Louie has found his family. One last hurdle in quarantine is what stands between him and forever happiness!
Johannesburg, South Africa (07 July 2026) – When we first shared Louie’s story just days ago, we hoped it would reach the person willing to give him the second chance he deserved. And it has!
We are thrilled that sweet Louie now has a home waiting for him in Cape Town. But before he can finally get there, he’s facing another unexpected challenge…
For those who missed the first story, Louie is only three years old and has already survived unimaginable cruelty.
“Louie was slashed across the face, his femur broken, and his toes chopped off. He walked around a remote island just off of Madagascar like that for FIVE MONTHS before he was rescued by Vanessa. He received treatment at SOS animal center in Madagascar, the ONLY animal rescue organisation there. After 3 months of surgeries and rehab, he was flown to Johannesburg on Sunday 26th July. He was meant to be released from quarantine and flown home to live with me in Cape Town a week later.” shares Emma Wagener, Louie’s new adoptive mom.
After months of treatment in Madagascar, Louie made the journey to South Africa to begin the final step toward his new life. Like all dogs entering the country from overseas, he had to spend time in quarantine before being released to his adoptive family. Now, he faces his final hurdle there.
Just before his planned release, routine testing showed that Louie had tested positive for heartworm. The condition is treatable, but it means he now has to remain in quarantine for at least another four weeks while he undergoes treatment and additional testing before he can finally travel home.
His new family say they refuse to let this be the end of his story.
“I have a home for Louie, I have the love and space for him, but this is one more hurdle we were not expecting. Vanessa still has outstanding vet costs in Madagascar, but the most urgent thing right now is to get his heartworm treated and bring this poor dog home. He has not gone through eight months of hell for it all to end here – we cannot give up on Louie.”
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Salt River High is Turning Raindrops into Conservation and Community ResilienceLouie isn’t searching for love anymore. His new chapter is waiting for him. Now the focus is on helping him get through treatment, complete quarantine and make it home. If you’d like to show your support, find the online crowdfund here.
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