MANDY the German Shepherd is the one of the happiest dogs you’ll ever meet; her playful and inquisitive nature belies the sad circumstances she was rescued in. At just under two years of age, Mandy was rescued by the volunteers from Phoenix Animal Care and Treatment (PACT).

She was found lingering outside a salon in Phoenix with a pack of dogs, emaciated and with a horrific injury – her tail bone had been exposed and was badly infected.

Worse news was yet to come after a visit to the vet revealed the rescued pooch had cervical cancer. Since then she has undergone four chemotherapy sessions to reduce the lesion, which has now almost disappeared. She is currently being fostered by Durban North resident and rescue volunteer, Ronné Forsyth, who said Mandy’s turnaround has been amazing.

“When I first saw her at the Mazarat Kennels in Waterfall, she was terribly skinny, you could see her ribs. Her tail had to be docked, as well as a part of her ear, which we believe she lost in a fight with other dogs while out scrounging for food. I just knew in my heart that life in a kennel was not for her. So I decided to foster her, and she has blossomed since her cancer treatments and her rescue.

“She’s a typical German Shepherd: she’s obedient, highly intelligent and, as strange as it sounds, each chemo session has made her become more playful and made her act like a young dog. She loves people, and has the sweetest demeanour,” she said.

Forsyth added that Mandy does well with smaller dogs, but not larger ones or cats.

“She’s okay with smaller dogs, but because she lived on the streets, picking up scraps of food, she was often bullied by the bigger dogs. So she gets scared and adopts a submissive position. She is perfect for a family and is great with children.

“Mandy has come a long way since her ordeal. I urge residents to contact me on 076 417 5388 if anyone would like to adopt her,” said Forsyth.