When Huxley arrived at TEARS Animal Rescue in February, staff were confronted with one of the worst cases of mange they had ever seen.
The young dog, surrendered from Mitchell’s Plain, was suffering from severe demodectic mange. His skin was thickened, damaged and inflamed to such an extent that rescuers said he appeared as though he had been dipped in cement.
Today, Huxley is thriving in a loving home in Fish Hoek, proving how compassion, veterinary care and patience can transform a dog’s life.
One of the worst cases of mange TEARS had encountered
Demodectic mange is a skin condition caused by microscopic mites. In healthy dogs, these mites are naturally controlled by the immune system. However, when the condition goes untreated, often due to neglect, the mites multiply rapidly and cause severe skin damage.
The result can include extensive hair loss, thickened skin, painful sores and relentless itching that affects a dog’s quality of life.
When Huxley arrived at TEARS, his condition was advanced and recovery would require months of dedicated care.
A long road to recovery
Determined to give Huxley a second chance, the TEARS team developed a treatment plan that included medicated baths, veterinary care and daily support.
Nutrition also played an important role in his recovery.
Hill’s Pet Nutrition provided Prescription Puppy Derm Complete food to help nourish his damaged skin and support healing from within.
Over time, the treatment began to work. The constant itching eased, his skin started healing and patches of fur slowly returned.
With every step forward, Huxley’s confidence grew.
A forever family finds Huxley
By April, Huxley was ready to leave the shelter and begin a new chapter.
That opportunity came when Melanie and Bertus, who live in Fish Hoek with their children and two dogs, visited TEARS during the Easter period.
The connection was immediate.
“It wasn’t a difficult decision,” said Melanie. When she and her son walked past Huxley’s kennel, he looked directly at them.
After a successful supervised introduction between Huxley and the family’s dogs, they returned on Easter Monday to bring him home.
“You could tell he’d never lived in a house before,” says Melanie. “He’d probably always been on the streets, living in survival mode.”
Learning how to be a dog
The adjustment took time.
Huxley initially arrived nervous and unsure of his new surroundings. Within a few weeks, however, he began to understand that he was safe and finally home.
Today, he is enjoying experiences many puppies take for granted.
He has become affectionate, playful and curious, embracing family life with enthusiasm.
Like many young dogs, he occasionally gets into mischief.
“He’s clever, affectionate and an enthusiastic chewer when he’s left alone too long,” says Melanie.
“You can see it’s stress-related, his way of self-regulating,” she says. “And he manages to look completely innocent about it every single time.”
What stands out most to his family is his capacity for love.
“He’s different from other dogs,” she says. “He loves everything and everybody. It’s total unconditional love.”
Many rescue dogs are still waiting for homes
Huxley’s journey began on the streets of Mitchell’s Plain and could easily have ended very differently.
Instead, it led to a warm bed, a caring family and a future filled with security and affection.
While Huxley has found his forever home, many other dogs at TEARS Animal Rescue are still waiting for families of their own.
Prospective adopters are encouraged to visit the shelter and meet the dogs looking for loving homes.
For more information about adoption opportunities, contact TEARS Animal Rescue or visit their website.
FAQ
What is demodectic mange in dogs?
Demodectic mange is a skin disease caused by microscopic mites. Severe cases can result in hair loss, skin infections, sores and significant discomfort.
Where was Huxley rescued from?
Huxley was surrendered from Mitchell’s Plain and later received treatment at TEARS Animal Rescue.
How did Huxley recover?
His recovery included veterinary treatment, medicated baths, specialised nutrition and ongoing care from the TEARS team.
Where does Huxley live now?
Huxley now lives with his adoptive family in Fish Hoek in the Western Cape.
Leave a comment