Written by Tanitia van der Walt, Marketing Volunteer at Langebaan Animal Care
Professional photography by NeedOutdoors
Shortly after a distressing post about a large, cream-coloured dog lying in a field in Saldanha started circulating on Facebook on the 8th of July 2024, Bev Neves, a compassionate animal lover, jumped into action and made her way to the area.
On arrival, Bev was met with a heart-breaking sight: an extremely malnourished Anatolian Shepherd whose severely low energy levels didn’t even give her the strength to stand up. Lifting this gentle giant was no easy task, but together with Amelia Cordir (who had orinally found her, and had posted a plea on Facebook), and Amanda Oosthuizen, Bev stayed focused, mustered up enough strength for both of them, and managed to successfully get the dog lifted into the car.
Her initial vet visit required a total of four people to help with carrying her in, weighing her, and getting her ready for her check-up, with Bev and the LAC Shelter Manager, Jacqui Verkerk, standing by in anticipation. It wasn’t long before the community united together in care and soon the story of this resilient dog earned her the name “Lucky Lucy”.
The vet’s diagnosis revealed tick bite fever, extreme malnourishment, and neglect. She remained at the vet for overnight observation while receiving treatment through a drip. It was heart-wrenching to learn that Lucy had resorted to eating stones, plastic, rubber, and foil just to survive. Due to her severe level of starvation, her food intake had to be monitored at all times to ensure she ate small amounts slowly as her stomach wouldn’t be able to digest it, and it could cause further health problems.
After three days at the vet, her tail was wagging as she started to regain her strength and she was released to the loving care of Langebaan Animal Care. While she remained under constant observation, finishing her course of antibiotics, the nurturing environment at the shelter helped to build her confidence. The daily monitored walks and socialisation soon revealed an extremely playful personality, and due to everything she’s been through, Lucy craves affection and always wants someone to be with her.
A dog whom the entire community prayed for to make it through the night has now been in recovery for more than a month, and although she still has a long way to go, she’s proven that she’s not just lucky – she’s resilient and strong!
She’s currently receiving lots of love at the shelter and will continue to do so until she’s ready for adoption into a forever family that will shower her with love.
To find out more about Lucky Lucy, call Langebaan Animal Care’s adoption team on 083 396 7198.
