Trigger Warning! Not for sensitive viewers. Contains descriptions and photographs of an upsetting nature including animal neglect and abuse.
Written by Karin De Beer – KAWS (Kleinmond Animal Welfare Society) Administration Officer
Professional photography by Shannon Fletcher
Stitch arrived at Kleinmond Animal Welfare Society on the 15th of March 2021. He was found trapped in a snare by people walking in the forest. How he got there or where he’s from, we don’t know. According to the vet who treated him, he’d been lying in the snare during ice-cold and rainy winter days for at least two weeks. Stitch is a miracle!
It’s a miracle he was found. It was a miracle he survived the four-hour surgery, and it’s a miracle that he recovered in a way that no one could tell that his body was almost cut in half.
Stitch – who’s estimated to be six or seven years old – is a very gentle and obedient soul. He gives cuddles, always stays away from trouble, and he loves a little playtime; but even more, he loves to relax in the sun and go for slow walks.
He has a good relationship with everyone and everything, and he’ll let puppies sleep on top of him for comfort! Stitch is wonderful, he’s a miracle, and he deserved the best home!
After plenty of love, cuddles and recuperation, Stitch was adopted on the 25th of June 2021 by Helena Freislich and now leads the life he deserves.
Helena Freislich, Stitch’s new owner, shares...
After my stepfather died last year, my sister and I decided to adopt a dog. Karin at KAWS asked my sister what we were looking for in a dog. She told her that I’m over 60 and my mom’s over 80, therefore she needed a calm dog. Karin immediately recommended Stitch, and we’re not disappointed with her choice.
Stitch was supposed to be my mom’s dog, but at the time she was very sick and couldn’t look after him. Instead, I’d get up at about 03h00 in the morning, in the cold and rain, to let him out and give him his food and water. In the beginning, he wasn’t very sure of himself or his surroundings and refused to go for walks or get into the car.
One day we decided to take him to the beach, but getting him back home was a different story! We had to carry him across the road. A few months ago, everything changed. Nowadays, he can’t wait to get going for his walks. If we don’t start when he’s ready, then he talks to us and tells us that he’s waiting. He gets quite vocal when I’m running late!
Today he’s a very different dog. We’re planning on celebrating his birthday soon. He loves his special doggy cookies, but my neighbour treats him to Marie biscuits. When I open the gate, he rushes to her house and “fights” with her if she doesn’t give him his cookie fast enough.
He’s also an angel with other animals. One day we found a little bird, and he just sniffed it and walked on. He likes to play with some of the cats, but not for too long. He’s very protective of me, my mom and our neighbour, and he’ll bark to warn people that he’s here but will stop when I tell him to.
We go for walks twice a day, and Stitch loves them. What’s more, he likes to direct the walking route, and I simply cannot refuse his choices. Having Stitch as part of our family has certainly brightened our lives!
