When Minki met Eben – a story of quiet resilience and unexpected love.

Eben Pet-zebeth, a black Boerboel cross Mastiff, weighed just 38kg when he arrived at Woodrock.  Frail and suffering from seizures, he was referred to the Johannesburg Specialist Veterinary Centre for further testing.

It was there that he met Minki, a receptionist of five years and a certified trainer,  at a time when her world had been turned upside down.

“Something about him stopped me in my tracks,” says Minki. “He came into my life at a time when I needed him most — the collateral beauty in the darkest time imaginable.”

Read Minki’s heartfelt account of how this gentle giant became her soul dog. We promise. This story will move you…

“Eben, formerly known as Magnum, came into my life through Woodrock Animal Rescue in a way I can only describe as fate.

At the time, Eben was brought into Johannesburg Specialist Veterinary Centre for an echocardiogram and further testing after being rescued by Woodrock. He was a striking black Boerboel, weighing around 38kg and from the moment he walked through those doors, something about him stopped me in my tracks.

But life wasn’t easy then. Just five months earlier, I had lost my dad, and not long after, one of my own beloved pets to liver cancer. I was heartbroken, lost, and convinced I wasn’t ready to open my heart again.

Still, I kept finding my way to the back kennels… just to see him.

And within minutes of spending time with him, I knew. There was something different about Eben. Something undeniable.

Looking back now, I truly believe my dad had a hand in bringing him into my life when I needed him most.

I reached out to Woodrock Animal Rescue, completed the adoption process, and was lucky enough to be approved.

That’s when Magnum became Eben Pet-zebeth my baby boy, my companion, my heart.

Before bringing him home, I introduced him to another dog, Poseidon, and Poseidon approved and they were inseparable. It was like Eben had always belonged.

Today, Eben is a magnificent 68kg gentle giant with a personality that fills every corner of my life with joy. He has helped me heal in ways I never thought possible. Honestly, I don’t know where I would be without him. He had a full check up at the vet and got the all clear "Dr said maybe a little less treats" 😂 .

Eben has his own best friend and partner in crime a tiny Yorkie named Batman, weighing just 1.6kg. The two of them are as thick as thieves proving that friendship knows no size nor breed.

Woodrock Animal Rescue didn’t just rescue a dog, they changed my life. From the moment Eben arrived, to every follow-up and check-in since, their care and compassion have been extraordinary.

People talk about fairy tales… but this feels like living in one.

Because of Eben, I know that true love exists. I see it in his eyes every single day.

He is my soul dog.

And I will be forever grateful that he found me.”

 ❤️ Minki

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