Helping out dogs – evetwhere: SPCA Israel rescued 15 dogs from Bethlechem, rehabilitated them and helped them find devoted owners and loving homes as they deserve
On April, during the first lockdown in Israel due to Covid-19 pandemic, six of our Association’s team went to Bethlehem’s checkpoint to meet Diana Georgy Babis, the manager of “Animal and Environment Association”. Diana takes care of 60 dogs in the association’s shelter in Bethlehem, while people hardly adopt them.
Our team met her and 15 dogs at the checkpoint, and they were transferred to the SPCA Israel’s shelter in Tel Aviv so we could take care of them and find them loving homes. The dogs received medical check and care, and after a long way, each one of the dogs received their own cell with food, water and bed.
After 90 days in quarantine, as regulations demand, the dogs became candidates for adoption, after chipping, vaccination and neutering. They didn’t have to wait too long until they found the right owners who give them warm and loving homes, as they deserve, forever.
Hilma Shmoshkovits, SPCA Israel’s Chairperson said: “This is a positive point, humane, a good will gesture between activists for animals. A devotion to help the helpless, deserted dogs, our best friends. Moreover, we hope that the outcome will be better companionship and solidarity”. Gadi Vitner, SPCA Israel’s spokesman said: “We are proud of taking in the abandoned dogs that need shelter and protection. This is exactly what we’re here for”.
Help us keep helping animals in need! Please donate on our site or through PayBox app.
Blacky’s Rehabilitation
A happy ending: After being hit by a car and found injured alongside Highway 6, Blacky went through a long rehabilitation at the Society and ultimately found a warm and loving home
Blacky, a 7-month old mixed-breed female, arrived at the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in Israel six months ago, after she was hit by a car and found injured alongside Highway 6. During an examination carried out at the Society’s clinic she was diagnosed with two fractures in her right foreleg.
The Society staff took Blacky to Dr. Hudik, a veterinarian with expertise in orthopedic surgery. Blacky underwent surgery, during which a pin was inserted into her leg and the leg was bandaged and put in a splint. For many weeks Blacky had to stay in a sterile room and avoid any activity, while our devoted staff took care of her, helping her eat and relieve herself.
Blacky turned out to be a friendly and loving dog, and her physical condition did not affect her joie de vivre. Throughout her recovery process, Blacky showed her gratitude by kissing and licking all of her caregivers, and her condition improved daily.
At the end of the six-month rehabilitation period, Blacky recovered completely, and the Society staff began looking for a warm and loving home for her. The lucky person to take her home was Yuval Baruch, and Blacky embarked on a new life, spayed, vaccinated and playful.
Sia Dolorosa
A dog,cruelly tied to a pole in the sea, almost drowned. She was saved by a passer-by, received dedicated treatment at the SPCA and has found a warm home
Yet again we see that there is no end to ignorance and cruelty. Fortunately, this time a life was saved.
While jogging on the beach in Jisr al-Zarqa [an Arab coastal town], AssafZargarian noticed something suspicious in the water. When he approached the scene, he was shocked to find a helpless dog tied to a pole in the sea, the high waves threatening to drown her. Assaf rushed to untie the knot and free the dog, after which he phoned the SPCA Israel call center.
A passing teenager explained that he had seen a young boy tie the dog to the pole,probably thinking this was the way to rid her of the ticks on her body. Since the young boy had vanished, a complaint could not be brought against the offender.
The SPCA rescuers took the dog to the veterinary clinic, where she was treated and given the name Sia. The SPCA team and volunteers showered Sia with love for weeks and helped her forget the trauma she’d been through. She received the necessary vaccinations and an electronic chip, was spayed and began waiting patiently for the right family to adopt her.
Sia, a two-year-old mixed breed, is a gentle, devoted and quiet dog that craves affection. While on a walk in the SPCA yard with one of our volunteers she was noticed by the Goldstein family who had come to adopt a dog. They fell in love with Sia at first sight and after hearing her story they promised to give her a warm home and treat her with love.
We are grateful to Assaf, whose quick actions rescued Sia and gave her a chance at a better life.
