Dog burned with boiling water, rescued in Botha’s Hill
Rescuers found Rex in Mandela Valley, Botha's Hill, terrified and in a terrible condition.
IT has been a long – and expensive – road to recovery for a stray dog whose Botha’s Hill rescuers suspect had been burned with boiling water.
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After receiving a tip-off from a community member in Mandela Valley, Aleanna Du Plessis and Samantha De Wett, of Animal Antics Pet Rescue found Rex (as he has been affectionately named) terrified and in a terrible condition.
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Not only was he malnourished and covered in mange and sores, but community members, who were afraid of Rex’s appearance, are said to have chased him away and thrown stones at him, said Du Plessis.
“He was so scared when he saw us. He just screamed in pure fear. He was so tired, malnourished and the pads under his paws were raw from running on the streets. We managed to get a blanket over him to pick him up. When we had him in our arms, he had a tear running down his face. He knew he was safe and would never know hurt again,” she added.
Rex, who had very little fur covering his body, had been sleeping near one of the roads in the community on a pile of grass.
Since his rescue on 20 February, Rex has been to a vet three times.
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“We have spent over R18 000 on Rex’s recovery. He has had re-occurring infections and at times it seemed like the antibiotics weren’t working,” explained De Wett.
In pure desperation, the team recently resorted to having Rex undergo a biopsy and allergy tests to determine the root of his condition.
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“We have since learned that Rex also has a hereditary condition that causes his cells, skin and tissue to become inflamed. This means his skin will flare up every now and again, but at least now we know what it is and how to manage it,” said De Wett.
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Rex has been on a new treatment since Saturday and De Wett said his condition is improving significantly.
“Now, we are really hoping that his fur grows back,” she added.
“He really is the sweetest most gentle little boy, considering all that he has been through. He is not scared of kids or humans, and plays so gently,” she gushed.
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When asked if Rex would ever be available for adoption, De Wett said they were still in deliberation.
“He would need some extra TLC, special dietary food, would mostly have to stay indoors and go to an owner who could afford his regular vet bills,” she explained.
“We are toying with the idea of Rex becoming our organisation’s official mascot,” she added.
At the moment the non-profit organisation has 12 other animals in its care.
Follow Rex’s road to recovery on the Animal Antics Pet Rescue’s Facebook page.
Contact Samantha De Wett on 083 654 2353 or Aleanna Du Plessis on 064 523 0661.
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