Danica with Nikta Booysens
Written by Charmaine Booysens, founder of The 9th Day
Photographs courtesy of Charmaine Booysens and Estelle Potgieter
The skinny stray dog had already been wandering alone on open land behind Roodepoort’s Westgate Shopping Mall for two or three months when The 9th Day was alerted to her plight.
When volunteers approached her on 14 October 2017, the beautiful gold-and-black Shepherd-mix dog wouldn’t let anyone near her. In hopes of winning her trust, a few ladies started feeding her. But it would be another two long weeks before this girl would be won over…
We weren’t getting anywhere
On three occasions, we went out to try and find her but she was like a ghost. But persistence won out and, finally, on Friday, 27 October, I spotted her slinking through the dry grass.
Now that we were sure she was still around, there was no turning back, no walking away. It was “all systems go” to help this scared, hungry girl. But, despite spending days and nights armed with all sorts of tasty treats – from sausage to liver – patiently waiting and hoping, we realised that we weren’t getting anywhere.
We set a trap carefully laid with food, but the dog was way too clever – it seemed that she’d rather die of hunger than go into that trap.
A change in tactics was needed.
They would have to dart her
That’s when we found a vet who would dart the dog. However, as simple as this sounds, it’s not something to be undertaken lightly. It takes time for a tranquilliser to take effect and it becomes very dangerous for the dog as it can wander off and get hurt. You have to keep a close eye on it, ensuring it doesn’t stumble into harm’s way.
We organised a “rescue party”. This would make sure that there were plenty of eagle-eyed people to watch over her – and grab her as soon as the drugs took effect.
Easier said than done. Once again, she showed how smart and tenacious she was by leading us on a chase around the Westgate Mall’s parking area. We had to trap her in a corner to be able to catch her. Finally, we had her – now we could get her to safety and, eventually, a brand-new life.
Our morning star
We decided to name her Savannah, but once we got to know her, I realised the name just somehow didn’t suit her; to me Savannah is feisty, but this girl is sweet and gentle and she has the softest personality (how her owners gave her up, I don’t know!).
And so, we came upon the name Danica, meaning “morning star”. That’s what she reminded me of when she was standing on the edge “guarding” the place she called home. Now it was time for a whole new morning for our star.
Of course, Danica came home with me and fitted in perfectly with my dogs; I think it’s safe to say that our once-lost girl has found her forever home.
Gratitude
So many people came together to help rescue Danica.
I’d like to thank all the people who joined our search party – I’m not going to mention names, because I might forget someone. Special thanks go to Help24/A1 Assist, Rudi Steynberg for sending vehicles to help us regulate traffic, and to Cora Bailey and her CLAW (Community Led Animal Welfare) team who, within seconds, had Danica muzzled and in their arms.
This is what rescue is all about – TEAMWORK, no matter what breed you prefer, no matter what organisation you prefer or support. Danica needed help and that’s exactly what she got, from an amazing group of people.
Read more about The 9th Day here: http://www.happytailsmagazine.co.za/news-articles/how-it-all-began/the-9th-day/
