After more than six years on the frontline of rhino conservation, K9 Sammy has retired. She is the Eastern Cape’s first Anti-Poaching Tracking and Apprehension Dog funded by an EC-based NGO and played a significant role in the local Anti-Poaching Units (APUs) and community patrols safeguarding our wildlife.
Sammy, a German shepherd, joined Amakhala Game Reserve’s APU in 2015 as a live wire 18-month-old. Her deployment was a private initiative by the Chipembere Rhino Foundation (CRF), with funding from the local Mastertons Tea & Coffee Specialists, raised through the sales of their specially crafted Chipembere Coffee Blend that is ‘Roasted for a Cause’.
When Sammy arrived, she was partnered up with wildlife protection K9 handler, Azola – a professionally trained and accredited K9 specialist. For a number of years, they shared a special bond forged during countless hours of training, patrolling, working and living together.
After many years of service alongside Azola, Sammy has been adopted by the Howarth family. Azola still pops by to visit her. “I have no words at all – it’s like losing a child,” he says. “The bond that Sammy and I share, is a bond that will never end. But at the end of the day, I know that Sammy is going to be happy with her new life and enjoy every minute of retirement.”
Sammy now gets to be a regular dog and do regular dog things. “Sammy loves to ride on the back of the bakkie and running alongside the quad bike, but her favourite thing is to be indoors with us!” says Mandy Howarth about their newest family member.
Farewell Beautiful Sammy, we are so grateful for your years of service!
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