An urgent search is underway for Angy, a rescue dog who went missing after escaping from her new home in Ten Acres on August 9.

Angy was last seen at about 17:37 that day on the back road between Randfontein and Westonaria, with photographs showing her running along the side of the road in the direction of Westonaria.

The mixed-breed dog, believed to have possible Boerboel and Boxer traits, was rescued seven weeks ago by animal rescuer Kotie Henderson after she was found severely emaciated and suffering from biliary. Biliary, commonly known as tick-bite fever, is a parasitic disease that affects dogs, according to MSD Animal Health, a leading global animal health company.

Henderson took responsibility for Angy’s veterinary treatment and recovery. She received treatment, vaccinations and deworming and was awaiting sterilisation after her veterinarian advised that she first needed to recover fully from biliary, as her blood needed time to return to normal to reduce the risk of bleeding during surgery.

After regaining her health and weight, Angy was rehomed. However, she managed to escape from the adopter’s property and has not been found since. Henderson said she is deeply concerned about Angy’s safety, particularly because she is now alone in an unfamiliar environment during extremely cold and wet weather.

“She has been lost and on the run in a strange environment where we have no guarantee that she can survive on her own,” Henderson said.

Rescue groups and residents join search

Louisa Rossouw, founder of Cast Aways Animal Sanctuary, said the organisation normally assists Henderson by taking in animals she rescues and helping find them suitable homes.

In Angy’s case, Henderson contacted Cast Aways after the dog escaped and asked for help in networking the search through community groups and animal-rescue networks. Rossouw said Angy’s previous condition makes the search particularly urgent.

“She is alone and out on the streets, exposed to the cold, rain and other dangers,” Rossouw said.

Residents between Randfontein and Westonaria are urged to check fields, open areas, bushes, properties, roadside areas and other secluded places where Angy may be hiding or seeking shelter.

Anyone who spots her is urged not to chase, shout at, surround or attempt to catch her, particularly if she appears frightened or distressed. Instead, residents should keep a safe distance, monitor her movements if possible, take a photograph or video and immediately report the exact location.

“Every sighting, even if she moves away before help arrives, could be extremely important in helping us track her and bring her safely home,” Rossouw said.

Cast Aways is co-ordinating through its WhatsApp and Facebook platforms, with independent rescuers, animal welfare organisations and members of the public also assisting with the search.

Anyone with information or a sighting is urged to contact either Henderson on 071 054 2026 or Rossouw (Cast Aways) on 072 812 3333.

Henderson is appealing to the community not to give up hope.

“It is of the utmost importance for me to find her and bring her home. Please help us find her,” she said.