In St Francis Bay, a brave dog named Tammy fights for her life after a brutal panga attack. Volunteers from St Francis Animal Rescue are helping her heal – and South Africans can be part of her journey to recovery.
Eastern Cape, South Africa (18 February 2025) – St Francis Animal Rescue is a shining example of compassion in action. Run entirely by volunteers, the organisation works tirelessly to improve the lives of animals in the informal settlement of Sea Vista, St Francis Bay.
Led by Susan Rae Fox and her dedicated team, they have spent eight years making a real difference. From providing food and medical care to educating pet owners, their work has transformed the lives of countless dogs and cats. Their outreach includes free vaccinations, deworming, sterilisation programmes and even an assisted feeding initiative that ensures healthy diets for Sea Vista’s pets. They’ve freed over 120 dogs from chains through their fencing programme and continue to combat animal cruelty through education and hands-on care.
Two weeks ago, St Francis Animal Rescue received a call that broke their hearts. Chantel James, a friend and volunteer at the organisation, shared the tragic story with Good Things Guy.
A young female Africanis had been brutally attacked by an alleged drug addict wielding a panga. The vicious assault left her with a horrifying injury, stripping the skin from her thigh down to the muscle. Despite her unimaginable pain, the little dog was alive – and she needed urgent help.
Without hesitation, a volunteer rushed her to the Humansdorp Vet Clinic, where Dr Annelise Barker took immediate action.
“From the outset, there was something very special about this brave little girl,” Chantel shared.
“She didn’t so much as whimper during her agonising dressing changes and treatments.”
Chantel named her Tammy – a reflection of the fighter they saw in her eyes.
The incredible care team sprang into action. Vets cleaned and bandaged Tammy’s wounds, while Chantel and her best friend, Mae Dutton, stepped up to manage her rehabilitation. It was no small task. Tammy needed round-the-clock care – pain medication every 4-6 hours, regular wound dressings, and constant love. Chantel personally spent R4,000 on Tammy’s care, with veterinary bills exceeding R15,000. Donations from friends began to trickle in to help with the mounting costs.
Despite everything, Tammy’s spirit never dimmed.
“She has developed a close, loving, and trusting relationship with me,” said Chantel.
“Her recovery will be slow, but she’s worth every second.”
Now, with Chantel heading to KwaZulu-Natal for several months, the only option for Tammy’s continued care is to travel with her – an expensive journey costing over R8,000.
This is where South Africans can make a difference. Tammy’s story is a reminder that animal cruelty remains a heartbreaking reality – but it is one we can fight together. St Francis Animal Rescue saves lives but also prevents cruelty through education and sterilisation programmes. Supporting organisations like theirs helps protect more animals from suffering.
How can you help?
Donations towards Tammy’s transport and ongoing care will ensure she continues her road to recovery with the person she trusts most. But it doesn’t stop there – by supporting local animal rescues (whichever one you choose) or reporting cases of abuse, we can all help fight cruelty across South Africa.
Tammy’s journey is one of courage, resilience, and the power of community. She has survived the unthinkable and is now on her path to healing. With the help of compassionate South Africans, she will have her second chance at life. And that is something truly worth celebrating.
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