We have pleasure in introducing you to VALDA, the new mascot of our organisation!
Two years ago, Valda was living happily with her human Mum and Dad in France. But one day the dad decided to leave. To leave for Tunisia, taking Valda but leaving the mum – who could no longer take care of Valda for health reasons.
But – yes, another “but” – on 14th February 2010, Valda was coldly abandoned by her so-called “dad”, with no care or guilt, at Tunis-Carthage Airport. Left all alone like a piece of casual luggage, under the pretext that he didn’t have the money to put her on the plane. A plane to Morocco.
We can only imagine how frightened this poor dog must have felt; effectively confiscated by the Tunisian Customs and sent to the zoo at Tunis, where she spent a week.
When Valda’s mum heard the news in France, she began searching high and low for a way to save her pet. She continued in her enquiries but not knowing who to go to in Tunisia, she called the Brigitte Bardot Foundation who, in turn, gave her the telephone number of Dr Raoudha Mansour, our President. On Friday 19th February, we were filled in on what had happened.
Straightaway, we went into action to get Valda out of the zoo. On Saturday, Maya and Walid met her at the zoo. Valda seemed to sense immediately that her two rescuers were taking her somewhere better. She whimpered with pleasure and jumped around like a pup, licked them, went round and round – the lot! As soon as they’d managed to sort out a cage to transport her safely with them, they took her – where she’d been since the previous Sunday!
Valda, Walid et Maya à leur arrivée
You see here Valda, with her good samaritans Walid and Maya on their arrival.
Valda is thin, but happy! Happy to feel love and respect. She eats all that she’s given. We also found out that she’s obedient, and travelled well in the car (without a cage) to Nabeul (which, from Tunis, is quite a journey for a dog).
Valda eventually spent 3 days with Walid in Tunis, before being brought to SOS Animaux HQ in Nabeul. She didn’t want to leave! She must have thought that she was going to be abandoned again, so once more – we can only imagine what was going on in her mind. She finally arrived at the home of our President, Raoudha, who had been away for the weekend working on the monthly sterilisation campaigns.
Valda et Walid en promenade à Carthage
Above, you can see Walid and Valda going “walkies” in Carthage!
Now a member of a loving home with Dr Raoudha, Valda is very attached to her new family. She has fitted in so well, and demands hugs and cuddles from all the visitors. Always at her post, she guards the front door of the association – from the sofa in the entrance!
The above photo shows Valda with two new friends.
Valda has finally found her “Forever Family”.
In her new job as Canine Receptionist!
We can’t present this article without including someone very special. Huge thanks go to Nicole, Valda’s original lovely Mum, who did all she could to help Valda. Who, despite her disability, showed her love for Valda by saving her so she could have a better and happier life. Bless you, Nicole.
