Written, and photos supplied by Declan Rodocanachi – Wet Nose Animal Rescue Centre
Professional photography by Pawgeous
The Africanis who inspired a community
In the spirit of unwavering hope and relentless kindness, we bring the stirring saga of Faith, an Africanis dog whose plight and subsequent recovery have ignited the hearts of animal lovers everywhere. This is a narrative not just about a dog, but about community, resilience, and the indomitable spirit of survival.
A dire discovery and the community’s embrace
In the late hours of a December evening, the soul-stirring eyes of Faith, along with her seven innocent puppies, were discovered in a state that no creature should endure. In the shadows of Onverwacht, she lay unresponsive, entangled in the throes of malnutrition, dehydration and illness, her puppies discarded nearby as if they were mere refuse. It was a picture that would haunt anyone who witnessed it.
The immediate outpouring of support that followed was as humbling as it was swift. Faith’s condition, precarious and harrowing, did little to dampen the determination of those who rallied to her cause. She was quickly whisked away to a clinic, where the battle for her life began in earnest.
A Christmas miracle and the road to recovery
Faith’s journey, shadowed by uncertainty, turned a corner during the season of miracles. With legs that once trembled with weakness, she began to walk. With a spirit that once waned, she began displaying the embers of life again. The prognosis that once seemed dire now glittered with possibility.
Her puppies, those tiny beacons of innocence, thrived and found their way into the arms of families who’d offer them a lifetime of love. Their departure to their forever homes marked a victory for every individual who’d followed their journey from the start.
An unbreakable bond and a forever home
The most poignant twist in Faith’s tale came when the very person who’d been a constant presence in her darkest hours chose to become her lifelong companion. Our Clinic Manager, Ansa Greyvenstein, who’d been by Faith’s side, offering not just medical care but also the warmth of companionship, decided to adopt her. It was a testament to the bond forged in the quiet moments of healing, a bond that promised Faith not just a house but a home.
A beacon of hope for all
Faith’s recovery, a testament to her name, has become a beacon of hope for all rescue animals. She’s emerged as a living emblem of what can be achieved with love, care, and the support of a community that stands together.
Our heartfelt gratitude extends to every soul who believed in Faith’s journey. Each donation, no matter how small, each message of encouragement, and each share of her story contributed to the tapestry of her new life.
As we turn this page in Faith’s book, we’re reminded that her story is not where the narrative ends. It’s a clarion call to all who’ve witnessed her journey that when we come together, the impossible becomes possible.
Here’s to Faith, to new beginnings, and to the reminder that there’s always room for more happy tails in the chronicles of humanity.
Ansa, Faith’s owner, shares…
Faith has truly flourished in her new home, quickly settling in with her six other siblings. Her transformation has been remarkable; she’s gained a healthy amount of weight, and her vibrant energy is a clear sign of how well she’s doing. Faith is a daily companion, accompanying me to work at the hospital, where she brings joy to everyone she meets. Her gentle nature and love for interacting with patients make her a favourite among staff and visitors alike.
Our daily walks are her absolute highlight. She relishes the chance to stretch her legs, and when she takes off running, it’s as if you're watching a Greyhound in action – she’s incredibly fast, a true sight to behold. Whether it’s spending time at home with her siblings or dashing around on our walks, Faith continues to bring happiness and warmth wherever she goes.
