Written by Tanitia van der Walt, Marketing Volunteer at Langebaan Animal Care
Photography supplied by Tracy Mistry, and professional photography by NeedOutdoors
Trigger Warning! Not for sensitive viewers. Contains descriptions and photographs of an upsetting nature.
After a vicious dog attack, this gentle 10-year-old dog lay helplessly wrapped in her owner's arms, bleeding out and rapidly losing strength.
She was in her own backyard in Green Village when the other dog trespassed, leaving her with a large open wound on her back that required immediate medical attention. Unfortunately, her owners, who are pensioners, knew they could not afford this.
A call for help was made to Langebaan Animal Care, and shortly after two volunteers arrived and lifted a trembling and injured Jack Russell Terrier X named Meisiekind with a towel into the car. She was rushed to the Langebaan Animal Hospital on Sleigh Street while urgent appeals were made to the community for donations towards the medical care that she so desperately needed.
Over R4 500 was raised. Meisiekind got the surgery and stitches she needed, and one of Langebaan Animal Care's fieldwork volunteers, Tracy, took her in and fostered her while she recovered from the trauma she just endured.
Her adjustment period after the attack was a slow and gradual one as she hid away in the wardrobe at first and appeared uneasy with her new and unfamiliar surroundings. The storms and loud noises scared her easily, and her wariness of other dogs made her cautious and skittish of the dog that was a part of her foster family. This furry companion, however, was gentle and helped her to regain her confidence in the presence of other dogs until soon they were rolling together in the grass and sitting together in the sun.
Despite the struggle and the long recovery, she's fighting fit now, with an affectionate personality and big loving eyes that follow you around everywhere.
Following her unfortunate incident and long recovery, Meisiekind’s owners decided that it would be better to surrender her to the care of Langebaan Animal Care to ensure that her second chance in life is one where she can live carefree. Despite her owners battling with this decision due to their love for her, they’re convinced that Meisiekind will find a new forever home where she'll be cared for with love, understanding, and patience as she adjusts.
To find out more about Meisiekind, call Langebaan Animal Care’s adoption team on 083 396 7198.
