UPDATE: 6 October 2014, 13:30pm – Zambo and Piccolo, two dogs who belonged to the murdered radiologist Jennifer Butter, have been adopted by her colleague’s family.
Dr. Aphrodite Gogakis, a friend and colleague, arrived on the scene and initially took the pets until she could rehome them.
However since then, Gogakis’ family have become well acquainted with the dogs and have chosen to adopt them permanently unless Butter’s will stipulates otherwise.
Both dogs were prescribed anti-anxiety medication to help them cope with the trauma. They both are reported to be much improved, eating well and getting comfortable in a new routine.
Gogakis said they enjoy being in people’s company, and has decided to house them with her parents, whose property has more garden space and is a similar environment to that of Butter’s house.
Zambo, the mixed breed Labrador who sustained a stab wound during the incident, will have her stitches taken out soon. For the time being, the dog is still on antibiotics and anti-anxiety medication.
The memorial service for Jennifer Butter will take place on 10 October at Wesleyan Church in Craighall Park at 6.30pm.
LATEST: UPDATE: Domestic worker of murdered woman returns
Initial report: 3 October 2014, 3:30pm – When radiologist Jennifer Butter was stabbed to death in her home on 2 October, her two dogs were left with no owner and nowhere to go.
Parkview resident Dr Aphrodite Gogakis is looking to place the dogs – one is a cross Scottish Terrier and the other a mixed breed Labrador.
Gogakis took the seemingly traumatised dogs away from the murder scene to the Oxford Road Veterinary Clinic to be treated after realising that one of the dogs had been stabbed in the ear.
According to a reliable source at the Oxford Road Vetinary Clinic, the one dog needed stitches.
“The vet said the dog’s injury suggested that it got in the way, was pushed out of the way and in the process got harmed,” she said.
The doctor said the dogs appeared very traumatised on the day of the murder but after a day of being with her, seemed to be getting back to their playful selves.
“They are lovely dogs and seem to enjoy each other’s company. I would like to keep them but I unfortunately I don’t have enough space to do so,” she said.
The veterinary clinic, together with Gogakis, is desperately trying to find the dogs a new loving home after the tragic event.
Candice Scorer, general manager of the SPCA Sandton and Eastern Metro said, ” We have no report on this case but I did see the post in the Parkhurst Group. If the dogs have been entrusted to someones care by the family of the deceased then they are the rightful carers and can also find them new homes, failing that we would accept the dogs and put them up for adoption. We have not been involved with this case at this point but are very saddened to hear of such a tragic event.”
Details: Dr Aphrodite Gogakis 082 574 5409
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