Early one morning at the Kloof and Highway SPCA, the security team spotted something unusual tied to the sign at the end of the driveway.
Thinking it might be a lone stray, they alerted Inspector Kerrie Andrews to check it out. What she found was far more heartbreaking than anyone expected.
Curled up at the base of the sign was a mother dog, tied tightly in place — and surrounding her were her four young puppies, snuggled close for warmth and comfort.
Though only the mother was tethered, her pups had refused to leave her side. No one knew how long they had been there, exposed to the cold.
Inspector Andrews gently approached, hoping to gain the frightened dog’s trust.
“Mom was nervous and did not trust Inspector Andrews,” said Brigitte Ferguson, marketing assistant at the shelter. “But with soft words and patience, she came to understand she was safe.”
The puppies, though confused, were just happy to follow their mom out of the cold.
Once brought inside, the family was quickly given warm bedding, hot water bottles, and a heat lamp.
The mother received food and medical attention — she was underweight and covered in ticks, fleas, and worms, all of which were treated right away.
“She was scared, but soon became relaxed and realized she was in a safe space,” Ferguson said.
Over the following weeks, the transformation was remarkable. The mama dog gained weight and began to show her gentle, affectionate nature.
She’s still a little shy with new people, but once she warms up, she’s all love. Meanwhile, her puppies have blossomed into playful, healthy little explorers.
Soon, this resilient family will be ready to find loving forever homes — a future made possible by a team that didn’t turn away.
To support their journey, you can make a donation to Kloof and Highway SPCA.
