Adopting a Rescue Dog - Here is Maya Gobetz’s story
Roodewal Kennels was exposed as a large miniature schnauzer puppy farm empire. With a kingpin at the top doing the marketing with many other breeders contracted to supply miniature schnauzer puppies into the network. It has been shut down. Between Schnauzer Friends South Africa and the SPCA's 320 breeding ex Roodewal Kennel breeding stock schnauzers were rescued, sterilized, medically treated and rehomed into loving homes. These dogs were kept in horrific conditions outside with little human contact, while locked into the breeding cycle, without a voice of their own. Many were emotionally broken and need extensive rehabilitation. They now have a chance to be loved pets!
“Our prime purpose in this life is to help others. And if you can’t help them, at least don’t hurt them”— Dalai Lama.
Written by Jaymee Gobetz October 2015
Aged 16
Crawford College Sandton
Maya – Former name: Jozi.
What is a Puppy Mill
I never knew that people could be so cruel in this world. I can only imagine what precious Maya and many many more innocent Schnauzers went through throughout their years of living at the disgraceful Roodewal Kennel (or better known as— Roodewal PUPPY MILL). Let me explain— a puppy mill is defined as an establishment that breeds puppies for sale, typically on an intensive basis and in conditions regarded as inhumane. Can you imagine being forced to ‘pump’ out puppies, time after time, with absolutely no recovery until you had to pump out more, in which your poor teats are swollen for life? Not to mention having to live on cold cement, in the same tiny place that you are also expected to do your business, without blankets (regardless of the season) and having your skin and fur (which is your only natural source of warmth) in absolute shocking condition. Elmarie Cilliers, the fact that you continued your abusive practices for 30 years is an absolute disgrace and makes me wonder if you ever had any idea of how cruel your actions were and how it would affect the Schnauzers in every aspect of their lives? Let me give you an example… My poor Maya runs away if she sights a broom being used to clean the house… I wonder why Elmarie? I can’t help but want to feel utterly sick, as I watch your videos advertising your so-called ‘kennel’ with complete and utter propaganda and false information. It really makes me feel uncomfortable to accept the fact that there is a huge chance that you either utilized or shot your older Schnauzers (with the help of your son— who is in fact the CEO of FNB Bank)— for your own selfish reasons. These poor schnauzers have no idea what love, cuddling and kisses ever felt like —until miracles happened for them.
Here is Maya Gobetz’s story...........................
Here is Maya Gobetz’s story. Maya is currently 5 years old. Unfortunately, half of her life was spent in the shocking conditions of the Roodewal Kennel, in which Maya bred at least 3 litters. Maya was then one of the many schnauzers that were sent to a contract breeder in which her life did not change very much. At least Maya was allowed to sleep inside for the other half of her life; but nevertheless Maya still had another 2 litters. Once the Roodewell project began, carried out by the miracle work of the Schnauzer Friends, the SPCA and the help of Woodrock Animal Rescue, Maya, and her friend Cassie, were placed in the caring and merciful hands of Estelle Meldau and Fiona Manuel, who manage the Woodrock Animal Rescue. This was because Maya and Cassie were the last schnauzers to have litters. Here is where I met and fell in love with the scared, category 3 baby and was exposed to the horrendous story of the Roodewal Mill, as I happened to volunteer on a day where Maya or Cassie were not adopted yet. It felt like fate to me.
As soon as Fiona and I were able to catch the completely frightened Maya — she sat in my lap for about 2 hours while I stroked her tiny body. She couldn’t stop shivering and I just knew that she was so confused as to why I was patting her. After all— patting, loving and cuddling was like understanding a completely different language in the middle of your life for Maya. I knew that Maya and I had some sort of connection and this lead to many sleepless nights of worrying about her broken soul.
