He has a new lease on life ❤️
Last weekend, a 15-year-old miniature schnauzer wandered precariously down a busy road in Cape Town, South Africa. With cataracts blurring his vision, the tiny dog was understandably wary when a stranger tried to help him.
That stranger, local surfer Tim Shaw, had been driving to the coast when he noticed the little pup darting between cars. Shaw immediately pulled over and attempted to safely corral the dog. He asked nearby day laborers if anyone recognized him, but no one did. They agreed, however, to keep the pup out of danger while Shaw rushed home for supplies.
Several hours later, after a few cautious nips from the frightened dog, Shaw returned with the miniature schnauzer wrapped in a nightgown inside a laundry basket. The dog eagerly devoured a can of dog food while Shaw gave him space to decompress.
“He was not interested in touch,” Shaw told The Dodo. “I kind of just sang to him… I just started talking, and though he tried to bite me, it gradually became less aggressive.”
The dog’s fur was matted in thick, dreadlock-like clumps. Over the course of an afternoon, Shaw carefully trimmed the tangles, revealing a relieved and prancing little dog. While grooming, Shaw discovered a wire tightly wrapped around one of the dog’s legs—likely causing significant pain.
The following day, a vet examination revealed that the dog suffered from severe arthritis. Remarkably, the vet also found a microchip linking him to a family who had lost him 13 years ago. Back in 2012, Karnallie, the miniature schnauzer, had been stolen from his home. Despite searching tirelessly for months, his family eventually adopted other dogs, believing they had lost him forever.
Shaw didn’t hesitate to offer Karnallie, now renamed Rufus, a forever home. Before coming home, Rufus spent several days at the Animal Welfare Society of South Africa (AWS) for observation. Staff treated his wounds, administered arthritis medication, and completed much-needed medical care.
Rufus will require a special diet and lifelong medication, and Shaw is ready to provide both. “For me, all of this is just God’s creation,” Shaw said. “And if I look at all the things that I’ve been rescued from, it’s really just in response to that.”
Since arriving at Shaw’s home, Rufus has been resting and exploring the garden. Though still cautious of human touch, he is slowly adjusting to his new life.
“He is the most wonderful little dude,” Shaw said. “And he’s home now.”