THE Kloof & Highway SPCA hosted a special memorial to Kongo, the ex- police dog who touched the hearts of so many before officially launching their newly renovated Memorial Garden.
Dr Phil Rees gave the eulogy in which he praised the close relationship between Kongo and his owner and handler, Jacques Fourie and described how he had been involved in Kongo’s medical treatment in the last eighteen months of his life and how he had also forged a close relationship with the pair.
“Kongo was a fantastic police dog, we don’t realise as members of the public how these dogs put themselves on the line, risking their own lives for our benefit. There is a strong bond between these dogs and their handlers working in such close and dangerous situations. Kongo was not just a partner at work but a beloved pet at home. I got to witness the tight relationship between Jacques and Kongo,” said Dr Rees.
Desire’ Rees, Phil’s wife, also spoke about how the families have become close and how much Kongo was loved by all. “Our lives have all been changed. He (Kongo) is a part of our family. He was a special dog. Jacques and Kongo were each other’s guardians, they needed each other and depended on each other. Kongo’s life has served a greater purpose and lives are still being touched by him.”
Blue Security director and partner, Paul Romeril, spoke about the trust fund, Blue Angels, they started to help kick start fundraising efforts for Kongo’s veterinary bills. Their R5000 initial donation spiralled into R25,700 as the public responded with donations of their own. The money not only covered all of Kongo’s bills, but since then money from the fund as been used to help other charities such as the R6000 donation towards the Kloof & Highway SPCA.
Janet Legemaate, then thanked all those responsible for their donations and time that they contributed to make the Garden and Wall of Remembrance a reality. “The aim is that this will be a tranquil place where a person can come to remember their pet. She ended with a quote by Albert Schweitzer: “Until he extends the circle of his compassion to all living things man himself will not find peace.”
