Don’t you love a happy ending – especially when you aren’t expecting it?

We first met Jacky when his owner, Mrs Daniels, brought him to our veterinary clinic for treatment. He’d been in a fight and had several deep wounds that needed to be cleaned and stitched. But the little dog had other ideas. He defended himself vigorously and his teeth were sharp! So we decided to admit him to our animal hospital for the procedure to be done under sedation.

A few days later we called Mrs Daniels to let her know her dog was ready to go home. Then came the bad news. She told us that she had just been diagnosed with cancer and had to go to hospital for treatment. Could we please keep Jacky until she was better?

We agreed – but with heavy hearts, as we were not sure what the future would hold.

But Mrs Daniels phoned regularly to check on Jacky, sometimes in tears, because she’d recently lost her husband and the little dog was the only companion she had. She begged us to keep looking after him. We worried that an extended stay in the kennels would be too stressful for this feisty little chap. But as the days passed, Jacky changed. He went from wanting to bite us to making friends and jumping up and down excitedly whenever he saw our vet.

Three months passed before he was finally reunited with his owner. It was an emotional reunion, with much tail wagging and loving licks. Both Mrs Daniels and our vet shed tears of joy. It was a very special moment.

One that would never have happened if not for our SPCA. Who else would take in an injured dog, provide expensive veterinary treatment, and feed and care for it for three months ... not knowing if the owner would ever come back?

And we never know when the next ‘Jacky’ will need our help. That's why your support is so important. Can animals in distress count on you?



Because, this is the time of year when hundreds of dogs and cats are ‘dumped’ at the SPCA or left to fend for themselves when their owners go away on holiday. It’s also fireworks season, which means we’ll be treating lost and injured trying to escape the terrifying loud bangs.

From now until the middle of January, it's ‘all hands on deck’ for us. And we could really use your helping hand too!

Please consider making a special festive season donation now. As little as R250 or R500 could save an animal’s life – by ensuring our vet clinic is stocked with essential supplies and equipment ... and that our food stores don’t run dry.

Let’s make it a season of joy and peace for animals too. Together, we can make a difference.