Funda Nenja shared the heartwarming story of Bobby, who adopted his 14-year-old human Bandile by following him home and never leaving.
Mpophomeni, South Africa (14 February 2023) – 14-year-old Bandile Ngubane’s dog Bobby followed him home one day and then, just never left. Bobby adopted Bandile and their story is a heartwarming one. Funda Nenja highlighted it because they recently delivered a brand-new kennel to Bandile’s home, so Bobby can have a kennel of his own.
Funda Nenja, a dog training initiative, runs in the township of Mpophomeni, near Howick, in the KZN Midlands of South Africa. They focus on animal welfare in the area by providing dog training lessons to the children and much-needed vaccinations for their beloved dogs.
These lessons teach the dogs some obedience skills but also help the children bond with their pets to form a deeper connection. The classes help educate children about animal welfare and encourage them to show their families how to treat animals too.
The classes are hosted each week, and as part of the programme, the dogs involved get checked up by the primary veterinary clinic. Any animals not inoculated yet, get it done right there.
“This story is about Bandile Ngubane, aged 14 and his dog named Bobby. Bandile’s grandmother said he had always loved animals and one day, while out with his friends, he came across a dog who seemed friendly. He showed the dog some love and they ended up playing together. When it was time for Bandile to go home, the dog followed him home. The family expected the dog to eventually return to his original home but he never did.
Months went by and he was still there. Bandile decided to name him Bobby, and then started bringing him to Funda Nenja. Bandile’s grandmother said the 2 of them are inseparable. These are the stories that make us so happy and make us realise how important it is for these young people to have a safe place to bring their dogs on Friday afternoons.
We were recently donated a HUGE second-hand dog kennel, so when we asked our Education Officer, Nomonde, for a worthy candidate, she immediately thought of Bandile and Bobby.
I think it’s safe to say Bobby is delighted with his kennel. (Unfortunately, Bandile was at school when we delivered the kennel so he missed out on the photo shoot).”
His kennel has been placed under a tree next to the family home. As you can see, Bobby made himself at home, right away.
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