Three-legged Gypsy is home - for good

Update

GEORGE NEWS - For Gypsy, the three-legged German shepherd cross, what started as a temporary foster home has turned into something far more permanent.

After everything this brave dog has been through, Gypsy has finally landed firmly on his three paws - he has found his forever home with George Herald news editor Kristy Ayliffe and her husband, Jeff.

Gypsy was rescued by local animal welfare organisation Sentiara after he was found during an outreach in the Lancewood informal settlement with a large, painful growth on his leg. He was subsequently diagnosed with cancer and had to have his leg amputated to save his life.

After several weeks of recovery at the PDSA, he faced another heartbreaking setback when his previous owner decided she no longer wanted him because he was now a three-legged dog.

Sentiara then began looking for a new home for him, while Kristy and Jeff agreed to foster him until his amputation wound had healed and he could be adopted.

But things did not go according to plan. The woman who was due to adopt Gypsy was unable to do so due to unforeseen circumstances, and the day before he was supposed to leave, his adoption fell through.

So Gypsy stayed.

And perhaps, somewhere along the way, he had already decided that he was home.

Kristy and Jeff had recently lost their beloved English bull terrier, Kasper, and while they had initially intended only to foster Gypsy, their hearts had other plans.

"It's the biggest foster fail of my life, but he came to us at the right time. It was actually very serendipitous. Our hearts were broken, and his body and soul were broken.

"We helped one another heal," says Kristy.

Gypsy has come a long way since arriving at the Ayliffes, and his story has also captured the hearts of people far beyond his foster home.

After George Herald reported on Gypsy's story, Dotsure stepped in to contribute to his food and veterinary costs for a year while he adjusted to life on three legs.

Now, proudly South African pet accessories company Rogz has also given Gypsy a helping paw, sponsoring an Airtech Sport harness, which works perfectly for a dog who has only one front leg.

After losing a leg, his original home and so much stability, this gentle boy has finally found what he was looking for all along: a family, a couch, a garden, plenty of cuddles - and a place to call home.

Gypsy on Tuesday with his brand-new harness from Rogz. He had a special bounce in his step during his walk.