Written by Tamaryn Lombard - Brakpan SPCA Manager
Professional photography by Des Featherstone Photography
Trigger Warning! Not for sensitive viewers. Contains descriptions and a photograph of an upsetting nature including animal neglect and abuse.
It started like any other morning, but none of us could have anticipated the heart-breaking scene that awaited us as we arrived at work. A man stood outside holding a small, trembling dog in his arms. Our hearts sank.
The dog was in a dreadful state – his fur was matted, his body frail, and his eyes… we could hardly see them beneath the thick, hardened mess that had built up over time. It was a sight that made us all pause, but without a second thought, Inspector Mariska Venter gently took him into her arms, her only focus on helping this poor creature.
Without hesitation, she began working to clean him up. She carefully bathed him, hoping to free his eyes from the crusted mass that had blinded him. We also checked for a microchip in the chaos of it all – and to our relief, he had one. But before we could track down his history, it was clear he needed more help than we could provide. His condition was severe.
We rushed him to the vet, knowing it was his best chance. Under sedation, the vet was finally able to remove the hardened build-up, revealing the little face hidden beneath. He was beautiful. The vet determined he had a form of eczema that had gone untreated for too long. It was painful to imagine how long he’d suffered, but at least now he was in safe hands.
Back at the office, our next mission began – finding out who he belonged to. Inspector Mariska immediately started the investigation, tracing the microchip details back to a registration from 14 years ago. The numbers listed were outdated, but we persisted. Call after call, we followed the trail until, finally, we found someone who recognised him.
His name was Leo.
Leo had once been deeply loved. His original owner had taken the time to microchip him, something that ultimately led him back to us. But life had taken an unexpected turn. Leo’s owner had passed away, and he’d been rehomed. That’s where his story became unclear, and sadly, where his suffering had begun.
When we finally reached the late owner’s daughter, Linda Nienaber, she was stunned. Leo had been her mother’s beloved companion, and though she’d moved far away to Cape Town, she didn’t hesitate for a moment. She immediately made arrangements, flying back to Johannesburg, then driving to Brakpan, desperate to see him again.
When she arrived, we saw the love in her eyes before she even spoke. She knew every detail about Leo – his habits, his quirks, his past. There was no doubt. This was his family. With tears in her eyes, she begged us to let her take him home.
And we did.
Leo was finally back where he belonged. He’d spend his remaining years wrapped in the love and care he’d once known, safe from neglect, safe from suffering.
But our work wasn’t done.
Leo’s story didn’t end when he found his way home. The person who’d let him suffer like this wouldn’t be ignored. Investigations continued, because while we celebrate the victories, we also fight to prevent more cases like Leo’s.
Too often, we hear people say, “Don’t take them to the SPCA; they’ll just put them down.” But stories like Leo’s prove otherwise. When there’s a chance to save a life, we take it. When there’s a way to reunite a lost soul with their family, we’ll find it. Not every case has a miracle ending, but what we can promise is this: no animal that comes through our doors will ever suffer alone again.
To our community, we ask for honesty. If you’re struggling with your pet, tell us the truth. We do our best to understand, to help where we can. We can’t always promise a fairy-tale ending, but we can always promise kindness, compassion, and a commitment to doing what’s right.
Leo’s journey started in pain, but it ended in love. And that’s why we do what we do.
Linda Nienaber shares...
You can imagine the shock I had when I learned that Leo was handed in at the Brakpan SPCA. To be honest, I initially thought that they’d made a mistake. Unfortunately, it was true. Leo was rehomed a few years ago under unfortunate circumstances. I trusted that he’d have been rehomed to a vetted family. A family that would provide for him, that would show him the same love and care that he was used to. A family worthy of his little soul.
This was not the case.
I want to thank the Brakpan SPCA for going the extra mile to track me down. Yes, the tracking chip still worked. They also made sure Leo received the veterinary care that he needed. Thank you to Tamaryn Lombard from the SPCA who went to the ends of the earth to track down the real story and finally provided me with the closure I very much needed.
This whole situation has left a deep scar. Also, it taught me a very tough lesson. It’s unfortunate that I’ll never get to stand face to face with this family, but instead I wrote this letter to Leo:
To Leo,
You came into our lives, such a happy little character, full of life and love. You’re so clever! I remember how my mom and I used to laugh at all the naughty plans and mischief you got up to. The happy holidays, walks and playtime you were part of. The best was the hours you spent sleeping on my lap while I was studying. The memories are endless.
I’m so deeply sorry that this happened to you. This isn’t how it was supposed to be. I can’t take it back. I can’t change the past.
You’ve now gotten a few bumps and bruises along the way. It’s going to take some time to get you back to your old self. But, I know you... you’re a little fighter with the heart of a lion. Together, we’ll patch you up and make you whole again... you little rascal.
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