Adopting Maya in July 2015
Since my mom is a Schnauzer fanatic— my sister and I drove with my mom back to speak to Fiona about possible adoption. Maya and Cassie were both brought to us and it was unbelievable to see how protective 6 year old and category 2 Cassie was over her friend Maya. Not even the strongest force and bond in the world can compare to this one of Cassie and Maya. With Fiona’s wise words we all understood that Maya and Cassie needed to be separated in order for them to have the chance of recovery. After a long chat and many pools of tears— there was no ways we would walk away without her.
The first few days
Wow… the first few days were tough for Maya and my family. Having 2 playful dogs already at home — we had no idea how to handle or treat her, after all that she went through. It was heartbreaking, because all Maya wanted to do was to dig a whole deep within the plants and shiver. But I knew that as soon as she lifted her head and looked into my eyes properly for the first time—that this little doggie was going to be just fine and I had full confidence in her. I noticed that Maya found comfort deep within the bushes and felt extremely anxious as soon as we brought her into our house. I understood that Maya did not know how to act inside a house and was left outside in the cold her whole life. She basically did not know how to be a dog. Fiona and Stella were extremely helpful in continuously providing us with useful information regarding what we should do and how us as a family can deal physiologically with the tough situation. What Maya went through truly broke my heart, but really put the most strain on my mom. After my mom had a long conversation with the kindhearted Stella — she finally deciding that we need to be brave, stop crying for this damaged baby and be happy that the rest of her life would be spent in the comfort of our own home. I’m so proud of my mom for being strong and patient because Fiona told me that patience is key. The wonderful work that Fiona and Stella at Woodrock Animal Rescue do is truly amazing. I have never witnessed such clean and well-kept kennels, in which every single dog is closely looked after by both of these phenomenal women. Fiona and Stella I salute you for your outstanding work and cannot thank you enough for your endless support and advice for our angel Maya.
Getting some help
Since Schnauzer Friends and the SPCA were the ones who were running the actual Rescue Roodewal Puppy Mill project— I decided to email the Schnauzer Rescue to find out more information and how I could get involved and help them with the massive undertaking to rehome the furry friends. Deborah Blane contacted me and was extremely patient and honest answering all of my questions. Deborah— I cannot explain what an incredible job you guys are doing. Not only are you helping and re-homing +- 76 victims of the Roodewell Puppy Mill, but you also assisted my mom and myself on how to deal with Maya. People like you really make up for all of the evil that others, like Elmarie, do in this world. I know that Maya has all the thanks in the world for your actions and so does my family! I would also like to thank Jacqui Chetty for being like my physiologist and therapist by messaging me everyday, since we adopted Maya. Jacqui even went out of her way to visit my house and to give me personalized advice just to help my baby improve. Without your wise advice and directions Maya would certainly not have improved this dramatically within the 2 weeks in which she has been ours! Just for those of you who have amazingly opened up your homes to these poor and anxious ex-Roodewal Schnauzers and are uncertain if you are doing the correct things for the recovery of your new babies— Jacqui gave me the following advice (I highly recommend that you follow these simple steps):
Thank you Jacqui for this extremely helpful advice. You are my inspiration, your compassion for these schnauzer victims is truly indescribable and your knowledge of how to make them feel comfortable with their new and improved lifestyle is extremely commendable.
Schnauzer Friends Adoption Day
On the 4th July, I assisted Deborah and her unbelievable team with Adoption Day that took place at the Woodrock Animal Rescue. Here was where I met Deborah for the first time. Deborah gave me many helpful answers to my questions and told me tips regarding Maya’s diet. It was a magical day when I saw how happy all of the different families were, as 11 Schnauzers were adopted. I was in charge of conducting the pledges in which all of the families had to promise to love their new family members and keep the Schnauzer Rescue updated with their progress. It was wonderful to explain to various people about Maya’s story and to also answer their questions regarding their new doggie. I learned more about Maya’s life, as the doggies that were present for adoption day formally belonged to one of Elmarie’s contract breeders. Maya lived for 2 and a half years with that particular contract breeder. I was so comforted in the fact that so many people were involved in this huge Schnauzer project and how many people gave up their time to assist these poor babies.
