Rescued Belgian Malinois-Boerboel mix needs a loving home

TEARS Animal Rescue works with the underprivileged communities in the South Peninsula to help responsible pet owners keep their pets fed and healthy at home. They provide vital pet food support to families struggling to put food on the table and operate a TEARS Mobile Clinic that spays animals and helps community pets stay healthy. A few years ago, the Mobile Clinic team found a starving, chained-up Belgian Malinois-Boerboel mix on the brink of death. The dog was surrendered to TEARS Animal Rescue, saving Atlas from a life of abuse.

Atlas weighed a mere 16 kg when he was brought in, and he had ehrlichiosis, a life-threatening tick-borne disease. Despite his emaciated state and the painful chain-related wounds he suffered, Atlas underwent an incredible transformation. His weight doubled (he weighs a healthy 30kg), and he has emerged as a gentle and energetic dog. Now, TEARS is seeking the perfect family to adopt this special animal and give Atlas the security and love he deserves.

TEARS Operations Manager, Mandy Store, says, “When Atlas arrived at TEARS, his condition was critical. His recovery journey embodies the essence of our mission at TEARS. We believe that every animal deserves a second chance at a happy and fulfilling life. Despite his traumatic past, he exudes a joy for life that is infectious. From day one, he embraced every new experience with boundless enthusiasm, and it’s been an honour for us to witness his recovery,” says Store. “Now we are desperate for this wonderful boy to find a loving home.”

TEARS volunteer, Cath Antonizzi, who often walks Atlas, had this to say about him, “He is an absolutely gorgeous, strong boy and would be a loyal protector. He would be perfect for someone who knows big dogs and has space for him to run. He is constantly on alert for anything that moves in the bushes, looking for things to catch. We often have to command him to drop a tortoise, which he immediately does. He has good recall. He loves the beach and the water, and he loves to fetch sticks you throw for him. Once he gets to trust you, he is very affectionate, and you’ll often see his little docked tail wagging,” she says.

The perfect home for Atlas would be one without other big dogs and no cats. As he is a big boy, a house with a large garden would be perfect, with an owner who enjoys taking him for walks in the mountains or on the beach. He loves being close to his people and would need someone at home with him, at least in the early stages, to help him settle in. Ideally, he’d love to be with someone who has the time and energy to give him all the love, security and attention this clever, loving dog needs. If you have an adventurous spirit and a loving heart, and these criteria sound like you, please consider welcoming Atlas into your home and being part of his ongoing tale of triumph.

Please visit tears.org.za/dogs for adoption queries.

Facebook:           @TEARSAnimalRescue
Instagram:           @tearsanimalrescue
Website:               www.tears.org.za

About TEARS Animal Rescue: TEARS is a pro-life, non-profit organisation established in 1999 (registered in terms of Section 18A of the Income Tax Act) whose core aim is to rescue, treat, rehabilitate, reunite and rehome lost, abandoned, abused, and neglected companion animals and to educate pet owners and the youth living in the under-resourced communities within which we operate.

We strive to meet the needs of the low-income communities in the Southern Peninsula by providing:

• free sterilisations and subsidised medical support that includes vaccinations, deworming, and parasite control
• access to two TEARS mobile clinics that offer primary healthcare and pet care support.
• access to the TEARS Veterinary Clinic, offering free and subsidised veterinary care to our welfare beneficiaries for almost any condition, illness, or injury.

TEARS remains the only facility in the Cape Peninsula’s far South available seven days per week, including an after-hours mobile clinic service until 9 pm, to treat the hundreds of animals who need treatment each month for various conditions, illnesses, and injuries.