An Eastern Cape woman and her dog have aged gracefully together, inspiring South Africans with their life-long friendship.
Glenconnor, South Africa – Betsie Anderson has shared a story that has warmed our hearts, and we know, will do the same for every pet owner reading this story.
A small farming community in Glenconner, Eastern Cape has two extraordinary residents. Magdalena and her beloved dog Spotty, a black Labrador cross have spent their whole lives living in the town.
The reason these two are so special is that Magdalena is 102-years-old and Spotty is 17-years-old. Spotty has been with Magdalena for many years, and the pair are now inseparable. Betsie wrote that the couple spends every day sitting together watching the neighbourhood buzz around them.
“They spend their days together sitting on her stoep, watching the kids play in the street and the weaver birds building their nest in a very tall palm tree.”
Betsie also wrote that despite not having much, Magdalena has kept her dog Spotty in excellent health throughout his many years.
“Spotty is fed on table scraps, has never been to a vet and is in great condition. Even though this old gentleman has no teeth, he can still polish off a large plate of food.”
Michael Kerr from Animal Outreaches regularly visits the community to vaccinate, dip and deworm the animals as the nearest vet is 150kms away.
“On our last visit, we filled up a plate of food for Spotty in a new stainless steel dish, and he just looked at it. Magdalena then pointed to his old dish that looked like a flattened wheel hub of an old Morris Minor car, so we emptied the food into the old dish, and Spotty scoffed the lot, I guess old habits die hard” – Mike Kerr
If you would like to support Animal Outreaches, you can join their group on Facebook here.
As the family ages, Magdalena has vowed that Spotty will never spend a day alone and she will never send him to a shelter. The pair will live out their retirement years together as always.
Magdalena still lives with her sister who is 91 and her daughter who is 76. Together they have been through hard times, but they always made sure that Spotty always got his share.
“Magdalena and Spotty love each other unconditionally, and although they don’t have much, they live the perfect life.”
Spotty has proven that a dog really is a true best friend!
by 
I wish to contact the old lady and her dog – I live a hr or so away from area. My reason is i live good and would like to take some basic treats on a regular basis – tea coffee sugar some sherry and chocolates.
How can I contact her