Written by Amanda Pollard, foster mom, LEAPS (Lamberts and Elands Bay Animal Protection Services)
Professional photography by Keith Lotz Photography
Maxi was on death’s doorstep when she was rescued from a life of severe neglect. Nobody believed that she could survive but, thanks to a dedicated foster, she not only survived – she thrived.
Urgent foster needed
As a regular foster mom for LEAPS, when I received a call from LEAPS volunteer Colleen Simmonds saying she urgently needed a foster for a dog in Vredenburg (some 80km from where I live in Melkbosstrand), I didn’t hesitate. I immediately headed out to fetch Maxi, as LEAPS had named her.
When I met her, my heart broke. I felt powerless and I wept as I thought how depraved one had to be to treat animals this way… Was it apathy, or stupidity? None seemed in short supply…
The soft-eyed tan-and-white dog had been starved, hurt and, perhaps worst of all, socially isolated. Dogs are very social animals; more so, even, than humans. I wondered how humans could be so inhumane.
The dog was in an appalling state
As I headed back home, I kept glancing at her lying there on the back seat; so vulnerable, filthy and with her bones jutting out everywhere. She looked like a skeleton with fur, her ears blackened from flies that had been eating at it, between numerous fight wounds, scars, and mange and two big open wounds on her behind from being tied up on the cement floor for who knows how long.
I recoiled in horror at the thought of what this poor dog had endured. What sort of dissolute soul could do this to a helpless dog!
When I got home that afternoon, I really wasn’t sure how to manage Maxi – she was in such a bad state and we could only see a vet on Monday. But I soon got strength from Above and did what I thought was needed to treat her straight away. Helplessly, she looked at me as I lifted her up, took her inside and gently placed her on a soft bed. Throughout, she showed absolutely no emotions and was clearly petrified.
First steps
She needed to eat but I had to proceed carefully. She was so hungry that she gobbled the food up every time, but if she had too much at once she’d bring it all up again. So I fed her gradually, every two hours. Because she couldn’t drink from her bowl, I syringed water into her mouth ever so often to keep her hydrated.
Treating her many wounds was much more challenging; the wounds on her behind were so deep that you could see right down to the bone. Trying to lift her weary body was also a challenge as she couldn’t stand even for a second – her weak body would simply collapse if she attempted this.
I carried her outside to relieve herself, and I carried her back to her bed. I was preparing myself for a long journey with Maxi even though it would be worth every minute of my time.
The journey ahead
Come Monday morning, I took Maxi to the vet where she was diagnosed with Ehrlichia (a tick-borne disease), and her blood count was very low. She weighed just 10.1kg. They suggested that it might be better to have her put to sleep, but I had to give her a chance: Maxi would come home with me to give her some chance to heal. The vet advised that she might need a blood transfusion if her blood count didn’t pick up.
And so, Maxi’s journey started. She was put on antibiotics and, every day for a week, she went to the vet to treat her open wounds as they were severe. Her menu consisted of chicken livers, rice and puppy food, and, gradually, she began to gain weight.
Every day she got stronger, and every day she showed more of her personality. She began showing facial expressions and then started enjoying playing with her toys.
Love conquers all
With lots of tears shed for feeling so sorry for this girl, Maxi improved, and three weeks later, her weight was up to 17.6kgs. Seeing the sparkle back in her eyes and watching her running around and enjoying her life again is incredible – this is a little miracle child.
This is the true inspiration of a dog when true love is shown and dedication is given. It’s been a challenging journey but, Maxi, you’ve proven to me anything is possible in life and no matter how down, abused and forgotten you may have been, love conquers all.
I’m grateful that I was able to join you on this journey. I love you dearly.
LEAPS – Helping the Paw
LEAPS is a registered non-profit animal welfare organisation tending to the needs of animals in the townships of Eland’s Bay and Lambert’s Bay on the West Coast, 220km outside Cape Town.
Find out more by following them on Facebook @LeapsFBPage and reading our article here: http://www.happytailsmagazine.co.za/news-articles/leaps-helping-the-paw/
