All these pooches need are love and Wet Nose

Every animal that comes through the doors of the Wet Nose Animal Rescue Centre matters and gets a new chance in life.

Since the beginning of 2025, the organisation has again become a safe place for dozens of animals.

Some cases that tucked at the hearts of the staff and volunteers were two pitbull terriers and an emaciated African named Tanner.

Tanner is about three years old and was found wandering with a rope around his neck in Riamarpark, Bronkhorstspruit, in January.

The starving dog had pressure sores. The team at Wet Nose worked with him daily to help him feel secure and to teach him how to interact with other dogs.

“Despite his tough start, Tanner’s love for people shines through because he melts under the gentle touch of those who show him kindness.”

When Destiny, a three-year-old pit bull, recently arrived at Wet Nose, she was trapped in the boot of a car on a scorching hot day. Her previous owners surrendered her, labelling her as aggressive.

According to Wet Nose, Destiny was full of wounds inflicted by other dogs.

“Not once, not even for a second, has she shown an ounce of aggression. Instead, she is terrified. When we first approached her, she would shake uncontrollably in a corner, her body dropping to the floor in complete submission if we moved too fast.

“For the past two weeks, we have worked with her every day. She now walks beside us, accepting gentle love and touch. She is learning that not all hands hurt, that soft voices can bring comfort, and that humans can be kind.

Despite everything she has been through, she still loves people. She still wants to trust. She still wants to belong.

“Destiny didn’t deserve the pain she’s endured, but she does deserve a chance at a beautiful life.”

Destiny’s recovery, physical and emotional, is far from over. She needs continued medical treatment for her wounds, therapy to heal her heart, and, eventually, the perfect family who will cherish her as she deserves.

Another three-year-old pit bull named Briana was found roaming the R460 near the Sasol in Ekangala with a heavy chain dangling around her neck.

For two long days, she evaded the kind-hearted couple trying to help her until they finally got her into the car.

“Something truly moving happened. She curled up on the back seat and immediately fell into a deep sleep, as though she finally felt safe.”

When Briana arrived at Wet Nose, the chain that had weighed her down for so long was removed.

“You could see the relief wash over her as if she knew her days of hardship were finally behind her. And then, Briana did something that melted all of our hearts – she leaned into the arms of our animal welfare supervisor, seeking comfort, connection and love.”

For more information about these three dogs and the other animals at the shelter, call Wet Nose on 082 677 8084 or visit www.wetnose.co.za to see which other cute dogs and cats are up for adoption.