Kindness, quite literally, saved this deaf man’s life, and we’re holding back tears! When his home was broken into, taking away the very means to his and his dog’s livelihood, a fishing rod, the Oudtshoorn Dogs in Need went above and beyond to help restore their dignity.
Oudtshoorn, South Africa (31 August 2025) – Sometimes, the things we take for granted are the very things that mean survival to someone else. A fridge full of food, not having to think about how we’ll get through the day or worry about whether our pets have had enough to eat.
For a Lintoor Lint, a deaf man, and his faithful dog Springkie, life was never easy, and these things became their daily struggles when their already difficult circumstances were made worse by tik koppe (drug addicts) who broke into his shack and stole everything, including his most precious possession: his fishing rod.
This wasn’t just a fishing rod; it was the very means to their livelihood. Without it, both man and dog began to waste away.
The man had found Springkie as a tiny, unwanted puppy at the tiep (dump site), discarded like trash, but given a second chance because of his kindness. From that moment, they became each other’s family.
Their only way to eat was to walk kilometres to a dam where the old man would try to catch a fish with his fishing rod. That one fish was often their only meal until that was taken away from them.
When the Oudtshoorn Dogs in Need (ODIN) charity came across them during an outreach, they were literally starving. Springkie, frail and emaciated, had even given birth to puppies.
“Only one little survivor pulled through, and she was taken into our care by Aunty Erika. That baby girl is now five weeks old – a tiny spark of hope in a story that could have ended so differently,” ODIN shares.
We urge you to get a tissue because this video will hit you right in the heart.
The organisation shared their story online, and thanks to the overwhelming positive response and support, they have been able to provide the man and his furry companion with bedding, food, and, most importantly, replace his stolen fishing rod.
“Why does a fishing rod matter so much? Because it restores his dignity. It allows him to proudly provide again, not only for himself but for his best friend, Sprinkie.
“When he received it, tears of joy shone brighter than words could ever describe. His gratitude was the same when he was handed a simple bunch of bananas. He ate three right away, smiling with childlike delight. But the fishing rod… nothing compared to that moment.”
If you ever doubted the life-changing power of kindness, well, here it is.
Whether it was through food donations or funds, we thank and applaud every soul who contributed towards restoring this man and Springkie’s hope, dignity, and life itself!
Sources: Oudtshoorn Dogs in Need
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