Shannon-Lee Beukes, Adoptions Manager at Animal Welfare Society of South Africa
I started working at the Animal Welfare Society of South Africa about five years ago as an Inspectorate Controller and Switchboard Operator.
During my first few weeks, I was still learning the ropes and trying to find my feet in a space that quickly showed me how demanding and emotionally charged animal welfare work can be.
The Call That Changed Everything
While voluntarily assisting the Adoptions Manager at the time, I received a call about a dog stuck in a drain at one of our neighbouring business facilities, WBHO. It was pouring with rain that day, and the little puppy was completely soaked, shaking, and terrified.
A Fragile Arrival
When he arrived at the society, I took him under my wing almost instinctively. Our hospital team immediately ran tests and discovered that he was battling both parvovirus and Ehrlichia.
He refused to eat for days, was severely emaciated, and, truthfully, he was hanging on by a thread.
Fighting for His Life
Despite the odds, our hospital team went above and beyond. They treated him with patience, care, and determination, refusing to give up on him even when progress felt impossibly slow.
Day after day, he stayed close to me. I spent as much time with him as I could, quietly willing him to fight. Then one day, something shifted. He finally started eating. From that moment, we began to see small but steady improvements.
From Survivor to Mascot
As his strength returned, I started training him. He absolutely loved interacting with visitors and had a remarkable ability to calm nervous dogs, making them feel safe and secure.
It didn’t take long before management noticed what we all felt instinctively. He had something special. They decided he would be the perfect mascot, and he truly was. He represented resilience, hope, and the reason we do this work.
A Forever Home
When I eventually moved out on my own, there was never any question about his future. He was coming home with me. I made sure he got the forever home he so deeply deserved.
Life With Ponzo Today
Today, we are completely inseparable. He is gentle, loyal, and endlessly patient. He is also the coolest big brother to my two-year-old, and we love him beyond words.
Ponzo’s Profile
Pet name
Ponzo
Age
Approximately 4 years old
Breed
Cross breed
Favourite treats
Chicken, cheese, and eggs
Hobbies
Running, jumping, and doing tricks for treats
Fun fact
He refuses to let me use the bathroom alone, no matter where we are. If I hide, even at a distance, he will always find me.
Did You Know?
Ehrlichia is a genus of Rickettsiales bacteria transmitted to animals through tick bites. It causes ehrlichiosis, a disease considered zoonotic because animals are the primary reservoirs. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical, especially in rescue environments.
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