Snout did the most heroic thing to protect his family from a group of children with a gun.
Johannesburg, South Africa (06 July 2026) – Snout has been part of Lincoln’s family since the first day of lockdown in 2020, when he was rescued as a puppy from a yard where he was about to be used for dog fighting. The family made space in their hearts and their home for Snout, as one of their own.
Over the years, Snout became a well-known character around the neighbourhood. A Ridgeback and Jack Russell cross, he walked the family’s daughter to school, greeted people on the street, and generally kept tabs on the area. The family says he has a way of knowing when something isn’t right.
“He knows every face, every routine, and always seems to know when something isn’t right.” says Lincoln as per The Dogs Trust.
On Friday night, that instinct kicked in when danger approached. Gunshots went off outside while the family’s daughter was in the yard. Snout, who’d been resting inside, ran out to her first, checked that she was okay, then turned and ran towards where the shots had come from. Not long after, the family heard him scream.
Snout had been shot in the face. He still made his way back to the little girl before anyone could reach him.
“Snout became a statistic on Friday night when he tried to protect his family from a gang of kids and was shot in the face.” shared The Dogs Trust, an NPO that supports sick and neglected animals in townships. “What is this world coming to when kids are running around with guns and shooting dogs!”
He was rushed to Fourways Vet that night and stabilised, then moved on Saturday morning to Petite Paws Veterinary Clinic, with help from the NPO. X-rays showed the bullet went through his lip and out the other side, coming dangerously close to his eye. He’s got a cracked eye socket and significant tissue damage, but he’s stable and recovering.
Yolanda Van Der Merwe from The Dogs Trust has turned to the public to rally support for Snout the protector. His vet bills are mounting, and the family and the NPO are asking for help covering them.
“The dog who has spent years protecting us now needs our help. His emergency care is overwhelming, and we can’t do it alone.” Yolanda shares. “If his story has touched you, please consider donating or sharing. Every bit helps. Snout has always protected others. Now it’s our turn to protect him. Thank you for believing in our little hero.”
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Charity Golf Day Raises R600,000 for Table Mountain's Volunteer Heroes!If you’d like to support or share his story so it reaches more people, it would mean a great deal to Lincoln, his family, and the dog who ran towards danger without a second thought. Donations can be made to The Dogs Trust, which is covering Snout’s ongoing treatment at Petite Paws Veterinary Clinic. More info here.
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