‘Do not dump or abandon your pets,’ warns Highveld Ridge SPCA
‘She is not yet ready to be cuddled, but she is daily improving and I believe she will eventually come to completely trust a human. She will need a lot of attention and love.’
SECUNDA – Her rescuers named her Faith.
“Faith to me means confidence, trust and belief. This dog finally found enough of these to allow us to save her and her puppies. We on the other hand, also had to push in and believe that she would eventually trust us enough,” explained Ms Madri O’Neill from the Highveld Ridge SPCA.
She believes that this brown and black cross breed with her soft eyes and floppy ears had been abandoned along with another dog, possibly a brother.
The pair had been seen during the lockdown in the area around Outiniqua Street for about five months.
“They were feral and did not allow us to come within 10 metres of them.’
Residents might recall the male dog that was full of porcupine quills. When he was run over, Faith was left to her own devices. Local volunteers took to putting out water and food for Faith.
She eventually paired with a black Labrador whose owner lives in the area. This pooch was regularly returned to his owner, only to again escape and run off after Faith.
Their bond was strong enough that Faith eventually followed the Labrador home to birth their seven puppies.
The owner alerted the SPCA of the new arrivals and Ms O’Neill and the SPCA team decided to intervene by taking the mom and puppies to their premises near Unicor Dam.
“The puppies look like their father,” said Ms O’Neill.
‘They are so fluffy and cute. And Faith is a very good mom.”
Ms O’Neill said the puppies will be ready for adoption in about four weeks.
“We also hope to find a forever home for Faith. She is not yet ready to be cuddled, but she is daily improving and I believe she will eventually come to completely trust a human. She will need a lot of attention and love.”
The Highveld Ridge SPCA pleads with the public not to dump or abandon their animals.
“If you can no longer afford to look after your pet, you can surrender them to the SPCA. It is better than leaving them to fend for themselves.
“Abandonment is seen as animal cruelty, an offense for which you can go to prison or incur a stiff fine.”
The SPCA also urged the public to adopt rather than shop for a dog or cat.
There are so many animals that are in need of love and a good home. Please come meet some of these puppies at the SPCA.”
For more information, contact the SPCA at 082 869 2350. In case of emergencies, phone 082 222 1122.
