Help special Simba find a forever home
"And then, with what could have been his last few breaths, he still managed to wag his tail for me."
A dog abandoned by a business owner and left to fend for himself on the streets of Park Rynie is now in recovery at Scott Vet after former K9 explosives handler, Sheldon Holland rescued the little dog from certain death.
Just under a year ago, Sheldon’s own much-loved dog, Django, which he had fought tooth and nail to bring home from war-torn Afghanistan, died.
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Now, he has put all of his efforts into trying to find a home for the recuperating Simba.
Earlier this month, Simba could still be seen wandering the streets, tail wagging and happily greeting local business owners who always put out food and water for him and his gang of strays. When Simba went missing, concerns grew for his safety.
Sheldon, who works in the area was especially concerned and started asking around if anyone had seen Simba. The search started at the cafe where Simba he used to sleep every night, but he wasn’t there. “I searched every avenue, road, stream, river, you name it. I investigated, questioned and wept for his whereabouts. But nothing came of it,” he said.
Simba was spotted a few days later with a large wound on his back. According to talk around town, Simba had been injured in a fight with another stray.
Time passed and it wasn’t until last week that Sheldon would see Simba again. He had just arrived at work and said he saw Simba crawling around the corner towards him. “He collapsed and all I could smell was the stench of rotten flesh,” he said.
Simba’s wounds had become infested with maggots and had started to rot away, a sight Sheldon says he will never forget.
“He had many more open wounds but the biggest and worst thing was the look in his eyes. And then with what could have been his last few breaths of air, he still managed to wag his tail for me,” Sheldon said.
Needless to say, he was overjoyed to see Simba alive and hurried him to Scott Vet for urgent treatment. Simba is recuperating at the practice and locals are asked to open their hearts and assist this little dog or perhaps even provide him with a forever home. “Stray as he may be, he is proud, loveable and friendly and has life in his eyes again. I need to find a home for him,” said Sheldon.
Anyone interested in adopting Simba can contact Sheldon at 066-4743693. Donations towards the cost of his medical treatment will also be gratefully received. Contact Scott Vet at 039-9761418 for details.
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