To raise awareness and prevent cases of cruelty to animals, the SPCA’s Humane Education Department regularly holds special educational activities in the Arab sector.
If you have encountered an animal in distress, please do not ignore it. Call us at *4553 or report to the appropriate authorities.
“No longer “Invisible
A special project in cooperation with ‘Petnet’ website: Thirteen dogs that were quarantined under terrible conditions were brought to the SPCA shelter, where they are awaiting good and loving homes
This week SPCA Israel’s shelter took in thirteen dogs that had been held in quarantine under terrible conditions in the north of the country. This was done in order to grant them an opportunity for adoption and a good life with loving families. Many professionals enlisted to volunteer to assist the “Invisible Dogs” project initiated by Petnet and, through a united effort, the dogs were brought to SPCA.
According to the staff at Petnet: “When we arrived at the quarantine site, we witnessed a horrifying picture – dozens of mostly young and healthy dogs that had been abandoned by their owners, all of them in cages, waiting to be put down”.
The 13 newcomers brought to the SPCA shelter have undergone a complete transformation. Thanks to pampering showers, haircuts and grooming, they have transformed from neglected, dirty and “invisible” dogs to attractive, handsome models of beauty. Now, after veterinary check-ups and treatment, they are eagerly waiting to “open a new chapter” in their lives and to give lots of love to the lucky people who adopt them. You are cordially invited to the SPCA to offer them a new home.
Photography: Lior Golsad
Angie – 1 year-old female sheepdog mixed-breed, kind-hearted and noble
Zeevik – 9 month old male Siberian husky mixed-breed, handsome and impressive
Diego – 4 year-old male pincher mixed-breed, gentle and quiet
Rosa – 10 month-old female sheepdog mixed-breed, shy and smiley
Dovi – 8 month sweet male dog
Star – 7 month-old male sheepdog mixed-breed, sweet and shy
Buki – 1 year-old adorable male dog
Gever – 1 year-old dominant male dog
Shoshan – 10 month-old male sheepdog mixed-breed, inquisitive and energetic
Osher – 9 month-old male, long-haired mixed-breed, energetic and mischievous
Bex – 4.5 year-old male pincher, dachshund mixed-breed, wise and clever
Menta – 1.5 year-old mixed-breed female dog
Mooki – 2 year-old male sheepdog mixed-breed, gentle and calm
We would like to thank Petnet; Lior Golsad, the canine photographer; Stas Kahn, the videographer; Ziv Rozenblat who volunteers at the quarantine site; Dr Avi Pacho who vaccinated the dogs against rabies; Eyal Gatnu, who rescued the dogs and brought them to the shelter; Inbal Van Karfeld and Tom Morley from the ‘Miss Dulitel’ dog salon, who groomed the dogs; and Robert Raviv from ‘Petpo’, who was tasked with their grooming.
Louis’s Luck
Following lengthy rehabilitation in the SPCA, Louis found a warm and loving home
“We are just as lucky as him, we lucked out!”, say Danielle Nevro and Yariv Katz with a smile as they pet and hug Louis, the dog they adopted from the SPCA.
Whoever sees this perfect picture will find it hard to believe that only a few weeks ago Louis, a German Shepherd about one year old, was found roaming the streets, wounded and in danger of his life. Following a report that reached the SPCA call center, a team member was sent out to catch him and bring him to our veterinary clinic. He was debilitated, thin and apathetic and his whole neck area, his head and ears, were covered with over fifty infected cuts and wounds that, according to the veterinarian’s opinion, were caused by bites or from getting caught in a barbed-wire fence.
Our veterinarians took Louis in for emergency surgery, during which his head was shaved and further wounds were discovered that were treated and sterilized. Louis received infusions and special food to stabilize his condition, and the whole SPCA team crossed their fingers hoping that his weak body would hold up and survive.
Louis on the day of his arrival at the SPCA
During the following weeks Louis was under medical supervision and received dedicated and loving care from the SPCA staff. He recuperated quickly, his wounds started to heal, his fur grew back and his appetite returned. He was found to be a friendly and good-nature dog, fully cooperating with his treatment despite the pain he was in, as though he understood, just like a person, that the hands touching him would heal him.
