Written by Lesley Gaigher, Louis Trichardt SPCA
Photography supplied by Michelle Pretorius
Trigger Warning! Not for sensitive viewers. Contains descriptions and photographs of an upsetting nature including animal neglect and abuse.
What a few cyclists found that fateful morning of the 4th of October 2020 on a small mountain bike trail, shocked and disturbed everyone who heard of it… A defenceless senior dog, her front and back legs bound together with multiple cable ties. Left exposed to the elements with no food or water. She’d been left to die a slow and agonising death.
Unimaginable cruelty
They immediately phoned one of the members of the Louis Trichardt SPCA who rushed over, not fully realising the scale of cruelty she’d face when she arrived. She couldn’t break the ties with her hands and hadn’t thought to bring a tool to execute the task. Thankfully, someone who had a Leatherman came along who could help free the poor soul.
The gentle dog was loaded and taken to the SPCA to recuperate. On the way there, her rescuer decided to name her Adira – meaning strong, noble, powerful – hoping it would manifest and she’d bravely face the road to full recovery.
We have no idea how long she’d been there, but judging by her wounds and condition it had to be a few days. The cold weather most definitely helped her to hang in a bit longer. She’d surely not have made it in our searing summer temperatures. Thank heavens the group of cyclists were on that road on that day!
A divine character
Adira arrived at the SPCA hungry, extremely dehydrated, disorientated, weak and in pain. We immediately had her seen to by a veterinarian who laid out a treatment plan. For the next few days Adira mostly slept. She grew stronger and began to show her divine character, and in just a few short days she fully trusted the SPCA team. She didn’t have an aggressive bone in her body and delighted everyone with her bright smiles!
In the meantime, Adira went to live with one of our friends to have a warm home at night as opposed to living in the kennel. Hayley Waller did a stellar job to nurse Adira back to health. We’re extremely grateful for the care and compassion Hayley doted on Adira – it definitely helped to restore her faith in humanity.
Six weeks later we could confidently say that Adira had not only healed physically but mentally too, and her story was shared to social media for us to find her forever home.
Adira caused a media uproar with features on multiple news outlets. The entire nation was shocked and horrified, but in awe of this little brown dog who escaped certain demise. We were inundated with comments, messages and enquiries and soon we had more applications than we knew what to do with. We narrowed down the adoption requests to our top three picks and the entire committee weighed in on the decision to place her with the Pretorius family in Pretoria.
A beautiful life ahead
Michelle (Pretorius) was extremely eager to make Adira a part of their family. I’ve never before seen such commitment to making it happen! On the day she saw the posting, a terrible storm hit their home in Magalieskruin (“Storms across Gauteng wreak havoc”, 20 Nov. 2020). She was unable to print the application form to complete it, but Michelle typed the entire document, word-for-word, with her answers on a WhatsApp message – now that shows dedication!
We’d like to thank the Tshwane SPCA for their help in making this adoption possible. Without Inspector Carlos going out of his way, we wouldn’t have been able to process their application.
Michelle and Petrus came to collect Adira on Friday, the 4th of December 2020 – precisely two months after she was found. Looking back at those first pictures, it’s hard to think she’s the same cowering girl. Although by then Adira was still a bit shy, she was willing to let people see into her cheerful soul and gave them glimpses of her full potential.
So, for our dear Adira and her new family in their happy home: may your walls know joy, every room hold laughter, and the windows be open to possibilities!
Michelle, Adira’s owner, shares...
Adira is a wonderful girl and we truly give thanks up above for having her in our lives.
It was quite by accident that I read about Adira that afternoon and just knew I didn’t only want her, but that I needed her! The whole adoption process was spent in prayer.
Once home with her we became very aware of how badly she’d been abused in her behaviour when confronted with different situations and, being a senior dog, it took time, patience and a lot of love to gain her full trust. We allocated spending one-on-one time with her every day and can thankfully say she’s now fully settled in and trusts totally.
She has adorable little habits. She specially has her own way of “talking” by making different sounds when she gets excited. Coming home to her we’re always sure to get an overwhelming special greeting. I feel so proud of her when I put on her leash and we can actually go for a walk. She’s come a long way.
We also have two Jack Russells, and the three of them had no problem settling in with each other. Generally, when the two Jackies are up to mischief, Adira isn’t far behind keeping an eye on them.
Adira doesn’t have teeth, so she has a special diet. She loves her 16h00 special snack and has a built-in clock to remind us when it’s time. You can’t help but love her.
Her hip needed surgery when we got her. It hurts to think that she had to cope with the pain. The operation, which was performed at Onderstepoort, was a great success. She now runs around happily and has no problem sitting comfortably.
Adira is so special. She’s an amazing girl. We can’t imagine life without her.
We’ll forever be so thankful to each and every person who was part of the process, especially everyone at the Louis Trichardt SPCA who gave her love, helped her recover, and then gave us the honour of adopting her. Once again, we say thank you!
