Written by Nicole Blignault
Photography by Mariaan Browne and Mel's Photography
On the 3rd of November 2025, I was busy feeding the dogs, moving from one area to the next. On my way to the other side, I saw him – Willow – slowly walking towards me. He looked exhausted, out of breath, with his tail tucked tightly between his legs.
It was clear from the start that this dog had been through a lot. He was cautious, scared and extremely tired. Getting him into my car wasn’t easy. He didn’t climb in by himself. He growled, snapped, and made it very clear that he didn’t trust people. I was scared too.
But something in my heart told me this dog still deserved a chance.
A special future ahead
Even though the easiest option might have been to send him to heaven, my heart simply couldn’t accept that. I felt there was still something good inside this dog. So I followed my heart and decided to give Willow a chance. My vet, all the doctors, advised me to put him to sleep. But I decided that this wasn’t the right choice.
What I didn’t know then was how special he’d become.
Willow is bigger than a typical Pit Bull, and it’s clear that he experienced abuse at some point in his life. Even today, I can’t bring a stick, broom or mop near him without him becoming terrified. When he sees one, he runs to a corner, drops down with his tail tucked between his legs, and sometimes even urinates out of fear.
Yet despite everything he’s been through, Willow is one of the gentlest dogs I’ve ever known.
He’s wonderful with people, patient with children, friendly with other dogs, and even gentle with small puppies. His eyes have a way of looking straight into your soul, and in that look you can see nothing but gratitude.
Willow goes through chemo
Willow’s journey, however, hasn’t been easy.
He was diagnosed with TVT cancer (Transmissible Venereal Tumour) on his manhood. Since being rescued, Willow has already gone through three surgeries. During the first operation, tumours were surgically removed from different areas.
For the second and third procedures, the veterinarian implanted chemotherapy beads to help treat the cancer more aggressively.
And yet, Willow continues to surprise everyone.
After every surgery he recovers incredibly well. By the very next day he’s often back on his feet, full of life, ready to be with his people and his dog friends.
The dog that gives hugs
He loves his home, he loves his routine, and most of all, he loves the people around him.
Sometimes, in the middle of a group of people, Willow will suddenly just stare at me for a moment. Then he jumps up, wraps his paws around me and gives the tightest hug. If I put him down, he simply comes back for another one.
When I arrive home, he runs straight to me – ready for his Willow hugs.
Even though I know I’m giving Willow the best life I possibly can, I still find myself wondering sometimes:
Where did he come from?
What did he go through before he arrived here?
And how many other dogs out there still have stories like Willow’s?
I don’t know how much time Willow still has. There may come a day when I have to make a very difficult decision.
But in truth, I already made that decision the day I said: “I’m going to give him a chance.”
Until that day comes, Willow will know only one thing – Love!
Editor’s note: Nicole and Willow recently raised R42,000-00 in 24 hours for Uitenhage SPCA and also sold booklets, raising a further R53,000-00 in total!