What the future holds......
As for my Maya, she is slowly improving. Everyday has its ups and downs but the ups certainly over-take the downs. Maya often runs around, plays with my German Shepard puppy and wags her tail when we come and say hello to her in the garden. Maya loves to be loved and my family and I have all the love and tickles in the world to provide her. When I see Maya’s improvements it gives me a warm feeling in my heart that only she has been able to achieve. It makes me so happy to see her slowly finding her way to the doorway that leads to the entrance of the house from the garden, instead of us having to pick her up from the bushes. All I’m holding thumbs for is for my new best friend to find the confidence to walk from the garden all the way to her basket in my room all by herself. But nevertheless, I have high hopes for this beautiful princess. I just have to remember that patience is key— just like Fiona told me. Helping Maya has taught me so much about the world around me and how lending out a helping hand is the most important job that we all can conduct in our lives. I would like to congratulate all those who are involved in this massive project, including the adopters of course, because you all have massive hearts filled with love and kindness. I wish your doggies a speedy recovery on their journey to a new and beautiful lifestyle. I encourage everyone and anyone to adopt one of these babies, because you would be doing the kindest deed. This job is extremely rewarding for the doggie and for your families. Maya is officially part of our family and who knows what challenges and experiences that my strong girl will overcome in the future.
“Our prime purpose in this life is to help others. And if you can’t help them, at least don’t hurt them”— Dalai Lama
Written by Jaymee Gobetz October 2015
Aged 16
Crawford College Sandton
Maya – Former name: Jozi.
What is a Puppy Mill
I never knew that people could be so cruel in this world. I can only imagine what precious Maya and many many more innocent Schnauzers went through throughout their years of living at the disgraceful Roodewal Kennel (or better known as— Roodewal PUPPY MILL). Let me explain— a puppy mill is defined as an establishment that breeds puppies for sale, typically on an intensive basis and in conditions regarded as inhumane. Can you imagine being forced to ‘pump’ out puppies, time after time, with absolutely no recovery until you had to pump out more, in which your poor teats are swollen for life? Not to mention having to live on cold cement, in the same tiny place that you are also expected to do your business, without blankets (regardless of the season) and having your skin and fur (which is your only natural source of warmth) in absolute shocking condition. Elmarie Cilliers, the fact that you continued your abusive practices for 30 years is an absolute disgrace and makes me wonder if you ever had any idea of how cruel your actions were and how it would affect the Schnauzers in every aspect of their lives? Let me give you an example… My poor Maya runs away if she sights a broom being used to clean the house… I wonder why Elmarie? I can’t help but want to feel utterly sick, as I watch your videos advertising your so-called ‘kennel’ with complete and utter propaganda and false information. It really makes me feel uncomfortable to accept the fact that there is a huge chance that you either utilized or shot your older Schnauzers (with the help of your son— who is in fact the CEO of FNB Bank)— for your own selfish reasons. These poor schnauzers have no idea what love, cuddling and kisses ever felt like —until miracles happened for them.
Here is Maya Gobetz’s story...........................
Here is Maya Gobetz’s story. Maya is currently 5 years old. Unfortunately, half of her life was spent in the shocking conditions of the Roodewal Kennel, in which Maya bred at least 3 litters. Maya was then one of the many schnauzers that were sent to a contract breeder in which her life did not change very much. At least Maya was allowed to sleep inside for the other half of her life; but nevertheless Maya still had another 2 litters. Once the Roodewell project began, carried out by the miracle work of the Schnauzer Friends, the SPCA and the help of Woodrock Animal Rescue, Maya, and her friend Cassie, were placed in the caring and merciful hands of Estelle Meldau and Fiona Manuel, who manage the Woodrock Animal Rescue. This was because Maya and Cassie were the last schnauzers to have litters. Here is where I met and fell in love with the scared, category 3 baby and was exposed to the horrendous story of the Roodewal Mill, as I happened to volunteer on a day where Maya or Cassie were not adopted yet. It felt like fate to me.
