Cape Town - Almost a year after she was rescued in an emaciated state, a pitbull used for breeding has fully recovered and has a new home.
A neighbour of her owner, in Khayelitsha, saw her poor state, took some pictures and posted them on Facebook, which got the attention of the Mdzananda Animal Clinic in Mandela Park.
Staff from the clinic went to the house where she was kept, in horrific conditions and rescued her along with her four pups who she was feeding despite lacking food and water.
The dog's owner contacted the clinic and was given an opportunity to explain his actions
The clinic's spokesperson, Marcelle du Plessis, said: “At the Mdzananda Animal Clinic we believe that education is of the utmost importance.
"Confiscating one pet will simply result in a new pet filling its place experiencing the same or worse conditions.
“Our approach is always to first attempt education and to work with the owner on changing their mindset.”
The clinic sought to educate the owner but this attempt failed.
Along with the SPCA, the dog was placed on to its “investigations list” to ensure it was not abused again.
“She was a broken soul. She did not understand what we were trying to do when we stroked her or spoke gently to her,” said Du Plessis.
“She spent most of her initial weeks with us sleeping tightly curled up to try to protect herself from the world.
"We decided to give her a name – Enzy.”
After being at the clinic for three weeks, two of her puppies died.
“Although we cannot say the exact cause of their passing we believe it was due to malnutrition as their mom could not provide enough milk for them to grow strongly,” said hospital manager Rosalind Spencer Stone.
Enzy and her last puppy received daily check-ups, medication, good nutrition and care.
She slowly started picking up weight and acknowledging people when they were with her.
She stayed at the clinic for seven months, and over time her confidence grew and she started trusting humans, making friends with the staff and engaging in play with the other dogs there.
“Unfortunately, finding a home for her was not easy”, said Du Plessis.
“She was ready to be adopted after three months of being at Mdzananda but the right home did not come along.
"Towards the end of her time at Mdzananda, she fell into a deep depression from being in a kennel for so long.
"A desperate video appeal was released on Facebook.”
Monique Quénet from Benoni saw the video and immediately contacted Mdzananda to adopt her.
“A friend of mine had shared a video. I opened it.
"As soon as it started to play I was in love. I knew the little girl with the crazy ears needed me.
"What I didn't realise at the time was how much I needed her,” says Quénet.
Two weeks after seeing the Facebook video, a flight was booked and Enzy boarded in Cape Town and went to her new home in Benoni.
“Enzy and her heartbreaking history was in the past.
"To celebrate her new start I gave her a new name: Daisy-Mae,” said Monique.
Readers interested in adopting a pet can contact the Mdzananda Animal Clinic: [email protected] or visit their website: www.mdzananda.co.za