In 2008, whilst looking for a dog for an animalloving friend, Bernice Hammond of Charm Rescue heard of a female Pit Bull at FORA rescue centre. As it turned out, a home castration job had been previously performed on the dog in question and “she” was actually a “he”.
Bernice immediately adopted him with a view to rehabilitate and re-home the newly named Janga. Judging by the wounds and scars on him, it was suspected that Janga had spent his life in a fighting ring and was in a bad state when he was finally rescued. His ears were either hacked off, pulled off in the many fights he was subjected to, or the result of a ‘home job’ ear cropping to make him look the part. He was suffering from mange and needed a lot of coaxing to eat.
Janga was boarded at Linksfield Club Street Kennels, under the marvellous care of Gail Smith, for many months, where he was visited by Bernice regularly and slowly learnt again.
Via the animal email network, Janga was brought to the attention of Hilary, Jeffrey Pace’s animal-loving daughter. Sadly, Jeffrey had just lost the love of his life, his beloved Staffordshire Bull Terrier, and at first he was very reluctant to take on another dog, worrying that he couldn’t handle another loss. Eventually Hilary managed to convince Jeffrey to go and meet Janga and it was love at first sight.
Jeff and Janga
“The next 8 months with Janga were tough for my dad and he even called me up once to say that he can’t keep Janga anymore,” says Hilary. Janga was destructive and demanding. Jeffrey didn’t think that he would be able to handle such a powerful dog. After further coaxing from Hilary, he made the decision to see Janga’s antics through and became very dedicated and committed to rehabilitating the dog.
With Jeffrey’s unwavering commitment, Janga became more secure and confident and proved what a precious boy he is. Jeffrey educated himself on the Pit Bull breed and realised that he had to keep Janga busy and active.
Jeffrey and Janga take to the park every day, come rain or shine, winter or summer, for long walks. Like 99% of Pit Bulls, Janga loves water and swimming and his favourite pastime is launching into the water to fetch sticks that Jeff throws for him. “If my dad doesn’t throw them quick enough he gets this very serious high pitched bark and tells my dad to hurry up,” laughs Hilary.
Jeffrey has spent many hours a week training Janga and as a result he has been nurtured into a well socialised dog who loves people and other dogs alike. He is obedient, loyal and very gentle. “He wouldn’t hurt a fly,” says Hilary. Jeffrey continues to expose Janga to all that life has to offer. He is so gentle with children and makes new friends every time he goes to the park. He can now even walk off lead in the park.
“My dad was committed and dedicated to giving Janga a better life. A life he now feels safe and secure in. He is loved and cared for like he deserves to be. Janga goes everywhere with my dad and the two lads are a testimony on how saving just one dog’s life can make a huge difference in the grand scale. They are inseparable.” Janga and Jeffrey are the perfect mascots to the ode of rescue work, dedication, rehabilitation, second chances and what caring can do. Proving again that man’s best friend is his “rescue” dog.
 A Broken Soul |
 Love Like No Other |
 Jeff and Janga having fun with a ball |
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