One morning, I received a call from a gentleman at the British Embassy saying he would be in the U.K. with his family for the next month and asked whether I could accommodate his two Great Danes for the duration of this time. I was in Pretoria almost every day collecting and dropping dogs as I had become the go-to dog hotel for the British and American Embassy. I love love love Great Danes and said yes immediately.
The day for dropping the dogs off came. Out jumped 7 children, mom and dad and beautiful Marla and Russo. I don't really know how they all managed to fit into that car but anyway.
Russo pined for his owners for 2 days but on the 3rd he calmed down and moved his attentions and affections on to me. Marla, who was harlequin, was okay. Russo was a black Dane, really big and, as most Great Danes I've met, really goofy and clumsy. The owners told me that Marla is more stand-offish and all the attention really seemed to be on Russo. That was completely not the case. They just hadn't given Marla a chance.
Her and I bonded on such a deep level and, although one shouldn't allow Danes to jump up, she would jump up on my shoulders and we would just stare at each other and she would nibble my chin and ear.
Every morning and late afternoon I would open the gates to go down to the river. I would sit on a gum pole and they would just run free. It was like two galloping horses. It was the best sight. In the evenings the dogs would be in their heated little houses (winters can get very cold here in South Africa) and I would sit with each dog in their house for 10 minutes, tickle their tummy's and let the calm down into a blissful sleep.
One day, the owners contacted me saying the Embassy had requested they move back to the U.K. and that they were thinking it best to put the Danes to sleep. It's annoying because people know I'm too soft and I wouldn't allow that so they play the put to sleep card knowing that I'll do everything possible to figure it out and make sure the dogs have a home, the owners not having to lift a finger. It wasn't the first time and it wouldn't be the last. Anyway, I told them just to leave them with me and that I would figure it out. Such a sucker, I know, but it is what it is. They push me between a rock and a hard place.
Marla and Russo were with me for 6 entire months before I finally found them what I felt was the perfect home for them. Bertha, a nice, down to earth lady, came to collect them and I was devastated.
The dogs got into the car and Marla stared at me, bewildered, forlorn and even heart broken. My tears just flowed and flowed. I tried to be strong for them, because they feed off our energy, but I just couldn't. Marla's head was out the window and her eyes never left mine. Finally they drove off, Marla still looking back. As much as I wanted to keep them myself, I already had 2 dogs and 3 cats of my own.
Those owners actually came to see the dogs once before moving permanently to the U.K. One of the children told me that their parents have allowed them to get new dogs and other animals in the U.K. How selfish people can be. I can guarantee they will do the same thing to those animals when the Embassy ships them off to another country again. Russo pined again when they left for the second time but that was of no importance to the family. What was important was that they would see the dogs one more time, who cares how it makes the dogs feel!?
Marla and Russo now live with Bertha who owns a guesthouse on a large property. They get to sleep inside (which was one of my strict requirements) and are totally loved and spoilt. The guests also love them and Russo will very often pinch a steak from the kitchen counter. Marla, whose heart I do believe broke that day, took a long time to come out of her shell again. I gaged when it would be the right time to visit and brought them their favourite treats. Marla jumped up on my shoulders and we had our little moment. Marla and Me ❤️
All is well that ends well. 😀