pooches dominating social media SACHA VAN NIEKERK

@KIRBYTHELOVEBUG This black and white Boston terrier has stolen the hearts of all who follow him, garnering over 5.3 million likes on his videos collectively. He loves playing in the snow, munching on French fries and fighting his lifelong fear of climbing down stairs.

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@LIFEOFFERGIE Based in Joburg, Italian Greyhounds, Fergie and Griffin, are the inspiration behind their owners clothing label – Fashion for Hounds. Although they are the same breed, the two slender legged pups with long snouts could not be more different. Fergie is the wild child who enjoys showing off by learning new tricks and being the leader of their pack, while Griffin is gentle and loving and will do anything to try and please you, even offering up the occasional hug. Often seen sporting little jackets, tie dye hoodies and anything else from their mom’s range, they’ve gained a reputation for being the most fashionable dogs in South Africa.

@BEINGBIRCH

@WHAT_ABOUT_BUNNY Shaggy-haired Sheepadoodle, Bunny is practically a TikTok superstar with a verified account and 3 million followers. Her owner documents their adventures in experimenting with a sound button board. She uses the board to communicate with Bunny, who has been trained to push on them when he has something to say. The account is filled with educational tidbits that offer insight into the intelligence of dogs.

@HUGOANDURSULA Hugo and Huxley are a pair of very quirky Golden Retrievers. From adventures in potty training to teaching her blond boys new tricks their owner, Ursula, documents all their hilarious antics online, bringing her audience lot’s of laughs. Under every single one of their Instagram and TikTok posts, the trio receive a flood of comments from adoring fans who say that their videos brighten their day.

Birch (a Border Collie mix,) Bambi (an Alaskan Husky) and Bliss (a mini American Shepherd) are beautiful dogs that have taken TikTok and Instagram by a storm with their playful antics. Their striking looks have made them popular among the online pet community, where they take part in all the most popular challenges. The well-trained dogs have completely charmed their way into their followers’ hearts, resulting in a fandom of followers who go by the name “B Hive”.

@KLEO.FORBES @WILDLY_WIRED Wildly Wired is the Instagram account for Hunter and Ella – curious wire-haired dachshunds growing up in Cape Town. If you follow their page, you’ll know just how full of fun, cuteness and adventure it is.

@MEELERHUSKY This account is filled with funny dog videos courtesy of two Siberian Huskies named Phoenix and Griffin.

Undoubtedly, one of the most striking dog breeds, they’re also super intelligent and seem to be able to communicate with their owner with their yodels.

This fluffy little Biro Yorkie named Kleo is supposedly the cutest in South Africa, at least according to her owner, Kairo Forbes. At just four years old, the daughter of DJ Zinhle and AKA, Kairo garnered enough popularity to trend on Twitter on her birthday last year. It’s no surprise that her pooch has a growing following of 7 000.

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