Update
GEORGE NEWS - After surviving unthinkable cruelty, Tyson the pit bull terrier, found severely injured, clinging to life, abandoned in a field in Bridgton, Oudtshoorn, has now found his forever home.
Tyson captured many hearts when his harrowing story was first published in George Herald in October 2024.
At the time, he had just undergone some life-saving surgery at the Eden Small Animal Hospital in George after being discovered with horrific bite wounds, infections and a shattered hind leg, believed to be the result of a fight with another dog.
Despite undergoing a leg amputation, multiple surgeries, three blood transfusions and a battle with tick bite fever, Tyson refused to give up.
Now, months later, Tyson is happy, a bit more fleshier around the bones and the heart and soul of the very woman who first met him in the vet’s care and couldn’t walk away.
Tyson is now thriving in a safe, loving, breed-experienced home where he has learnt to trust, play and simply be a happy dog.
“I saw his story online and it broke me,” his new owner, who wishes to remain anonymous, said.
“I had just lost my pit bull to heart failure, and when I met him, I knew I had to be part of his healing. I knew he was meant to be with us, despite my husband’s ‘no more animals’ rule after 30 years with our beloved pit bulls. We prayed over him, and God gave him a new name: Jess, meaning ‘gift’ or ‘God exists’,” she said.
One of his back legs had to be amputated. Here, Tyson was still recovering at Eden Small Animal Hospital in George. Photo: Kristy Kolberg
The early days were tough. Tyson, now named Jess, was very fragile, underweight and adjusting to life on three legs. But with patience, love and lots of treats, he blossomed.
“He’s gentle, loving, full of character, and loves his belly rubs, toys and biltong time with dad. His absolute favourite meals include chicken and pasta, mince and rice, and of course, cookies with mum. We’re so grateful to be part of his healing journey. Thank you to everyone who helped save him; he’s not just surviving, he’s thriving.”
Colleen Smith of Oudtshoorn Dogs in Need (Odin), who was involved in rescuing Tyson, said his recovery is a testament to what’s possible when people choose compassion over cruelty.
“Tyson was discarded like rubbish, but he’s now living a life filled with care, dignity and love. That’s what every animal deserves,” she said.
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Scars from old bite marks were evident on Tyson’s legs after he was found.
Photo: Kristy Kolberg
Tyson (now called Jess) at his new home, hiding away from the cold under a nice soft blanket.‘We bring you the latest Garden Route, Hessequa, Karoo news’
