[PHOTOS] Stray’s sad condition steals hearts

Thanks to the flood of donations and helping hand provided by the public and vet medical suppliers, there was a happy ending for a stray and sick dog taken into Toti SPCA five weeks ago in a neglected state.

The Rottweiler was taken in from Umbumbulu on Friday, 8 April in a badly neglected state and suffering from mange and a yeast infection.

“Kennel supervisor, Pam Slater and I just cried when we saw the terrible condition she was in,” said Toti SPCA manager, Tracey Girling. “When we put her in a kennel, she put her face in a corner and wouldn’t look at anyone. It was very sad.”

Tracey posted photos of the dog on social media and the story touched many people’s hearts. Donations from as far as Australia, England and Ireland started to pour in, as well as tablets to treat her mange and tick and flea problem from Bravecto, supplements from Promix Natural Supplements and food from Acana Dog and Cat Food.

Rotti Rescue in Johannesburg held a fundraiser for her and delivered a doggy bed to Toti SPCA premises.

“About R20,000 was donated by the public for this dog’s care. She was named Khaleesi from the TV programme Game of Thrones, by one of our supporters.

She is still a young dog, not even a year old.”

Khaleesi soon became a favourite among other SPCA supporters and everyone eagerly followed her progress, with weekly updates posted on social media by Tracey.

“She was put on an eight-week treatment course, but she responded so well, she was ready to be sterlised after five weeks. With the remainder of the money donated, we managed to sterilise another three dogs.

None of this could have happened without the generous donations we received to help us from the public, supplement and dog food organisations and from Rotti Rescue.

I just wish we could do this for all the neglected, sick animals that pass through our doors. We do try, but we simply don’t have the funds to help all. It was great that the public jumped on board to help.

Thanks to Acana Dog and Cat Food, Friend of the Rottweiler Rescue and Rehome South Africa, Promix Natural Supplements and everyone who donated cash towards her recovery.”

Khaleesi was adopted exactly five weeks after she was brought in and she is a completely changed dog who is loved by her new family. “We can’t believe how well she has fitted in,” said her new mother, Karen Wadsworth-Borain. “She is gorgeous and almost fully healed. She is so friendly and lovable. She is just a happy puppy that doesn’t show any signs of what she went through. She has three older brothers, but she has quickly become the boss and they follow her around.”