When the rescuers from Sidewalk Specials arrived, they were met with a sight that would break any animal lover’s heart. A frail, sickly dog stood before them, his tired eyes filled with exhaustion and neglect. His owner, showing no sign of remorse, claimed the dog needed to be “put out” because he supposedly refused to eat. To them, he was already a lost cause.
But as soon as food was placed in front of him, the truth became clear—this dog wasn’t refusing to eat. He was starving. Desperation took over as he devoured every last bite, his bony frame trembling with hunger. Even his medication, which many dogs would resist, was gone in seconds. His will to live was stronger than anyone had given him credit for.
That was the moment his journey truly began.
Rescuers named him Pote, and as they gently lifted him into their vehicle, his body sagged with exhaustion. But this time, it wasn’t the weight of neglect or pain—it was relief. He curled up in the backseat, his tired eyes fluttering shut. For the first time in what must have felt like a lifetime, he could rest without fear.
The drive back to Cape Town was quiet, filled only with the rhythmic sound of the road beneath the tires. Every so often, Pote would lift his head, gazing at the kind faces around him. It was as if he was slowly realizing—these humans were different. They didn’t look at him with indifference or disgust. They didn’t ignore his suffering. They saw him.
At 10 years old, Pote had already lived through more hardship than any dog should. But despite his past, his heart remained as pure as ever. He was gentle, sweet, and loving. He held no grudges. He still wagged his tail at kind words, still leaned into soft touches. He got along effortlessly with children, other dogs, even cats. It was clear—Pote had so much life left in him.
And now, thanks to the kindness of those who refused to give up on him, he would finally get to live it. No longer a forgotten soul left to fade away, Pote was on his way to the life he had always deserved—one filled with love, warmth, and the comfort of knowing he was finally, truly home.
