TEARS Animal Rescue continues to honour its golden oldies and long-stay legends. These are the dogs with greying snouts, patient eyes and quiet resilience. One of those legends, Darwin, now renamed Charlie, has finally found his forever home.
A Difficult Beginning
Charlie’s story began in June 2024, when TEARS rescued him from severe neglect. The young Greyhound-Pointer-Africanis mix was covered in mange. His body was almost hairless. His skin was thick, scabby and painfully inflamed. His immune system was compromised.
Yet even then, there was something striking about him.
“He honestly seemed to have such light in his eyes,” recalls Josh, who adopted Charlie with his wife, Christie.
Recovery and Resilience
Under TEARS’ dedicated care, Charlie recovered. His distinctive pointer-patterned coat grew back. Only a few small scars remain as quiet reminders of his past.
He developed into a calm, confident dog who enjoyed the company of both people and other dogs. Still, after months in kennels, going home with two strangers was a big step.
Finding the Right Fit
Josh and Christie moved to Durbanville late last year and were determined to find the right companion. For Christie, it was her first adoption. She felt nervous.
Ruth Morrison at TEARS introduced them to several dogs, but Charlie stood out.
“Given his history with mange, we figured he was well overdue a loving home,” Josh says.
At first, Charlie was sweet but cautious.
“It’s important to remember that when you meet a dog at a shelter, they’re in a high-stress environment,” Josh explains. “They often act differently to how they would at home.”
Once settled, Charlie’s personality emerged fully.
“He has more than exceeded our expectations.”
A Perfect Match
The couple had hoped for a relatively independent dog. Charlie’s balanced temperament ticked that box. What they gained, however, was something deeper.
“Now, more than anything, he wants to be involved in whatever we’re doing,” says Josh. “When Christie works from home, he sits next to her all day. Spending time with him and Christie on our daily walks is the most positive outcome for me.”
Living next to a park in a dog-friendly neighbourhood, Charlie interacts with other dogs regularly.
“Whether it’s because of his time in the shelter or just his temperament, he’s very well behaved,” Josh adds.
A Call to Action
TEARS spokesperson Tinka Shapiro highlights a growing concern.
“Senior pets are often passed over for younger, cuter animals. Some have waited months; others, years. But they still greet the world with cautious hope, ready for one last great love.”
She continues, “We’re at capacity, and we need your help. For every dog adopted, another life can be saved. Some of our dogs have been in the kennels for over 1,000 days. That’s more than 1,000 sunrises and 1,000 nights spent waiting for a home, a warm bed, a forever human. They haven’t given up, and neither have we.”
No Regrets, Only Gratitude
Josh and Christie have no regrets.
“I would highly recommend TEARS. The team was open, professional, and helped us find a dog that suited our home and lifestyle.”
They found their missing puzzle piece. Yours could be waiting patiently at TEARS.
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