Written by Jackie Kühn
Professional photography by Moonshadow Fine Art Dog Photographer
THE START OF THE RESCUE
I spotted the emaciated black dog sniffing around in the grass on the way home from work at about 4:40pm – I thought he was looking for food. I desperately wanted to stop and try to get hold of him to take him to the vet, but I had to get my child to a class.
Later, I went back and stopped at Woollies to find tinned food and bowls but could only get my hands on paper plates and foil baking trays. I then went to feed him and put down clean water. I found him fast asleep in a wet grass patch – he looked dead. I stopped a passer-by to help me lift him up, but he refused, saying, “No, that dog is dead.”
Sure that he was alive, I tried to get closer myself. He immediately got up and scurried into the old sewage pipes. I couldn’t get close enough to get hold of him – he was very scared. I asked my sister to come out and see if she could help, but we still couldn’t persuade him out.
We contacted the SPCA, and later that evening, SPCA Johannesburg went out, but nobody could get in the tunnel and it was too dark. In the interim, I went home and immediately started posting on Facebook and got hold of Animal Protection Network (APN) and Linmeyer Community Animal Rescue Association (LCARA).
Following the advice of LCARA’s Ursula Hope, I kept feeding him. My sister noticed he had what looked like a heart tattoo on his leg, and coincidently we’d first spotted him on Valentine’s Day.
Chris Santangelo’s thoughts on Jackie’s part of this rescue...
The difference between you and others, is that you went back to help and not just spotted, posted and left it at that.
PREPARING FOR THE RESCUE
APN and LCARA began preparing on Saturday, the 15th of February. We were at the scene to discuss how we were going to rescue Raven, as we’d named him. The following day, the 16th of February, we gathered late in the morning and went through our plans, again knowing that everything could change.
RESCUING RAVEN
Di Hingley of APN and Ursula Hope of LCARA share…
Raven, with his bright eyes full of hope, was rescued in a team effort.
APN and LCARA teamed up once again and won the battle. It all started with the first sighting of Raven on the 23rd of January 2025, then nothing until the 14th of February 2025 when Jackie spotted him and put food out for him. She put up a plea for help, which positioned us to pull off an amazing rescue.
Michael Erwee and Tomas Malatji crawled in the tunnel from either end, Michael pushing and Tomas pulling, while the rest of us were ready to pounce. Only one casualty, Chris, received a nip from Raven. Fortunately, we’re all old hands when it comes to being bitten.
Raven is now at New South Vet, where he underwent blood tests and x-rays. Thankfully, all his blood tests were negative. He was fed yummy chicken and rice, medicated for ticks and fleas, dewormed, and had a good bath. He remained on a drip to treat his severe dehydration and his broken pelvis will heal nicely in time. Other than that, he’s healthy and soon showed us how majestic and mentally strong he is!
Cheryl Campbell of Sighthound Rescue SA shares...
Raven will stay with SRSA for his period of rehab and recovery (physically and mentally). Stay close to our Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/groups/738133576306040, for updates on this incredibly brave hound, and when he’s fully healed, he’ll be rehomed through Sighthound Rescue SA.
Should you be interested in applying to adopt Raven, please WhatsApp 083 277 3970 or email sighthoundsa@gmail.com.
