Rabbedoe

aka Rabbie/Doodle Schmoodle

Rabbedoe: From Wild Heart to Joyful Soul

Rabbedoe - our joyous wild child

When I first met Rabbedoe 18 months ago, her name (meaning "Tomboy" or "Wild One") was a perfect fit. She arrived through SA Basset Adoptions, surrendered alongside two of her puppies in heartbreaking condition.

We were told she was a "bad mother" who had lost most of her litter—but the reality we saw was far different.

Rabbie wasn't a bad mother; she was a starving one. Covered in ticks and fleas and severely malnourished, she was desperately trying to keep her remaining babies alive while her own body was failing her. Though we tragically lost her son, her daughter survived.

With intensive nutritional support and a lot of love, a miracle happened: Rabbie’s milk began to flow. Within three weeks, this "incapable" mother was providing everything her puppy needed.

The road to trust wasn't instant. At her lowest point, she was so unsure of the world that she even bit me while resting on my chest. But I saw the spark in her, and I knew I had to make her part of my family.

Today, Rabbedoe is a confident, playful, and feisty girl. While she is still learning that a human touch will always be safe, she is blossoming every day. In a beautiful twist of fate, Besida’s other director adopted her daughter, Kass. The two remain together, playing and sleeping side-by-side, but finally having the freedom to develop their own distinct personalities.

Now spayed and secure, Rabbie will never have to face the burden of survival or the pain of loss again. She is finally just a "girl"—free to chase joy and live without worry.