DONLY Hurt (33) has set an example by adopting the four most ‘unadoptable’ dogs who had been in the Amanzimtoti SPCA kennels the longest when he visited the shelter last week.
After the loss of his previous dogs through old age, he swore he would never allow others to creep into his life – until now.
Interestingly enough, Donly lives in Sherwood Durban. After seeing a Facebook post about a ‘Lola’, who had spent almost her whole life at the SPCA, Donly decided he would give her the home she so deserved.
Read also: Support Amanzimtoti SPCA after loss of its inspector, van
“I went to the Toti SPCA to adopt her, but unfortunately she had died of distemper, so I then decided to adopt four other dogs that had been there the longest,” he explained.
A personal trainer by day, Donly at one point had five dogs he loved. Over time they passed away and through the heartache this caused, he swore he would never get any more. This rings true for many other previous dog owners.
“I then made the decision to have dogs again, as it’s for the greater good. Those who can help by homing an animal really should,” he said. “I asked to go to the runs to see the dogs. I spent some time with each dog to get a feeling for each one, and then asked the volunteers who worked there which ones had been there the longest. It was then a process to see which of those would socialise well together.
Eventually after many walks and help from the volunteers, we gathered four that got on well together. When they went through to be sterilised, one died as it was sick. I had to choose a fourth dog again so decided to go with one which was penned along with one I had already adopted.
When I brought her home, her old kennel buddy went hysterical after recoginising his buddy he had served time with. Much tail wagging that day, and I then had my final four.”
Being involved with fitness everyday, Donly looks forward to having four new running buddies to keep up with, and two to swim with in the pool.
“Dogs that have had it bad love you so much more when you do good to them, they deserve so much love,” explained Donly. “With regards to previously abused animals, you will get out of a dog what you put into them – all dogs are good.”
Contact the Amanzimtoti SPCA on 031-904-2424/5, visit SPCA Amanzimtoti on Facebook or visit the 1 Nyati Road office.
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