Top-ranked agility dog Tilly, one of South Africa’s fastest medium dogs, is facing a sudden health battle, with support growing through a BackaBuddy campaign.
- Tilly, a three-year-old top-ranked South African agility dog, fell seriously ill during a successful season, prompting her owner Bernice Smit to seek specialist care despite financial challenges.
- A BackaBuddy campaign, organised by Sam Leslie, has raised R14 171 of its R100 000 goal, with overwhelming community support and heartfelt messages from donors.
- Tilly’s family remains hopeful for her recovery, aiming to see her return to the agility course and inspire others to bond with their dogs through the sport.
Tilly, a three-year-old South African agility dog, has received an overwhelming amount of community support from generous donors after suddenly falling ill during a strong agility season in the fast-paced canine sport.
The sport is one where a handler guides a dog through obstacles like jumps and tunnels as quickly as possible.
Campaign organiser Sam Leslie said she started the BackaBuddy campaign, ‘Help Save Tilly’s Life,’ to ease the financial strain of high veterinary costs.
“I think it was such a shock to everyone that she was doing so well and then this happened. Tilly is a young dog that has showed so much potential,” said Leslie.
“The realisation that it could happen to any one of our dogs. They are not just our dogs, they are athletes, our children, our teammates,” she said.
Tilly’s owner, Bernice Smit, said that Tilly’s journey has not always been smooth, but what sets her apart is her drive and focus. She added that Tilly is a top-ranked agility dog, known for her speed and teamwork, and is the top medium dog in South Africa, having qualified for the national championships – an achievement that makes Smit very proud.
“We’re so proud to have made it, and being ranked third in the trial runs is incredible in itself! Next goal: representing South Africa internationally later this year or next year.”
Smit said that around the time of her final trial runs, Tilly had recorded one of the fastest times in the country and showed no signs of sickness – but this was followed by a loss of appetite and a change in her stomach’s appearance, marking the start of a serious health scare.
Tilly and her handler and partner, Sheldene Fourie, have qualified for the South African Agility Championships set to take place in June.
A certificate awarded to Tilly and her handler Sheldene Fourie, showcasing the speed and teamwork that made her one of South Africa’s top-ranked medium agility dogs before her sudden illness.
“We took her to our local vet, who treated her for ehrlichiosis [tick-borne disease], but she didn’t improve.”
Soon after that Smit took Tilly back to the local vet where a second vet did an abdominal scan, which showed that Tilly had an enlarged liver and high liver enzyme levels. Even after the vet changed Tilly’s antibiotic, her condition did not improve.
Smit added that they became worried when Tilly’s breathing became more difficult, which led them to visit a specialist vet in Hilton, KwaZulu-Natal where Tilly was admitted and given treatment. She underwent a blood transfusion and exploratory operation because her condition required more care.
“Every time we saw her, she would wag her tail and try to give us as much love as possible. In those moments, we knew she wasn’t giving up – and so neither would we,” said Smit.
Smit said that working as an elderly receptionist, it has not been easy to afford Tilly’s care and that this required her to use a large portion of her savings. She added that friends and family, along with the BackaBuddy campaign helped ease the financial strain.
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“Looking ahead, our greatest hope for Tilly is that she continues to live a happy, full life. We want her to run the South African Championships with all the love and gusto that always drives her,” said Smit.
“We hope Tilly’s story encourages more people to get involved in agility. It’s a sport for all ages and for any breed – and it’s a wonderful way to learn to bond deeply with your dog while having fun, staying active, and challenging yourselves together.”
Smit’s daughter, Sheldene Fourie, who is Tilly’s handler and partner, said running Tilly is exciting on its own. She added that her strong bond and partnership with Tilly developed gradually over time through training and having fun together in the sport.
“With Tilly, I feel exhilarated every time. The adrenaline rush is incredible because she’s so fast and agile. She pushes me to be better, sharper, and more focused, and that connection we share on the course is unlike anything else,” said Fourie.
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“We often spend time after a run stretching together or enjoying a well-deserved cuddle.
“Watching her go through this, and seeing the stress it has caused my mom and Tilly as well, has been heartbreaking.”
Fourie added that seeing Tilly back on the agility course would mean everything to them and that her return would be a celebration of how strong she is and the joy she brings to the family and everyone who supports her, as she is a crowd favourite loved by many.
Fourie said:
Her tiny body hides the inner strength she has, the pretty little fluffy girl doesn’t show at a glance the determined firecracker she truly is.
Supporters of the campaign shared their encouraging messages on the Backabuddy website.
Supporter Linda M Suarez said: “Praying for Tilly’s recovery and restored health!”
Supporter Rene said: “Keep fighting Tilly you are so loved by so many. Your mom’s need you home!
The BackaBuddy campaign has raised R14 171, which is 14% of the R100 000 goal.
Supporters are encouraged to continue contributing by donating to this BackaBuddy campaign.