Huxley arrived at TEARS in February with such severe mange, it looked like he had been dipped in cement. Now he’s living his BEST life!
Cape Town, South Africa (12 June 2026) – If dogs carried grudges, nobody would have blamed Huxley for holding onto one.
When he arrived at TEARS Animal Rescue earlier this year, his coat carried a heartbreakingly sad story of loneliness and neglect. His skin was so badly damaged by mange that his rescuers described him as looking as though he’d been ‘dipped in cement’.
“Severe demodectic mange is a skin condition caused by microscopic mites. In healthy dogs, these mites are kept in check, but when left untreated due to neglect, they multiply and cause devastating damage. Hair loss, thickened skin, painful sores and constant itching that makes it almost impossible for an animal to rest, let alone feel safe.” shares TEARS.
It was obvious that this doggie had, by no means, had an easy start to life on the streets of Mitchell’s Plain. Thankfully, he landed in the lap of heroes who were determined to turn things around.
“The odds may have been against this mutt, but TEARS was determined to turn things around for Huxley.” shares TEARS Animal Rescue.
The team worked to help Hux recover. It took weeks of gentle medicated baths, daily treatment and a prescription diet, but he slowly began to look like a different dog. A happy puppy.
“What followed was a long road back. Huxley’s recovery required medicated baths and vet-prescribed care which, together with the patient and consistent love that comes from a team who show up every day, made all the difference.”
His skin started healing and his coat began to grow back. The worried, worn little dog who had arrived at the shelter began to show everyone more of his personality.
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Still, he deserved more than shelter life. When Easter rolled around, Huxley’s miracle waltzed right through the doors. Melanie and Bertus had visited TEARS shortly before the holidays and he had caught their attention almost immediately.
“When Melanie and her son walked past his kennel, Huxley looked directly at them, and that was that.”
After introducing him to their two dogs in their Fish Hoek home and making sure everyone got along, they returned on Easter Monday to adopt Hux. For the first time in his puppy life, someone had chosen him. A promise of forever.
Everything was new, but before long, he seemed to realise that he had a home and a family. A place where he could feel safe and comfortable.
“You could tell he’d never lived in a house before,” says Melanie. “He’d probably always been on the streets, living in survival mode.”
Today, he’s making up for lost time. His family describes him as affectionate, clever, and an enthusiastic chewer if left alone for too long – a habit he’s carried with him since his harrowing start on the street.
“You can see it’s stress-related, his way of self-regulating,” says Melanie. “And he manages to look completely innocent about it every single time.”
Huxley’s family is bowled over at how much love he has to give, despite all the hardship he’s had to face in his days alone.
“He’s different from other dogs,” says Melanie. “He loves everything and everybody. It’s total unconditional love.”
If you’ve got room in your home and your heart, TEARS still has dogs waiting for what Huxley found. Pop in and meet them at tears.org.za or give them a call on 021 785 4482.
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