Grace had nothing to do with the violence unfolding around her. Yet, in a matter of seconds, the innocent dog became another victim of the gang violence gripping Manenberg in the Western Cape. 

The young adult pit bull cross, who is about three years old, was caught in the crossfire of a drive-by shooting on October 21. 

A bullet struck her on the chest and she was surrendered to the Cape of Good Hope SPCA on the same day. 

“It’s hard to believe that a dog that had just taken a bullet to the chest was still trying to wag her tail at us,” says Cape of Good Hope SPCA spokesperson Belinda Abraham. 

“Grace did not understand the conflict, the gunfire, or why she was suddenly in pain, but in all of that she still gave our inspector’s hand a lick.” 

Bullet missed vital organs 

Abraham explains that X-rays were taken to assess the extent of Grace’s injuries, and despite the bullet passing through her body, it appeared to have missed vital organs and other critical structures. 

“It is an extraordinary stroke of luck in what could so easily have been a fatal shooting.” 

Abraham says Grace remains under veterinary care, but her prognosis is positive. 

“She is recovering well but remains hospitalised, with occasional walks. Her activity is kept to a minimum for now, but not for much longer.” 

Despite everything she has endured, Abraham says Grace has shown herself to be an affectionate dog. 

Against all odds 

“We named her Grace because, against all odds, she has been given another chance at life.” 

She says Grace enjoyed a special treat of chicken and rice, which the organisation feeds to all its dogs that need encouragement to eat. 

“We strongly suspect that was her first ever chicken treat. She isn’t playing with toys at the moment; she needs a bit more time to heal, but she does love a good chewy.” 

Consequences of human violence 

Abraham adds that there was something particularly heartbreaking about seeing a gentle animal suffer the consequences of human violence. 

“Grace’s experience highlights a painful reality. When bullets fly through our communities, the victims are not always those involved in the violence. Innocent people, children and animals can find themselves in the firing line, with devastating consequences,” she says. 

For the organisation, Grace’s story is a painful reminder of the impact of gun violence on the lives of innocent bystanders.  
 
“To us, Grace is a survivor, and her story speaks to the wider toll of gun violence on a community. It reaches into communities and families and harms those who have no part in the conflict.  

“We hope her recovery will stand for the safety and peace every community deserves. Grace was simply an innocent animal caught in a situation entirely beyond her control,” says Abraham.  

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