Written by Rae McMurtie
Professional photography by Pix for Paws Photography
While catering a job at a lodge, something magical unfolded. On the final morning, I asked our guests – kind diplomats with a very high-end vehicle – if they could kindly take me down the mountain to town. As we reached the bottom of the track, out of the dusty silence appeared a skeletal, dehydrated puppy who simply flopped down in the middle of the dirt road.
He simply refused to move – he had no energy to go anywhere!
I hopped out to gently shift him aside, but instead, he wobbled unsteadily after me. Something stirred in me instantly. I turned to the guests and asked if they’d mind me bringing him along so that I could get him to the local SPCA. Without hesitation, they agreed.
Moments later, the little guy threw up in their pristine car! Luckily, I had my scarf and jersey to catch the smelly mess. I was mortified, but they were wonderfully understanding.
That Sunday, we handed him over to SPCA Louis Trichardt as we didn’t want to risk our animals at home being exposed to any possible illness. By Monday we were back to visit, already knowing deep down that this pup was going to be ours.
A week later he was ready to come home to us!
We were slightly nervous about how our two Canis Africanis, Sweni and Valentino, would react, but they were very sweet and accepting. Even our Dobbie Cat had no complaints. The horses… well, they remain a bit of a hurdle, but this pup is still learning.
Phoenix is his name, rising from the ashes. He’s still a little timid, but there’s a quiet confidence growing in him each day. We’re doing our best to nurture that. He’s an absolute delight and has crept deep into all of our hearts.
Our family would like to take this opportunity to thank the amazing staff of SPCA Louis Trichardt who always go out of their way to make an animal’s life better!
