Rupert the French-nosed bulldog!
NORTHRIDING – Can a dog ride a bicycle? Not quite, but that won't stop Rupert the French bulldog from participating in this year's 94.7 Cycle Challenge in aid of his disadvantaged four-legged friends! Read more here.
Rupert the French bulldog is gearing up to ride in this year’s 94.7 Cycle Challenge race in support of the French Bulldog Rescue of South Africa (FBRSA) and in order to raise funds for the Touws River Dog Charity.
This 13-year-old was rescued about eight and a half years ago and has since become both the chief executive officer of FBRSA and the fundraiser and organiser-in-chief for the Touws River Dog Charity, which aims to help destitute and underprivileged dogs in the Touws River area of the Western Cape through education and aid.
According to his owner, Tessa Roodt, Rupert will be the first dog to compete in the cycling challenge – with a little help from his friends!
“Rupert will be doing the race inside a special carriage attached to a bicycle, which will be driven by Bruwer Smit,” Roodt said.
“There will be a team with him the whole way, and we’ll make regular stops [during the race] for him to be monitored and checked. He’s probably just going to nap for most of the route!
“At no point [during the challenge] will he be under any kind of stress or come to harm.”
Although French bulldogs are highly sought after and expensive pets, they still sometimes face mistreatment and hardship. They can also suffer from health issues, such as hemivertebrae (lost function in the hind legs). Rupert himself suffers from the condition and undergoes regular rehabilitation to improve his health. He is also a spokesdog for pet rehabilitation and wellness.
“Rupert comes from a disadvantaged background, in his own way,” said Roodt. “He’s needed help and has got it. So what FBRSA tries to do is to also pay it forward to the animals in the Western Cape who need help, too.”
The public is welcome to donate to the FBRSA in amounts related to the race, such as R97.40, R947, R9 470 etc in honour of Rupert’s upcoming challenge, and all donations will be used in the next Spay and Neuter Day, which will take place in Touws River in late November.
If you are at the 94.7 Cycle Challenge in North Riding on 19 November and spot Rupert participating, you are welcome to take a selfie with him to share online. The best selfie taker will win a bottle of Moët et Chandon French champagne!
If you would like to follow Rupert’s journey in both the lead-up to and the actual race, you can follow him on Twitter @Rupertrides
Banking and donation details:
Frenchie Rescue SA
Branch: Sandton
Branch Number: 254605
Account No: 62548165241
Current Account.
Details: Visit the FBRSA Facebook page
