A natural affinity with animals that followed her wherever she went

From an early age, Joandra had an instinctive connection with animals. Her love for them was already evident as a child, when she would faithfully clean her cockatiel Billy Boy’s cage before school — often resulting in her being late. Animals played a central role in her life, and she was rarely without their company. She much preferred sitting on the stoep watching the birds or throwing a ball for Bruno and Rosie while Cupcake sat nearby. Even when she was admitted to a respite centre for short term care, animals seemed drawn to her, with the resident cat repeatedly choosing her as its companion.