Beloved Hartbeespoort resident Andries Hills (42) has a new friend… a guide dog named Udo that he recently received from the South African Guide Dog Association for the Blind.

Andries Hills and his guide dog Udo.
Andries, who used to be a familiar sight riding his bicycle in Hartbeespoort’s streets, suffers from Muscular Dystrophy, an illness where muscular wasting causes the body to absorb its own mass, as well as Fibrosis in areas of the brain. He has recently been diagnosed with a second large brain tumour and has been going blind.The meeting with Udo two weeks ago was love at first sight! When trainers of the South African Guide Dog Association for the Blind arrived at Andries’ home a few months ago, Udo immediately made a beeline for Andries, and since then, the two have been inseparable.

For Andries, Udo’s arrival in his life has been a life-changing event. “Two months ago, I wanted to die because of unbearable headaches. Having Udo has changed my life. He is my shadow. He sleeps in front of my bed and does not leave my side. Last week, he woke up my mom in the middle of the night because I was not feeling well. He is amazing and will go with me everywhere,” Andries said.
Udo was donated to Andries by the guide dog association, and Hill’s Pet Food sponsors his special food after hearing about Andries’ incredible journey.
This remarkable man has been an inspiration to all who have met him. At the age of nine, he was diagnosed with a massive brain tumour in the upper left part of his motor area of the brain. The tumour was removed. Since then, more brain tumours have had to be removed.
Despite all these life-threatening setbacks, Andries persevered. He started cycling and has taken part in numerous cycling challenges, such as the Xtreme Cycle Tour over 1 800 km to the Cape to raise funds for a charity against child abuse. He also competed in the Cape Argus Cycle Tour.
Unfortunately, Andries recently learned that another large tumour had been discovered. He is currently in the hospital for a procedure to drain fluid from his brain to relieve pressure on the brain.
Andries and Udo have been training with trainers from the guide dog association for the past weeks.
“Udo had another blind owner who became too weak, and Udo returned to the association. As he was already 5 years old, we were considering putting him up for adoption when we heard about Andries,” said trainer Percy Tlholoe. “We took him to meet Andries, and they instantly formed a bond. They were a perfect match.”
Udo is currently staying with one of the trainers while Andries is in the hospital. “Andries misses him and can’t wait to see him again,” Rykie said. “We hope he will visit in hospital.”
When you next see Andries and Udo in Hartbeespoort, please abide by the guide dog association’s recommendations: Do not rush up with excitement to greet Udo. Ask first if you can touch him. “It is important that Udo’s attention stays focused on Andries. We request the community to be respectful and calm,” Tlholoe said.
In the meantime, Andries cannot wait to be reunited with Udo. “He has changed my life.”

ALSO SEE: Fundraising for Andries