Watch: Naidoo family to throw birthday bash for TikTok-famous German Shepherds Rocky and Rani

NEXT week promises to be a joyful occasion in the Naidoo household as the family prepares to celebrate the birthdays of their TikTok-famous furbabies, Rocky and Rani. 

The two German Shepherds will mark their fifth and third birthdays, respectively, providing the perfect reason for their devoted owner, Jico Naidoo, to throw a celebratory bash tailored for these beloved pets.

Naidoo, a retired sales consultant from Durban, shared that the upcoming festivities would include home-made cakes, with flavours likely ranging from carrot to pet mince, ensuring a treat fit for his four-legged companions. 

Such celebrations are nothing new for this family. 

"My son will be travelling from Johannesburg specifically to be with them for their birthdays," Naidoo said, highlighting the special bond the animals shared with the family. 

"When the dogs are with him, we become irrelevant." 

Rocky and Rani, named after the characters from the Bollywood movie Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani, starring Ranveer Singh and Alia Bhatt, have gained significant fame on the social media platform TikTok. They have nearly 40 000 followers and 1.8 million likes on their videos. 

Their account, "rockyjusty - rocky & rani", has been a labour of love for Naidoo, who has been posting videos of the duo regularly since launching the account about six years ago. But he chose not to reveal his identity in the videos - only his voice is audible. 

"We spread joy and entertain," Naidoo said, regarding the purpose behind their social media presence. 

"A lot of people are unable to keep pets for various reasons. They may live in a flat where it's not allowed or simply due to social constraints. Through our videos, they can check in on what Rocky and Rani are up to, as if they’re their own pets." 

He said pets deserved the same love and affection as children, warning that if someone could not tend to a pet properly, they should not consider bringing one into their lives.

The story of how Rocky came into Naidoo's life adds a layer of affection to the family's tale. 

"I acquired Rocky when he was eight weeks old; and he was already named. From the litter of three left, Rocky walked up to my wife, and we knew we would choose him. We decided to keep his name because it sounded good. Rocky is the most intelligent dog I have seen in my life. If you teach him something, he will pick it up in a minute.”

Naidoo said Rocky had some impressive skills, often showcasing tricks for the family.

“Rocky is a bundle of energy, and we knew we had to get a partner for him, and that’s where Rani comes in. We got her when she was also eight weeks old. We named her Rani, after the character in the Bollywood movie. She is loving and protective." 

Both dogs have their own space in the Naidoo home; they reside in a two-bedroom outhouse, which features a double bed, couch and even a TV. 

“Every night at around 9pm or 10pm, I leave them in their room, and at 5am the next day, they scratch on the back door to come inside. Of course, exercise is crucial for active German Shepherds, and I ensure they receive plenty of it, often playing games of fetch." 

As for their diet, Rocky and Rani enjoy kibbles, supplemented by treats of chicken and lamb, and are fortunate enough to have a sponsor covering their veterinary bills and food expenses. 

"These are my grandchildren, and I would do anything for them. The year that they lived in Johannesburg was a depressing time. I would not want to be separated from them again." 

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