Written by Sharon Classen, Founder of Valhalla Park Animal Welfare (V-PAW)
Professional photography by Nizaar Marlie
King was found by one of our community champions, Sam Valentine, on the 10th of February 2020. He was scavenging for something to eat, and Sam alerted us to her discovery. We responded to her call and found a scared, emaciated German Shepherd looking the worse for wear. Despite his condition, there was a softness in his eyes – this was the decision as to whether he should live or be sent over the rainbow bridge.
We contacted several facilities for shelter so as to give him a chance at life. With nowhere to go, Sam offered to care for him until a foster or King’s owner could be found. For now, he was safe, provided with a warm place to sleep and specialised vet food to aid his recovery.
On the 13th of February 2020, he went to Cape of Good Hope SPCA for a vet examination in the event of any underlying health issues that were not visible to the eye. He was treated for a urinary infection, and the vet was positive that he’d recover if provided with the correct nutrition.
And along came Junaid, who expressed an interest in providing King with a foster home until his owner could be found. Well, the rest is “history”, as these two have become inseparable. Under my guidance, we’ve seen King flourish and improve daily, and we’re delighted that Junaid and family gave King a chance at life.
Junaid Abrahams, King’s new owner, shares…
My name is Junaid. I’m 16 years of age and live in Bishop Lavis, on the Cape Flats (the rougher side of the Flats), and my story…
It was a normal day; I came home from school and received a message from my girlfriend. She and her family are community volunteers for Valhalla Park Animal Welfare (V-PAW). I got a message saying they’d found a homeless German Shepherd. He wasn’t in good shape at all… he was thin, sick, very scared and lonely. I felt so sorry for the poor helpless dog. I begged my mom and pleaded with her to foster him. I finally got a YES!
V-PAW, my girlfriend and her family treated the dog. After a week, and NO owner found, I named him King (we advertised him as being found, but nobody responded). He was scared of every move I made. He was hairless on his paws, lower back and under his tail, and his muzzle was raw and dry. He didn’t want to eat, he just stayed in the kennel I made for him, and his ears were down, looking sad and very depressed.
I had lots of patience and took everything slow. I took him for walks as exercise. People often laughed at how he looked, but I never stopped caring for King; I never gave up.
After a few days, King started to realise that I care for and love him. He slowly got used to the fact that I wouldn’t mistreat him or abandon him.
Today, King is the healthiest (huge thanks to Sharon, who heads up V-PAW for free treatment) and the most loyal dog I’ve ever had! King’s fur is flawless, and it shines beautifully. People who laughed at first are now giving me a great big “well done”. He’s no longer frightened of me and sleeps on my bed with me, knowing that I love him.
King is no longer being abused and neglected in the township but being shown pure love from me and my family.
He now attends training classes. Not only was he saved, but he’s saved me! King also has a kitty brother known as Simon, and they get along very well.
Thank you, V-PAW, for helping and guiding me on how to heal this boy. He’s my best friend.