As soon as Fiona and I were able to catch the completely frightened Maya — she sat in my lap for about 2 hours while I stroked her tiny body. She couldn’t stop shivering and I just knew that she was so confused as to why I was patting her. After all— patting, loving and cuddling was like understanding a completely different language in the middle of your life for Maya. I knew that Maya and I had some sort of connection and this lead to many sleepless nights of worrying about her broken soul.
Adopting Maya in July 2015
Since my mom is a Schnauzer fanatic— my sister and I drove with my mom back to speak to Fiona about possible adoption. Maya and Cassie were both brought to us and it was unbelievable to see how protective 6 year old and category 2 Cassie was over her friend Maya. Not even the strongest force and bond in the world can compare to this one of Cassie and Maya. With Fiona’s wise words we all understood that Maya and Cassie needed to be separated in order for them to have the chance of recovery. After a long chat and many pools of tears— there was no ways we would walk away without her.
The first few days
Wow… the first few days were tough for Maya and my family. Having 2 playful dogs already at home — we had no idea how to handle or treat her, after all that she went through. It was heartbreaking, because all Maya wanted to do was to dig a whole deep within the plants and shiver. But I knew that as soon as she lifted her head and looked into my eyes properly for the first time—that this little doggie was going to be just fine and I had full confidence in her. I noticed that Maya found comfort deep within the bushes and felt extremely anxious as soon as we brought her into our house. I understood that Maya did not know how to act inside a house and was left outside in the cold her whole life. She basically did not know how to be a dog. Fiona and Stella were extremely helpful in continuously providing us with useful information regarding what we should do and how us as a family can deal physiologically with the tough situation. What Maya went through truly broke my heart, but really put the most strain on my mom. After my mom had a long conversation with the kindhearted Stella — she finally deciding that we need to be brave, stop crying for this damaged baby and be happy that the rest of her life would be spent in the comfort of our own home. I’m so proud of my mom for being strong and patient because Fiona told me that patience is key. The wonderful work that Fiona and Stella at Woodrock Animal Rescue do is truly amazing. I have never witnessed such clean and well-kept kennels, in which every single dog is closely looked after by both of these phenomenal women. Fiona and Stella I salute you for your outstanding work and cannot thank you enough for your endless support and advice for our angel Maya.
Getting some help
Since Schnauzer Friends and the SPCA were the ones who were running the actual Rescue Roodewal Puppy Mill project— I decided to email the Schnauzer Rescue to find out more information and how I could get involved and help them with the massive undertaking to rehome the furry friends. Deborah Blane contacted me and was extremely patient and honest answering all of my questions. Deborah— I cannot explain what an incredible job you guys are doing. Not only are you helping and re-homing +- 76 victims of the Roodewell Puppy Mill, but you also assisted my mom and myself on how to deal with Maya. People like you really make up for all of the evil that others, like Elmarie, do in this world. I know that Maya has all the thanks in the world for your actions and so does my family! I would also like to thank Jacqui Chetty for being like my physiologist and therapist by messaging me everyday, since we adopted Maya. Jacqui even went out of her way to visit my house and to give me personalized advice just to help my baby improve. Without your wise advice and directions Maya would certainly not have improved this dramatically within the 2 weeks in which she has been ours! Just for those of you who have amazingly opened up your homes to these poor and anxious ex-Roodewal Schnauzers and are uncertain if you are doing the correct things for the recovery of your new babies— Jacqui gave me the following advice (I highly recommend that you follow these simple steps):
- Find yourself some CalmEase spray; tablets or liquid and either spray this herbal anti-anxiety into their bowls or into their mouths three times a day. We like to split the pill in half and cover each half with butter so Maya does not actually realize that she’s eating the tablet.
