Written by Allan Perrins – Head of Communications, Resource Development & Fundraising, Animal Welfare Society of South Africa
Photography by Auriol Daniels Photography
Nine months ago, Olivia Links’ cherished seven-year-old dog, Sasha, vanished from their home in Silversands, Blue Downs. She’d slipped out whilst the family was packing in preparation for a move to their new home.
After Sasha’s disappearance, Olivia searched everywhere for her. When her early searches failed to turn up any sign of Sasha, she asked family, friends and neighbours to keep an eye out for her too.
The days turned to weeks and weeks into months with no clues, but still she never gave up searching and hoping to be reunited with Sasha.
That all changed on the 8th of November 2021!
Olivia was driving to work when she spotted an emaciated dog that closely resembled Sasha crossing the road in the vicinity of Blue Downs Shopping Centre.
She immediately pulled over and leapt out of the car, calling: “Sasha, Sasha, wait, it’s Mom!”
To her amazement, the skinny dog stopped and turned around to face Olivia. Her recognition was instant, and Sasha bounded happily over to Olivia, who couldn’t believe her luck!
Olivia noticed how thin and jaundiced Sasha was, so she decided to bring her to the Animal Welfare Society (AWS) South Africa for a check-up before taking her home to be reunited with her dog buddy, Ginger, and the rest of her excited family.
Thankfully, other than being underweight, infested with ticks, and suffering from tick bite fever, Sasha appeared to be in reasonable condition. She was treated at AWS and given the all-clear to go home on medication.
Olivia shares her joy…
Sasha is doing exceptionally well. She’s gaining weight, which I absolutely love! She sneaks into the bedroom late at night to sleep in between us, if not on my head, which is the sweetest thing.
I can honestly say that finding her was the best day of my life. Moving on with my everyday life but still having hope in my heart that my darling girl is still out there waiting to be found was near impossible. I can only thank God for protecting her for all those months she’d been missing.
My little family feels complete once more. Ginger is happy to have his companion back, and my husband and I are truly overjoyed to have her back home and close to our hearts where she belongs.
