MUST READ: Twiggy’s recovery from one foot in the grave [PHOTOS NOT FOR SENSITIVE VIEWERS]

Twiggy’s story is not unique.

In fact, it is one of the many extreme cases of cruelty that Community Led Animal Welfare (Claw)  see on a regular basis.

The disturbing story started on 11 March when Twiggy was found tied up in a yard in Snake Park, Roodepoort.

She was sickly skinny, weighing only 14kg and had not been receiving food.

A Claw field worker found the dog tied to a pole by her back foot using a metal U-bolt. Over time the foot had started to die off and an infection had set in. The dog was immediately confiscated. Antibiotics were given and painkillers administered.

There was something in her eyes telling them that she wanted to live.

A photo of her was posted on the CLAW’s Facebook page and concerned comments began rolling in and that’s when Bev Schellings from North Riding stepped in.

Bev and her husband offered Twiggy a home for the night due to the lack of staff at the facility at night for security reasons.

“She arrived early evening and was vomiting up all the food that she had been given at the clinic. We certainly did not hold out much hope that she would make the night,” said Schellings.

 

Twiggy was given every blanket in the house, in the hope that if she was to die, she would do so warm and safe. It was a tough night for the Schelling family and for Twiggy with all chances of her survival against her.

The couple woke at 5am to get the biggest lick across the face. The courageous skinny dog was wagging her tail. Tarryn Day from Royal Canin called to say that they had seen Twiggy on Facebook and would like to send their vets out to advise on a feeding schedule and to sponsor food and any vet care that Twiggy may need.

Twiggy’s foot, however, did not recover as hoped and needed to be amputated at Fourways Vet Clinic fully sponsored by Royal Canin.

Unfortunately, an infection set in and she spent two and a half weeks at the vet.

She was discharged to the Schelling family on 30 March.

By 21 April there was no sign of infection, so she was booked in to have the wound stitched closed on 24 April.

“The vet said it went well. There is little skin to work with, so we hope that the stitches stay in. She is on strict cage rest for the meantime,” added Bev.

Bev and her family foster many animals and as a result will be looking for a home for Twiggy once she is fully recovered.

Claw is situated in Durban Deep in Roodepoort. They offer basic vet care to the impoverished communities. A lot of Claw’s focus is on sterilisation, vaccinations, deworming and tick and flea treatment. Sick and injured animals are treated.

To donate, adopt, sponsor or join a Claw event, visit their website or Facebook page.

Details: www.clawsa.wix.com

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