- The most important thing is to move away and carry on with your everyday life. If we approach the frighten doggies and try and pat them— this acts as an indication that we are giving them the thumbs up for being scared and nervous. Therefore, do not touch the babies if they are in a state of high anxiety as this reinforces their anxiety and actions.
- Try and wait until the dogs give eye contact. It can be very intimidating if we force them to look into our eyes. Try and think how they must feel if humans (who either did not give them any contact; any love or abused them traumatically) tried to look into their eyes and touched them in a way that they are not used to.
- Try and tickle them from the chin upward and not from the top of their heads. Often they were treated from above at the mill, and never at their level. By treating them at their own level — it also makes us seem much smaller and more approachable.
- If you have not noticed already — their coats and their teeth are probably in a very poor state. This is all to do with their former feeding habits. Because the poor doggies were not fed or groomed very well — poor weak teeth and thin coats are the effects of it. Try and poor lukewarm water over their food, because this softens it and makes the food easier for them to eat.
- Lastly, if you have other dogs or if the new Schnauzie has done something that needs praise— give them as much attention and praise as possible! On the contrary, try not to shout at the other dogs if they are being troublesome— but rather squirt them with a water-spray-bottle and say ‘NO’ in a low-key stern voice.
Thank you Jacqui for this extremely helpful advice. You are my inspiration, your compassion for these schnauzer victims is truly indescribable and your knowledge of how to make them feel comfortable with their new and improved lifestyle is extremely commendable.
Schnauzer Friends Adoption Day
On the 4th July, I assisted Deborah and her unbelievable team with Adoption Day that took place at the Woodrock Animal Rescue. Here was where I met Deborah for the first time. Deborah gave me many helpful answers to my questions and told me tips regarding Maya’s diet. It was a magical day when I saw how happy all of the different families were, as 11 Schnauzers were adopted. I was in charge of conducting the pledges in which all of the families had to promise to love their new family members and keep the Schnauzer Rescue updated with their progress. It was wonderful to explain to various people about Maya’s story and to also answer their questions regarding their new doggie. I learned more about Maya’s life, as the doggies that were present for adoption day formally belonged to one of Elmarie’s contract breeders. Maya lived for 2 and a half years with that particular contract breeder. I was so comforted in the fact that so many people were involved in this huge Schnauzer project and how many people gave up their time to assist these poor babies.
What the future holds......
As for my Maya, she is slowly improving. Everyday has its ups and downs but the ups certainly over-take the downs. Maya often runs around, plays with my German Shepard puppy and wags her tail when we come and say hello to her in the garden. Maya loves to be loved and my family and I have all the love and tickles in the world to provide her. When I see Maya’s improvements it gives me a warm feeling in my heart that only she has been able to achieve. It makes me so happy to see her slowly finding her way to the doorway that leads to the entrance of the house from the garden, instead of us having to pick her up from the bushes. All I’m holding thumbs for is for my new best friend to find the confidence to walk from the garden all the way to her basket in my room all by herself. But nevertheless, I have high hopes for this beautiful princess. I just have to remember that patience is key— just like Fiona told me. Helping Maya has taught me so much about the world around me and how lending out a helping hand is the most important job that we all can conduct in our lives. I would like to congratulate all those who are involved in this massive project, including the adopters of course, because you all have massive hearts filled with love and kindness. I wish your doggies a speedy recovery on their journey to a new and beautiful lifestyle. I encourage everyone and anyone to adopt one of these babies, because you would be doing the kindest deed. This job is extremely rewarding for the doggie and for your families. Maya is officially part of our family and who knows what challenges and experiences that my strong girl will overcome in the future.
“Our prime purpose in this life is to help others. And if you can’t help them, at least don’t hurt them”— Dalai Lama
Photo Captions...
Collage: ‘Our little princess, Maya. What have you been up to these past 2 weeks with us?’
