Left for dead by his loved ones

Spike may look like your regular stray, but there is something special about his story.

Earlier this year, the German shepherd, Rottweiler cross was photographed with a pit bull named Zorro. Zorro was considered a hero after fighting off another dog to protect his family.

The neighbour’s dog, Jesse, somehow managed to escape from the yard. She rushed onto Zorro’s turf in pursuit of the young boy who ran into the house the moment he saw her.

Unfortunately, the youngster was unable to close the door in time and Jesse pushed her way into the family’s home.

The aggressive one-and-a-half-year-old pit bull chased the child around the home. Amidst the commotion, Zorro came to the rescue.

Jesse outweighed her opponent, but Zorro stood his ground. He sustained severe injuries, but was fortunate to receive medical attention in time.

Before the story of the pet’s brave fight was published, the Newcastle Advertiser photographed Zorro alongside Spike and a family member.

Seven months after the news broke, a resident contacted Newcastle SPCA to inform them Spike had been abandoned at his home in View Street.

The resident told the SPCA the owners had moved elsewhere, allegedly leaving their precious pet to fend for itself for more than two weeks.

When the SPCA arrived, they found Spike hiding in the back yard, cold, hungry and alone.

SPCA Inspector, Elize van Rooyen said they were planning to open a case of abandonment against Spike’s owners.

Ms van Rooyen was shocked by the family’s apparent lack of compassion, finding it difficult to understand why they had simply left him behind.

“They left him with nothing. He was hiding under a piece of plastic, trying to keep warm. It’s just disgusting!” she exclaimed.

Calls to the family for comment went unanswered at the time of publication.

If you would like to give Spike a forever home, contact Newcastle SPCA on 034 318 2346 or visit its offices on 1 Sampson Street, Barry Hertzog Park.

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