Who remembers our skinny mum Katie, who we rescued when out on call in Mwimuto? (For the full story, go to: https://tnrtrust.org/2018/01/07/out-on-call-in-mwimuto-nairobi/)

In March 2017, TNR Trust received word of an emaciated dog with 6 puppies. A few of our TNR Volunteers only drove 30 minutes from upmarket Runda to the place, but it was a whole different world at Mwimuto: full of little farms, dirt roads, 1 cow per compound and struggling people.

Local dog enthusiast led TNR Trust to the Farm where Katie and her pups had taken refuge

We were welcomed and thanks to a local dog enthusiast, we got to see the dogs. After giving the dogs and pups some food and talking to the owner of the farm, we go the full story. He already owned a male guard dog, but a few days earlier, a female (Katie) had taken refuge with her pups. TNR had to quickly decide on a course of action for the next coming days as Katie was near death from malnourishment.

Katie had given everything she had to the pups, but they were still very hungry! TNR Volunteers gave them some water and puppy food upon arrival

We came back the next day to pick her up together with the pups. After a check-up at the vet for every single one of them, they were put into a foster home. Here they thrived as the pups were finally weaned and Katie was able to regain her health, strength and proper weight again. Our volunteers also interacted a lot with her and she was given some much needed love and care.

Katie was near death from malnourishment, yet she was still an amazing mum to all her 6 pups

TNR Trust eventually found Katie a new home in May 2017. And what a transformation she has undergone! We found her skin over bone, dehydrated, skittish and with no intention to interact. Now, under the care of her new owners, she has blossomed out into a “proper” dog: she loves to play all day, loves to say hi to other dogs and humans and will never have to go hungry again.

This is Katie before (image on the left) and after (image on the right).

And before you ask: YES! THIS IS THE SAME DOG!!!

Katie BEFORE

Dora’s mum Katie after she was rehabilitated by TNR

TNR Trust works solely on volunteers. This volunteering work might seem glorious but it is hard. You do not just look out for the dogs, you listen to the people as well and their hardships and troubles. You do not volunteer if your heart is not in it. Because instead of money, you gain a different life perspective and satisfaction.

• If you would like to volunteer, click HERE
• If you cannot volunteer but you would like to contribute so that we can make stories like Katie’s happening, click HERE

And Katie? Well, she is happy in her new adopted family, together with her furry sibling Darwin.

Katie and Darwin snuggling