THE dogs on this farm are the picture of happiness, wagging their tails, jumping joyfully, barking with unbridled delight. They’re so full of life it’s almost impossible to imagine the horrors they were once subjected to.
Berry, an eight-year-old Jack Russell mix, was so abused he was close to death and vultures had begun to peck at him.
Pit bull Grace (9) was used as bait for dog fights and her past is written in a network of scars across her face.
Three-year-old Samantha was nursing her month-old puppies when someone threw acid at her.
These dogs bear the wounds of unthinkable cruelty – but things are very different now. They’re living their best lives at Roscan Sanctum farm near De Doorns in the Hex River Valley, looked after by 14 people who are here to heal themselves too.
Rules are strict here. No alcohol or drugs are allowed and everyone has to pitch in and do their bit.
Roscan Sanctum is both a safe haven for people who need a new start and a “retirement home” for animals rescued from dire circumstances. People share their space with the dogs and a variety of other animals, including sheep, pigs, geese, ducks, chickens and a turkey.
The 48-hectare farm is divided into three camps – an outdoor area for some of the animals, a farmstead and five Wendy houses for people and indoor dogs and a woodworking workshop and greenhouse. There’s also a pet cemetery where the animals are laid to rest when their time comes and little crosses bear the names of departed furry friends such as Oupa, Bekkie, Coco, King and Tripp.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
PUSHED TO THE LIMIT
The unusual relationship between an heiress and her husband has taken a sinister twist
HOW TO MAKE A SUPERBABY
Noor Siddiqui says her company can test embryos for hundreds of conditions from diabetes to Alzheimer's. Critics call it social engineering but she insists she's just giving prospective parents the means to avoid a lot of future heartache
THE GROWN-UP BRAIN
If you think your brain deteriorates as you age, think again!
THE eyes HAVE IT
They're the windows to our soul - and the first place to show the stresses of everyday life. Juliette Winter reveals expert tips to de-puff, brighten and smooth this delicate area
WE'RE IN THIS TOGETHER
It hasn't been an easy road but now this bodybuilding couple are making waves in the industry
I CAN'T WAIT FOR SUMMER!
Annetjie's about to get effective treatment for the skin condition that has blighted her life and she's looking forward to hitting the shops and facing the world
'SHE NO THREAT TO ANYONE'
When SA boxer Chris van Heerden's Russian girlfriend went to visit her parents she was thrown in jail and accused of treasonnow he's in a fight to free her
SUNK IN 16 MINUTES!
A sun-drenched holiday turned into a living nightmare for those aboard this luxury vessel
READY TO SMILE AGAIN
A groundbreaking surgical procedure will restore this Limpopo teen's badly damaged jaw and teeth
HARRY AT A CROSSROADS
As the prince turns 40, royal experts paint a picture of a troubled soul- isolated, homesick and struggling to find a purpose in life