Written by Cheryl Campbell, founder of Sighthound Rescue SA
Professional photography by Moonshadow Dog Photographer (a division of Tracey-Rae Images)
Moonshadow was rescued as a puppy with severe rickets, bilateral fractures of the hips and a fractured front leg. Discovered in the rural areas in KwaZulu-Natal during an outreach by Jeannie Pedderson of Humans Helping Animals, hunters had surrendered him because he’d never be able to run properly.
Our awesome vet, Dr Natalie Gellound of Oaktree Vet Surgery, did all his vet work, and our equally awesome foster mom/transporter, Patricia, fostered him until his casts were off and he was ready to come to Cape Town to me to continue his physio/rehab and get ready for homing.
Tracey met him while doing an adoption photoshoot for us, fell in love, started to foster him and the rest is history!
Tracey-Rae, Moonshadow’s owner, shares...
I first came across Moonshadow on SRSA’s Facebook page, and I immediately felt a deep connection with him. At the time, I had no idea he was already in Cape Town with Cheryl. Since I wasn’t looking to foster or adopt another dog (I already have two rescue dogs), I pushed him out of my mind.
A couple of weeks later, I went to take photos of some hounds for Cheryl, and to my surprise, Moonshadow walked in for his photo session! It was love at first sight. Over the next three days, I wrestled with the decision to adopt him. My biggest concern was how my two other dogs would react and how a third dog would affect the dynamics and routine in my home. Eventually, I called Cheryl to tell her I couldn’t stop thinking about him – I was even dreaming of him. She suggested I try fostering him first to see how he’d fit in. Two days later, I brought him home.
Moony walked in like he belonged, calm and collected, greeting my 40kg Greyhound, Dodi, and my Jack Russell cross, Willow, before settling on the couch as if he’d always lived here. It took a few days for my other two to fully accept him, but Willow, the one I was most worried about, has become his constant companion.
The journey has been a slow one, with several vet visits to continue his healing. Due to his hip fractures and a broken front leg, he isn’t yet able to run freely with my other dogs, and we’re still dealing with tapeworm and digestive issues. However, he’s gained weight and is growing stronger every day.
He’s the most affectionate, gentle, and humorous little boy, with a number of quirks that make him so special. His tongue hangs out when he sleeps, he has an adorable underbite, his bottom jaw is slightly crooked (possibly from an old injury), and when he does zoomies in the garden, he hops like a bunny. He’s super intelligent and obedient, and I’m amazed that despite his abusive beginnings, he’s trusting and loves everyone.
I’m forever grateful to Cheryl, Jeannie, Dr Gellound and Patricia for giving him a second chance – and ultimately affording me the opportunity to make him a part of my family. He’s finally home and very much adored by us all.