The Acta Non verbal and the picture with her in a jacket with the caption : ‘ Good friends are hard to find, harder to leave and impossible to forget, Maya and Cassie. ‘
Maya with her wet face getting groomed : ‘ Maya getting pimped up to look like a model. She was very dirty! ‘
Maya in the bushes: ‘ Unfortunately, this is where I hide ,because Elmarie never let my friends and I inside. Everyday I’m learning to come more and more out of my little bush ‘
Maya with her tongue out in the basket : ‘ Jaymee thought I was smiling at her, but in truth I was just a little hot! But I let her have her moment of excitement. ‘
Maya with her bone : ‘ Every-night I get my little treat to chew on ,because Jaymee never wants me to go hungry. ‘
Maya on the bed with me: ‘ What is this I am lying on? Its quite comfortable but its definitely something very foreign to me? Nevertheless, I think I’m going to get used to it in no time! ‘
Maya in her bed looking up: ‘ I really loved to be loved. ‘
Maya sitting with Tasha: ‘ You don’t look like me at all— but i really do like you. May i sit with you before we go play? ‘
Maya in her basket with her tummy hanging out: ‘ After my tummy was tickled for almost an hour— I left my leg up in the hope for some more! ‘
Maya looking at me from her bed: ‘ Please Jaymee, another tummy tickle? more more more!! ‘
Maya tucked in her blanket: ‘ Mommy Jaymee tucked me all in. Im so comfortable I think Im going to stay in this position forever!’
Me doing the pledges: ‘ All the new Schnauzie mommies and daddies doing their pledges.Well done adopters! ‘
Maya and me together : ‘ Maya and me not Marley and me ‘
Me kissing Maya: ‘ I want to thank you Maya for bringing such joy into my life. With kisses of course! ‘
My friend and I with he 3 schnauzers : ‘ First time I met my princess. Can you spot Maya in my lap? Poor scared baby.
Collage: ‘Our little princess, Maya. What have you been up to these past 2 weeks with us?’
The Acta Non verbal and the picture with her in a jacket with the caption : ‘ Good friends are hard to find, harder to leave and impossible to forget, Maya and Cassie. ‘
Maya with her wet face getting groomed : ‘ Maya getting pimped up to look like a model. She was very dirty! ‘
Maya in the bushes: ‘ Unfortunately, this is where I hide ,because Elmarie never let my friends and I inside. Everyday I’m learning to come more and more out of my little bush ‘
Maya with her tongue out in the basket : ‘ Jaymee thought I was smiling at her, but in truth I was just a little hot! But I let her have her moment of excitement. ‘
Maya with her bone : ‘ Every-night I get my little treat to chew on ,because Jaymee never wants me to go hungry. ‘
Maya on the bed with me: ‘ What is this I am lying on? Its quite comfortable but its definitely something very foreign to me? Nevertheless, I think I’m going to get used to it in no time! ‘
Maya in her bed looking up: ‘ I really loved to be loved. ‘
Maya sitting with Tasha: ‘ You don’t look like me at all— but i really do like you. May i sit with you before we go play? ‘
Maya in her basket with her tummy hanging out: ‘ After my tummy was tickled for almost an hour— I left my leg up in the hope for some more! ‘
Maya looking at me from her bed: ‘ Please Jaymee, another tummy tickle? more more more!! ‘
Maya tucked in her blanket: ‘ Mommy Jaymee tucked me all in. Im so comfortable I think Im going to stay in this position forever!’
Me doing the pledges: ‘ All the new Schnauzie mommies and daddies doing their pledges.Well done adopters! ‘
Maya and me together : ‘ Maya and me not Marley and me ‘
Me kissing Maya: ‘ I want to thank you Maya for bringing such joy into my life. With kisses of course! ‘
My friend and I with he 3 schnauzers : ‘ First time I met my princess. Can you spot Maya in my lap? Poor scared baby.
