"I eventually came to the conclusion that someone had come across her and decided to keep her because she's such a beautiful dog," explained a tearful Howard. "I never imagined that she was enduring such inhumane treatment."
Last week, Tazzie was handed over to the Sandton SPCA by unnamed men who "found her dumped in a local river".
SPCA's Charlotte Levin said the nature of the "fresh" wounds, as well as the old-scarring on Tazzie's cranial area, indicated she had fallen victim to canine-fighting circles.

Though shocked by the sight of her bruised-and-battered animal companion, Howard expressed relief at having finally found her.
She praised the Identipet system (which saw Tazzie being implanted with a microchip during her puppy days, that held all her identity and ownership details), since it was this that allowed the Sandton SPCA to swiftly locate Howard when her dog was discovered.

SPCA's Charlotte Levin stressed the importance of having pet owners implement such a system, "especially at this time of year, when many animals are likely to go wandering while families are away on holiday". She added the chip also served as proof of ownership for people trying to claim missing pets from the SPCA.
Meanwhile, Tazzie has since undergone treatment and it's hoped she'll live to make a full recovery. "

I realise it may have been better to have her put down given her condition," stated Howard. "But I feel the fact that we found her means we are being given a second chance, so we have to take it." For further details on how to have you pet implanted with a microchip, contact the Sandton SPCA at 011-444-7730.