Bismarck’s rescueversary a colourful affair
It has been three years since Charmaine Booysens rescued a bait dog from the clutches of wrongdoers.
In September 2015, Charmaine from The 9th Day Animal Shelter in Oatlands got a phone call from Brenda Meyer, owner of Husky Heaven Rescue, about an abandoned dog in the area.
“We suspect he was used as a bait dog and then dumped on the pavement where we found him. He had so much pain he showed no aggression at all, not even one growl,” she said.
Dog-baiting is a blood sport used for ‘entertainment’ or gambling. One dog is put up against another chained or confined dog. The dogs bite and tear at each other until one is incapacitated or even dead. Dog-baiting is illegal in South Africa.
Bismarck, as the boerbull cross was named, was no older than two years and might have been used as a bait dog for most of his life.
To celebrate Bismarck’s remarkable recovery, a fundraiser aptly named Bismarck’s Rescueversary and the Gateway School’s annual Colour Run Dog Walk were hosted at Walkhaven and it was a tail-wagging success.
Dogs and owners of all walks of life came to support the worthy cause and also congratulate Charmaine and Bismarck on their journey.
“It was an awesome day and we had so much fun,” Charmaine said.
After the colour run, dog owners had the change to show off their kissing skills at the dog-kisses booth.
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