Written by Allan Perrins – Head of Communications, Resource Development & Fundraising, Animal Welfare Society of South Africa
Professional photography by elysian
In December 2021, Animal Welfare Society of South Africa (AWS SA) Trainee Inspector, Sivuyile Kilwa, made a precious discovery in the backyard of his own home in Mfuleni. His ordinary start to the day took an extraordinary turn when he stepped out of the back door and found an abandoned Maltese Poodle lying on his doormat.
Pleading for help
When Sivuyile knelt down to pick up the vulnerable dog, the dog made no attempt to run away. Instead, he simply gazed up at Sivuyile with his teary big brown eyes as if pleading for help. Sivuyile suspected someone had dumped the dog on his property, knowing he would take care of him.
Before placing the dog into his vehicle, Sivuyile gave him a bowl of food and some water. He then quickly stepped inside to fetch a lead and travel box. When he returned, the grateful little dog was busy polishing the empty food bowl.
Sivuyile noticed that the dog was badly neglected and starving but otherwise very friendly and happy to have finally met such a caring individual.
A better life
We named this little treasure Winston and hoped we would find him his loving forever family as soon as he recovered from a bout of tick-bite fever.
Winston’s diet changed from scavenged, sand-encrusted bones to nutritious bowls of donated Royal Canin premium dog food and that, together with loads of TLC, put him firmly on the road to recovery.
Winston represents one of the fortunate few dumped dogs over a holiday season who do have a happily ever after. We firmly believe that it is no coincidence that whoever dumped him chose to leave him with Sivuyile, who is well known in the community.
A magical transformation
The Scullard family adore him to bits, despite being on a proverbial rollercoaster ride with his health “ups and downs”.
Winston has truly undergone a magical transformation; from being a sorely neglected and abandoned old soul, he is finally in his happy place and will never again want for anything, especially cuddles and the loving touch of gentle hands.
We would like to extend our sincere thanks and appreciation to his family for giving Winston a deserved second chance and the best possible life any pet could wish for.
Shaye Scullard, Winston’s owner, shares...
OUR JOURNEY TOWARD WINSTON
It all started one February evening when I reactivated my Facebook account and scrolled by the Philippi Animal Welfare Society (AWS) page, which had just recently shared a photo of Winston. My five-year-old daughter, Cadey, was captivated by his cuteness and had me promise to take her to visit him. I agreed, contacted the AWS, but also decided to rather take her to an animal shelter closer by.
A few days passed by, and while en route to a consultation in Grassy Park, our appointment was postponed. There we were, 32km away from home with hours to spare elsewhere. Little did we know that what seemed to be a spanner in our works was the beginning of a life-changing moment. It was a no-brainer - off to Philippi AWS we journeyed.
Upon arrival, their Animal Care Centre supervisor, Lawrence Nkotha, introduced us to Winston, who welcomed us with a wagging tail and the cutest one flopped ear. This ear flop happened to be his only recognisable feature after his first parlour visit - I would have been lost otherwise. Lawrence gave us some background on Winston and also took the opportunity to share the importance and need for fostering and adoption. Being reluctant toward either process, we ended the conversation, and that’s when LIFE happened.
Winston, upon being returned to his holding pen, gave a hearty whimper. His emotion cut through the barrier of doubt and reluctance and fought its way through to Cadey’s heart. Cadey cried profusely for many days after that. “He needs our help, Mommy! “We need to help him!” were the words she uttered night after night.
After some time, my family agreed to foster Winston. Hooray! The hooray, however, was mellow as our German Shepherd Dog, Zasha, was not too friendly with other dogs. That’s until Winston changed her life! Lawrence led a successful introduction between the dogs, where I learnt that Zasha suffered from anxiety rather than aggression.
Winston received and responded to Zasha’s stress in such a warm manner. He understood her fear and gave her a sense of peace. Zasha is so calm around Winston and gets super excited to see him. Winston’s stay with us was packed with health challenges and highs and lows, but despite it all, his love gauge was always on maximum. There was a moment when we believed that he wouldn’t return to us, but LIFE intervened again.
For quite some time, we thought Winston needed us, but on the days he was not home, we realised how much it was us who actually needed him more. His medical challenges had him return to the vets’ room on numerous occasions, and so, it was his absence at home which inevitably led to our realisation that he belongs with us, and the first opportunity we had to adopt him, we did!
Winston is a quiet, playful little boy who is a master of cuddles. He is happy with his rabbit sister but not a fan of the cats who stalk her. He is the first to call shotgun on drives and a sucker for a soft bed. He LOVES his leash and finds small creatures fascinating. He isn’t a fan of fried chicken but loves cubed apples.
Winston reminded me that animals up for adoption have such unique characteristics, their own personalities just waiting to be a part of life outside of their holdings. They deserve a chance too.
I don’t know who surrendered or dumped Winston. I do believe, though, that whoever it was encountered a moment in life where a decision regarding Winston had to be made. This decision ultimately ordained our household’s pathway toward Winston, and for that, I am grateful.
