In the early hours of October 13 Titus, the family pet of the Johnson* family, died after sustaining a gunshot wound on October 7.
The Mr Jeremy Johnson* said Titus, a brown Doberman, was shot during what he believes to be an attempted house robbery.
“Titus was a playful, obedient dog. He was protective of the family but was never involved in any aggressive incidents,” said Mrs Rebecca Johnson*.
Mr Johnson said Titus was tolerant towards their two younger children and never once showed signs of aggression towards them.
The couple described Titus as a warrior.
“Titus was my first pet,” said Mr Johnson.
Mr Johnson had always liked Dobermans – to him they looked strong.
Titus was 10 when he died.
“We didn’t know it at the time when we named the dog, but we learnt that the name Titus means strong. Looking back now, the name was fitting,” said Mr Johnson.
The Johnson family was away on vacation in the Drakensberg when Titus was shot.
The family rushed back to Edenvale as soon as they heard the news.
Mr Johnson said Titus was shot once near the tail. The bullet was found in the upper thigh when the vet operated.
“We couldn’t see any visible entry wounds on Titus,” said Mr Johnson.
After Titus was treated at the Terrace Road Vet for his gunshot injury, Mr Johnson said the dog came home on October 10.
Mrs Johnson said throughout the week it appeared as if Titus was improving.
“We thought his left hind leg had sustained some nerve damage, but during the week the movement in his leg improved,” said Mr Johnson.
According to Mr Johnson, on October 12 Titus became more withdrawn and wouldn’t eat his food.
Mr Johnson said the family found Titus dead on the morning of October 13.
“We think he passed away in the early hours of the morning, ” said Mrs Johnson.
We took him to the vet and the veterinarian told us that Titus may have died because of complications from the injury,” said Mr Johnson.
Mrs Johnson said one of the best memories of Titus for her was when he was given a bone.
“When you gave him a bone he would run like the wind. He would then sit down and look at you and almost say ‘You’re not taking this from me’,” said Mrs Johnson.
“He was a little bit of a brat when he was younger, digging up my flower beds, but he was a good dog,” said Mrs Johnson.
Mr Johnson said he would like to thank the SAPS, Mamba, the K9 Unit, CPF members and the veterinary team for all their assistance throughout the ordeal.
“We would like to thank everyone for all the support they gave us,” said Mr Johnson.
“We would specifically like to thank the Edenglen North enclosure for their donation to the veterinary bill, as well as the K9 Unit for getting Titus to the vet so quickly.
“I think if he didn’t get to the vet so quickly we may not have been able to spend this time with Titus,” said Mr Johnson.
“Thank you to everyone who has been involved and helped us,” said Mr Johnson
“Our family and the community has been supportive. The incident has shown us how the community in Edenvale supports one another,” said Mr Johnson.
“We would just like to thank everyone who was involved,”
Mr Johnson said it is good to know that there is such a caring community in Edenvale.
Mrs Johnson said the family will hold a small ceremony for Titus at their home so that he can rest in the garden, a place that he loved.
* The family requested that their name be withheld for safety reasons.