When he was strong enough, Louis received all the necessary vaccinations and a microchip, underwent castration and we started to look for an adoptive home where he would be enveloped in love and would be able to forget the hardship he had been through.
During rehabilitation – recovering and regaining his strength
Those who won Louis’ affection are Danielle and Yariv, who came to the SPCA to adopt a large dog with mild energy levels who would get along with other dogs. Louis’ story touched their hearts, and following a meeting with the SPCA adoption counselor and a long walk with Louis, they decided to adopt him.
As we all hoped, today Louis is a loved and pampered dog. Yariv, who works in the real estate start-up Fisbo, takes Louis to the office with him every day, where he has a comfy bed, lots of toys and gets a lot of attention from the rest of the staff. “It is wonderful to see the change in Louis, from a frightened and apathetic dog to the well cared for and happy dog he is today”, the couple say, and we are happy that the matchmaking was a success and wish them all many happy years together.
If you come across an animal in distress, please do not ignore it – call the SPCA call center: *4553.
Starting Over
After being rehabilitated in the SPCA, following a period of severe abuse, Cora has found a warm home
In her short life, Cora has already suffered severe abuse, had two operations and recovered from illness. Today, at the age of four months, having been rehabilitated in the SPCA, she has been embraced by a loving family that has adopted her and her new life is just beginning!
A couple of months ago, an adorable eight-week old puppy reached the SPCA after being found by children in a cardboard box in the park where she had been abandoned. Even at first glance it was apparent that she was suffering a serious wound in her right eye, and a veterinary examination confirmed fears that the wound was deliberately inflicted by a direct hit or kick to her eye.
The SPCA adoption counselor, Gal Baba, decided to take the mixed-breed puppy under her care and gave her the name Cora (after the word for black in Japanese).
Cora on the day of her arrival at the SPCA
Cora was taken to Dr. Havi Tzarfati, a highly experienced veterinarian in canine eye care, but unfortunately the examination revealed that the eye could not be saved and Cora underwent surgery to remove her eye in the SPCA clinic.
Cora rapidly recovered from surgery and the whole staff in the SPCA took great care of her, giving her a lot of attention and love. She was given the necessary vaccinations, recovered from a virus that had affected her and began to get used to life with one eye.
Cora’s story was posted on the SPCA Facebook page, and our Facebook friends followed the progress of the brave little pup with the mischievous and friendly personality, who enjoys playing with toys and gets along well with other dogs. Upon getting her last vaccination and being spayed, sweet Cora was ready to start a new chapter and to find a loving family to adopt her and give her the good life she deserves.
Sora’s New Life
Watch this exciting video clip about Sora's rehabilitation, his recovery and adoption
We’ll start with good news: Having reached us in critical condition, with his life hanging on a hair’s breadth, and at the end of three months of rehabilitation, the sweet puppy, Sora, has found an adoptive home and is starting a new life in a welcoming and supportive environment.
Sora’s story began in mid-February. He was four months old when he was found by passers-by in Tel Aviv with a swollen head, wounded and bleeding. He was brought to the SPCA, rushed to the veterinary clinic, and after cleaning the area, the vets found five infected and inflamed holes in his head, that apparently were caused by dog bites. In addition, he was suffering from sores on his neck area, and his body was infested with ticks. Sora was immediately taken to the operation room to have his wounds cleaned and disinfected, and during the operation, a drain was inserted into his head to drain the large amount of pus that had accumulated and to lessen his pain and suffering. Sora was kept in the clinic under medical supervision until he showed signs of recovery, the pus had been drained and the swelling had dissipated, and then the drain was removed from his head.
The staff of the SPCA, who had fallen instantly in love with the adorable puppy, undertook to help Sora and devotedly take care of him, while our adoption counselor, Gal Baba, gave him his special name, the meaning of which is “sky” in Japanese. Sora, continued getting antibiotics, received a lot of warmth and love and was fed especially nutritious food. The fact that his appetite and energy returned so quickly was a sign that he was on the right road to recovery. Not only the staff fell in love with Sora, also the other dogs quickly became friendly with him thanks to his convivial nature. Amongst these are Hanni, another dog who was cared for in the clinic, the staff’s dogs that played with him in the office, and then all the other dogs in the SPCA who allowed him to join them in their games in the yard.
