We can’t even begin to imagine how dogs must feel when they are abandoned by their owners, and their loving and trustworthy nature is often taken for granted.
This poor dog had to bear the brunt of such treatment after being found abandoned and tied under a bridge in Philippi. Little did she know that a hero was on his way to save her. A caring young boy decided to take matters into his owns hands and save her – not all heroes wear capes after all.
This beauty arrived in a terrible condition and was diagnosed to be suffering from Canine Ehrlichiosis (a disease caused by a tick-borne bacteria called Ehrlichia canis). She was also riddled with mange and fleas.
According to the Animal Welfare Society of SA (AWS SA), her body and neglected coat was covered in sores and scratches caused by flea allergy dermatitis that made her itch all over.
Initially, she was too scared to make eye contact with anyone, as in the image below, and the welfare put this down to years of abuse and neglect by her previous owner.
“We noticed that at some point she must have given birth to a litter of puppies and based on her gentle nature we suspect that she would have made a wonderfully caring mother and we can’t help wondering what happened to her puppies,” the Animal Welfare Society of SA said.
She had no form of identification, but as a pedigreed Bull Terrier, it was strongly suspected that she must have been someone’s pet at some point of her life, and may have been stolen, gone missing or given away.
“Just a few hours ago we intercepted and intervened in a social media post of someone looking for a “good home” for their two gorgeous Staffies.
“These “free to a good home” adverts almost always end in tragedy and we would strongly discourage anyone who has to part with their pets from resorting to social media!” the AWS SA cautioned.
She still has many challenges to overcome as a result of trauma, but in the welfare’s experience, even the most difficult of dogs can overcome the hardships in their past and blossom into the most loveable companions.
The welfare is now looking for name suggestions to complete her transformation. Don’t forget to share yours!
Picture/s: Animal Welfare Society of SA