Written, and photos supplied by Declan Rodocanachi – Wet Nose Animal Rescue Centre
Professional photography by Cat Schramm The Pet Photographer
Not too long ago, little Nathan’s (as he was then named) story broke hearts. At just eight weeks old, he was found underneath a pile of rubbish, his tiny body covered in ticks, fleas, and fear. His world had only known neglect, but the moment he entered Wet Nose, his journey to healing began.
With time, patience, and an overwhelming outpouring of love from all of you, Nathan learned that not all hands hurt – some only heal. He started eating, trusting, and even wagging his tail just a little. Slowly but surely, he began to believe in kindness again.
And today? Nathan is HOME.
A wonderful, loving family, the Oberholzers, saw his story and knew he belonged with them. They opened their hearts and their home, giving Nathan the fresh start he so desperately deserved.
Now, instead of cold, hard ground, he sleeps in a warm bed, wrapped in love. Instead of fear, he wakes up with excitement for each new day. Instead of being forgotten, he’s cherished beyond words.
Nathan’s story is proof that rescue changes lives. And he’s not the only one. There are so many other incredible dogs at Wet Nose, waiting for their own happy ending. If you’ve ever thought about adopting, fostering, or even just visiting to show them some love, this is your sign.
Anja Oberholzer, Enoch’s new owner, shares...
When we adopted Nathan, now known as Enoch, the staff of Wet Nose explained to us that he’d feel more comfortable with his new siblings before he’d feel safe around my husband and me. That we should talk softly and approach him slowly. That if he ran to hide somewhere we should give him the space and freedom to do so. That he still didn’t feel comfortable around people
He was scared but stayed in my arms and fell asleep on the way home. Once we arrived home, we carefully introduced him to his new siblings – six dogs and one cat who thinks he’s a dog. As expected, he was scared with the encounter, but all of them soon settled.
Enoch surprised me when he didn’t want to leave my side the entire day. I decided that the best way for him to feel comfortable was to take him to our room and spend the day in bed. He cuddled in next to me with all the rest of the kids and slept like he’d never slept before, nice and warm with soft blankets.
He was still scared and unsure of everything but soon fell into our routine regarding food time and bed time, still never leaving my side.
He got comfortable and started playing a bit with our youngest fur child on the second day.
It took him only two weeks to warm up and see that he could trust our housekeeper; she’s basically our fur kids’ second mommy and comes in three times a week.
We took him for a full check-up and his third vacation at Valley Farm Animal Hospital last weekend, and the doctor said he’s a healthy and happy puppy. And this week, Enoch found his voice bark.
He loves all of his siblings, especially Dante, our other adopted fur child from Wet Nose. But he hates when I get up early in the morning on weekdays and can’t cuddle more in bed with him.
He loves when we get home from work and he finally feels safe and comfortable with his new family!
