Frikkie, one of the animal survivors of the recent Plastic City turmoil, has made a full recovery and is now in need of a loving family to call his own.

Before the settlement’s recent destruction by authorities, the fires in Plastic City earlier last month not only affected people but also the animals that lived in the area.

Many pets were left without shelter, and were forced to fend for themselves. Sunny’s Pet Outreach Team (SPOT), a local animal welfare NPC, was among those who assisted the settlement’s animals.

Food and water were placed out for the animals, and it was later observed that some dogs had returned to eat.

These strays would become known as the “wall dogs”, a group that would gather by the wall of the old bowling club premises, waiting for food.

Soon after the blaze, SPOT was able to safely remove 19 abandoned dogs from the area, both adults and puppies.
Frikkie, also a wall dog, was one of two rescued later.

Sanette Bosman from SPOT told the Brakpan Herald she received a desperate call on September 19 from Samantha Labuschagne from Medley House, who had spotted one of the wall dogs in distress.

“I was at work when Samantha phoned me,” said Sanette. Frikkie, as he would later be named, was barely moving and looked like he was at death’s door.

He also had a severely swollen front paw. With limited availability during working hours due to her full-time job, Sanette urged Samantha to take the dog to a vet.

Frikkie was rushed to Dalvet Animal Clinic, where he was treated and given pain medication and broad-spectrum antibiotics.

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Since then, he’s been on a remarkable road to recovery. He has gained weight and is ready for a new journey.

Frikkie currently lives in the garden area at the vet premises, where he’s cared for and shares the space with a person who lives on the property and two small dogs, giving him both human and canine companionship.

“We don’t have foster parents for him, so they have been his fosters,” said Sanette.

Frikkie, who is estimated to be between 12 and 18 months old, is described by Sanette as a gentle soul. She added that he is starting to learn how to be a dog, instead of simply just surviving each day.

“He’s starting to get excited around people, and is even showing interest in a ball, when at first he had no interest at all,” she said.

Sanette also shared that Frikkie used to avoid a kennel, preferring to sleep on the grass, but has recently settled into it.

“Although he still pulls the blankets out, not yet understanding they’re for warmth and comfort,” she added.

Sanette gave special credit to Samantha for saving Frikkie’s life.

“She is the one who found him and the credit must go to her,” she said.

Frikkie is ready for adoption and would thrive in a loving home.

SPOT is not requesting an adoption fee as vaccination, deworming, microchipping and sterilisation costs are already covered. However, a home check, contract and affordability confirmation are mandatory.

A meet-and-greet with other pets is also recommended. If you are interesting in adopting Frikkie, contact Sanette on 072 689 1767.