Abused puppy gets a second chance

Candice Eilertesen of the shelter explained that Skye was brought to Ark Animal Centre by animal welfare group, Paws R Us.

“We will never know for certain what exactly this little girl went through in the early weeks of her life, but we definitely know she lived a terrible life up until she was rescued,” Eilertsen said.

Skye was rescued from Soweto where she had been burnt with what looked like cigarettes all over her body, and stabbed in the head, although the wound had healed by the time she was rescued. Skye was also malnourished to the point where her limbs were deformed.

Ark posted images and a video of Skye on their social media sites which prompted a public outcry due to her condition.

“In between the hundreds of comments that were posted under her pictures, one of them was from a lady named Kerry Bayvel from Dainfern,” Eilertsen said.

“She saw Skye’s pictures and decided there and then that she wanted to foster her for us.”

Bayvel collected Skye a few days later and took her to the vet where is was discovered that she was suffering from rickets. It was also discovered that she had a heart murmur and pneumonia. Eilertsen said the vet put Skye on a diet of chicken fat and brine to help with the rickets, and after a few days her condition improved drastically.

“She may only be 12 weeks old and a dog, but she is one of the most inspiring individuals I’ve ever met,” Eilertsen said.

“She lives in the present and is so forgiving of humans.”

After two weeks of fostering Skye, Bayvel decided to adopt her. She had previously adopted a deaf double dapple dachshund from Ark Animal Centre.

According to Eilertsen, Skye has put on 1.4 kgs and has fitted in very well with the Bayvel’s other three dogs and is already part of the family.

“Skye is one super-lucky girl and she’s now living the life she deserves,” Eilertsen said.