Meet Belle, a resilient dog who was discovered last September wandering the streets of Johannesburg, South Africa, in a distressing condition.
Animal-rescue workers couldn’t ignore the sight of Belle covered in small white lumps, which were actually ticks.
These blood-sucking parasites were so numerous that they nearly covered her entire body, making her appear as if she had a severe skin condition.
The ticks had gathered particularly thickly around Belle’s ears and eyelids, areas where her skin is thin and blood vessels are abundant. The infestation had left her severely anemic, draining so much blood that she could barely walk.
These images, while difficult to view, highlight the grim reality faced by stray animals and the critical need for rescue efforts.
The organization that found Belle, CLAW, (Community Led Animal Welfare) faced a challenge in removing the ticks. Due to her delicate state, they could not take out all the ticks at once without risking further blood loss.
Instead, they began a treatment regimen, allowing the ticks to naturally fall off over time. Thankfully, her treatment was successful, and Belle began her journey to recovery.
Though she may have some lasting scars, Belle seems unfazed. Today, she’s a happy and healthy dog with a shiny coat of fur. Her once patchy and scarred skin is healing beautifully.
More importantly, Belle’s outlook on life has improved remarkably—she’s much more content.
The heartwarming conclusion to Belle’s story comes with her adoption by a loving human named Hannah.
According to the CLAW Facebook page, “Belle quite literally grabbed Hannah’s heart within seconds of meeting her, creating a perfect match.” Now, Belle is thriving in her new home, enjoying a better life each day.
Belle’s journey from despair to joy is a testament to the incredible work of animal rescue organizations like CLAW and the compassionate individuals who open their hearts and homes to animals in need.
To learn more about dogs awaiting rescue in South Africa, and perhaps lend a hand yourself, visit the CLAW Facebook page and share Belle’s inspiring story with your friends and family.
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