Tammy was left for dead after a brutal panga attack… but today, she’s not just alive, she’s loved, safe and finally home (after becoming a Foster-Fail).
Eastern Cape, South Africa (23 March 2025) – Tammy the dog has defied every odd stacked against her – and now, she’s not just surviving, she’s thriving.
Last month, we shared a heartbreaking yet hopeful story about a brave Africanis pup who was viciously attacked with a panga. The assault left her with horrific injuries, but thanks to the unwavering love of her caregivers and the generosity of Good Things Guy readers, she began her road to recovery.
Today, we’re back with an update – and it’s the kind that will restore your faith in the power of kindness.
“She has improved in leaps and bounds – and we all at St Francis Animal Rescue are absolutely thrilled that we made the decision to fight for this little girlie’s life,” Chantel James, her devoted carer, told Good Things Guy.
“Needless to say, she is now a Foster-Fail, as I couldn’t bear to be without her happy smile and beautiful big brown eyes every day.”
Tammy’s story began when volunteers at St Francis Animal Rescue, an all-volunteer organisation based in the informal settlement of Sea Vista, St Francis Bay, received an urgent call. A young female dog had been brutally attacked by an alleged drug addict and her injuries were almost beyond comprehension. Her thigh had been stripped down to the muscle and she was in agonising pain.
But even then, she didn’t whimper.
Moved by her courage, Chantel and her best friend, Mae Dutton, jumped into action. With help from the incredible team at Humansdorp Vet Clinic, especially Dr Annelise Barker, they started the long and expensive journey to help Tammy heal. The little dog endured five surgeries in just four weeks, round-the-clock care, and countless bandage changes. Chantel poured her heart (and savings) into Tammy’s recovery – but she wasn’t alone.
“And I just wanted to send a BIG thank you for the role that you played in her road to recovery,” Chantel added, speaking to the Good Things Guy community.
“We received many donations which helped towards her astronomical vets bills (5 surgeries in 4 weeks!!) THANK YOU – and big sloppy kisses from our special TamTam.”
It’s not just the medical milestones that make this story so special. It’s the bond that has blossomed. Tammy, once traumatised and broken, is now a loved family member – a cheeky, loving pup who gets to travel with Chantel to KwaZulu-Natal and continue her healing journey by her side.
St Francis Animal Rescue – led by the extraordinary Susan Rae Fox and her team – continues to uplift their community with outreach programmes, free vaccinations, sterilisation campaigns, fencing initiatives, and a whole lot of heart. They’ve freed over 120 dogs from chains and given countless pets a second chance.
Tammy’s survival is more than just a feel-good update – it’s proof of what happens when people choose compassion. From the volunteers who rushed to her side, to the vets who treated her wounds, to every person who donated or shared her story – this win belongs to all of us.
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