In a heart-stopping race against time, Inspector Lee Prins shovelled through a mountain of sand to reach a dog that had been buried alive.
We Called Him Courage
We didn’t know it at the time but we had named him well. Courage was the epitome of neglect, and his fight for life didn’t end with his rescue, it had in fact only just begun.
Unvaccinated, un-neutered, underfed, uncared for and unloved are the words we’d use to sum up Courage’s life to this point. It’s all of all these things that led to the manifestation of a life-threatening disease, a baffling skin condition, emaciation, pain caused by untreated arthritis in his hips and spine and a TVT (Transmissible Venereal Tumour).
And He Was Brave
Courage had not much going for him other than his indomitable spirit. He fought to live buried under a mound of sand and he hasn’t stopped fighting since. He faced every veterinary intervention including repeated examinations, frequent germicidal baths and various treatments including chemotherapy, like the true warrior he is.
This is The Face of Courage
Maya Angelou once said, “Have enough courage to trust love one more time and always one more time.”
Courage personified these words. Though he endured horrific cruelty and neglect, his trust in love, in the goodness of humanity, endured.
He’s come such a long way since that terrible day 2 months ago. Just look at him now!
Courage, like only a true Braveheart can, is choosing to make the rest of his life, the best of his life.
Will You Help Him?
Courage fought so hard, not just to survive but for a life that will be filled with love and care. He will require life-long chronic medication to manage his arthritis and will need to be kept away from any other dogs, especially those on chemo or cortisone. He may need to be an only dog at least for the time being.
Our onsite animal behaviourist has described Courage as a friendly adult male with good recall, he walks well on a leash, sits for treats, has no resource guarding tendencies and makes good eye-contact.
If there’s room in your home for this warrior heart, please complete the form in the link below!
Thank YOU!
Courage’s journey to recovery is a testament to the power of courage, and compassion – traits embodied not only by him but by the community who supported him. Thank you so much! He couldn’t have done it without you.
The story of his rescue resulted in a tidal wave of love with donations streaming in for his care from all over the globe. Words are not enough to thank you. Every single cent was directed towards his rehabilitation and Courage only triumphed because he had an army that rallied to his side . We also extend our thanks to Packleader Pet Products for the donation of an orthopedic bed so Courage could rest his aching bones comfortably, as well as a donation of food and toys. Our thanks also go to Kyron Labs for the donation of a Woods Lamp to help diagnose Courage’s skin condition as well as medicated shampoos and calming wipes. Lastly thank you to Equine-Librium for the generous offer of free physio and hydro therapy – an offer we’ll be taking up soon!