Survivor on the road to recovery after vicious attack
Survivor was in his yard when he was attacked by a pack of unsterilised male strays who were looking for a female that was in heat in the area.
LEFT abandoned, wounded and bleeding to death following a horrific attack by a violent pack, Survivor’s story could’ve turned out morbidly different had it not been for his local heroes. YWP and Montclair Animals (YMA) came to the rescue of a poor Africanis male breed that was viciously attacked in his own yard on 29 December 2019. His injuries were so severe that his bones were visible through the wounds. The dog had lost a lot of blood and the rescue team were concerned he wouldn’t make. But the little champ pushed through, living up to his new name ‘Survivor’ given by his vet at Wood Road Animal Hospital.
“Survivor was in his yard when he was attacked by a pack of unsterilised male strays who were looking for a female that was in heat in the area. Members of our group were woken by the commotion in the early hours of the morning and rushed over to break up the fight and assist Survivor, who was then rushed to the vet. The smell produced by a dog in season travels for kilometres. It causes aggression and straying in intact males, which in turn causes huge problems for the community as people and innocent dogs like Survivor get hurt.
“His now ex-owners, who were away on holiday at the time of the attack, have refused to pay anything towards his treatment and said they don’t want him back,” said YMA founder, Juanita Reynen.
The cost of Survivor’s treatment was R4482.50. He had extensive injuries where his bones were actually visible through the wounds. He was kept at the vet for three weeks and was ready to be handed over to his foster home until the vet discovered that he has now contracted Parvo, further delaying his discharge. “He is such a sweet boy, he loves people as well as other animals, and is currently available for adoption.”
Self-confessed animal lover, Juanita shared that she was 6 years old when she first rescued a dog. “A little Maltese poodle named Sammy had been hit by a car and fell down a storm water drain. It was raining heavily and the drain was filling up fast. No one else could fit into the drain so my brothers held my ankles and lowered me down. Sammy was pulled up to safety, taken to the vet and lived for many happy years thereafter. Every time I saw him or that drain I felt proud that I had saved a life, I knew I’d always do something to help whenever I saw an animal in need. So I guess it’s always been a part of who I am. I learned to love and protect animals from my mom, who is still very much an animal warrior.”
It was this passion for animals, especially vulnerable ones that inspired the birth of YMA. Registering as an official NPO is one of the group’s main goals for the new year as this will allow them to obtain sponsorship from businesses and issue tax certificates.
“I’ve been working with and collaborating with other community members since about 2014 and although it’s been a long, difficult road, we’re finally starting to feel like a solid organisation. We’ve got a handful of really dedicated, selfless members who share in my vision of making a difference in the lives of the animals in this community. It’s not easy to do this every day, it really takes a toll but we do it because we can’t not do it. If not us then who?
“We are all volunteers who just do our best to assist where we see a need. We network lost and found animals on our WhatsApp groups and Facebook page, we educate pet owners and support less fortunate neighbourhood animals by providing food and assistance with veterinary treatments and sterilizations. We also rescue and rehome animals who are in trouble, neglected, abandoned or surrendered to us.
YMA’s primary goal is to re-home all dogs which remain a big challenge. “We often have dogs that battle to find homes or steal the hearts of their foster parents and land up as permanent members of the family. We call this a “Foster Failure” which is wonderful for the dog but means we no longer have that space to foster. A shortage of foster homes and good adoptive homes is one of the biggest challenges for us,” said Juanita.
One of YMA’s rescuers who has been hands on in Survivor’s case, Justin Stevens shared: “It is heart-breaking to see what these animals go through and although this work is tough, the reward is far greater. When we see these little animals and the looks that they give us when we save them, is priceless. I don’t need anything more than that, it’s what makes my clock tick. I’d advise everyone in our community to treat their dog like a family member, don’t be a cruel parent, be a better parent.”
“These are sentient beings who feel pain, fear, and love just like us humans. “They truly are man’s best friend and it’s about time we started being their best friend too,” said Juanita.
To assist in paying for Survivor’s vet bill or to support YMA, contact Juanita via email ywpmontclairanimals@gmail.com or visit their Facebook page YWP & Montclair Animals YMA – Durban – South Africa.
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