Written by Samantha Mann – General Manager, Mdzananda Animal Clinic
Professional photography by Des Featherstone Photography
Danfred Olifant (aka Inspector D), Mdzananda Animal Clinic’s inspector, was doing his usual inspections, check-ups and collections when he saw this skinny, mangy boy just walking along the road with his head hanging down, looking like he’d given up on life. He didn’t think twice to stop and pick up this boy and bring him to safety.
Buttons (as we named him) arrived at our clinic absolutely petrified of human touch and just curled up in a corner. He was so shut down. Seeing him like this just broke my heart and I made it my mission to show him what love is.
Slowly but surely he learned to trust and that we weren’t going to hurt him. Regular baths for his skin and good food saw him healing nicely. As his trust grew, his little personality started to show.
This is when Cheryl Campbell from Sighthound Rescue SA saw his post on our Facebook page and jumped on the phone offering to help with homing this special boy.
Cheryl shares...
Sam came to me in the sad state that Samantha got him. He had bad Ehrlichiosis, which has bad kidney side-effects, so he’ll have to remain on kidney food and supplements but can still live a good life.
On his arrival, he was terrified and fear-biting. I decided to rename him Scruffy Sam.
I have a black Greyhound that takes on the role of Momma to all my pups... Marley showed him we aren’t all bad humans.
He has a foghorn of a voice when he shouts for food but otherwise is a quiet little soul.
He’s learning all the mysteries of lead walking and sit-down-stay. He smiles showing all teeth.
Scruffy Sam is approximately 18 months old and will be sterilised as soon as his blood results are cleared.
He’s been recovering very well throughout the rehab process and he’d love to have a family of his own. He needs a home with no more than two other dogs and no tiny children as they frighten him.
To adopt Scruffy Sam, please email to cornecampbell@gmail.com with Scruffy Sam in the subject line.