When the sores on Sora’s head started to heal and the scars slowly receded, he began a three-week course of treatment against tick fever and once enough time had passed for his immunization system to strengthen he was ready to get the necessary six point vaccinations. Later he was neutered, a microchip was implanted and upon his complete recovery, he was transferred to the department of dogs awaiting adoption.
Sora at half a year old and still growing from day to day
Due to his large paws, it was clear to all in the SPCA when Sora first arrived that he would grow into a very large dog. During the months when Sora was kept close to all the staff, he became a member of the team and an inseparable part of the SPCA family. From day to day it was apparent that he was changing, his body was growing and getting longer and his nature was forming. He was pampered and everyone was glad to see him because, despite all his suffering, all the pain and the long period of medical treatment he had endured, he was still full of an infectious joie de vivre and gave a lot of love in return.
Sora with his new family
Sora’s story and updates about his condition that were published on the SPCA Facebook page, were noticed by the Gamburg family of Moshav Tzofim and touched their hearts. The family, who already had two dogs and a cat, came to the SPCA and decided to adopt Sora and give him a warm home. All the staff in the SPCA had a hard time saying goodbye to Sora, but knowing that his long journey of suffering was over and had come to a happy end filled everyone’s hearts with great joy and we all wish Sora and his new family long and wonderful years together.
Sora in his new home. Photograph by the Gamburg family
Cruel abandonment
A bitch and her four puppies were left out in the open and abandoned before being rescued by the SPCA
This week we got an additional reminder of the importance of spaying and neutering cats and dogs, when the phenomenon of abandonment of young puppies and their mother once again raised its ugly head. In response to a call received at the SPCA call center regarding a bitch and her four puppies that were found in an open area near Tel Mond, a rescue team set out for the site. Within a short time they managed to catch the frightened bitch with her four puppies and bring them to the SPCA, where they underwent veterinary examination and, fortunately, were found to be in good health.
Though the bitch does not have a microchip, as she should by Law, it is apparent from her condition that she was raised in a home and even gave birth to her puppies there. The good physical condition of the puppies reinforces this assumption, and it seems that the owners waited for the puppies to grow and, perhaps, kept one or two of the puppies for themselves, before cruelly abandoning the bitch with her other pups in an open and unfamiliar place, where she had difficulty finding shelter, water and food.
The mother and her four cute three-month-old puppies
The mongrel bitch of about three years of age was lovingly welcomed by the SPCA staff. She shows her gratitude with lots of licking and is very friendly and good-natured. The mother and her four cute three-month-old puppies – Rali, Hani, Ludi and Noya – were vaccinated and will be kept under observation for a month before being put up for adoption.
Devoted mother
In order to prevent similar cases, we wish to point out that rabies vaccinations and microchips are required by Law. In order to prevent uncontrolled proliferation of cats and dogs, please spay and neuter your pets. If you come across any animal in distress, don’t ignore it, report it to the SPCA Call Center at 03-5136500 or *4553.
My Little Zippo
A moving letter from one of the staff members of the SPCA, telling the story of a bitch who was rescued from the flames and who found a new home
About three months ago a small, one-month-old puppy was brought to the Society by the Israeli Police who had rescued her from a burning building in Tel Aviv. Our adoption counselor, Reut Stoller, fell in love with her at first sight and decided to take responsibility for her until she gained strength and was ready for adoption. In a moving letter, Reut tells the story of Zippo, who was reaching the end of the first chapter in her life and starting a new chapter in a warm and loving home.
My little one,
Three months ago I received a message from the SPCA offices with the headline “Bitch rescued from the Blaze”, to which was attached a photo of a tiny, speckled puppy with wrinkles allover her body. When I got to work, I received more details: You had been brought to the Society by the Police who reported that you were rescued from a burning house. You were so small, less than one month old, and needed round-the-clock care because you couldn’t eat by yourself.
When I came closer to see you, I found a small, pathetic creature and I fell in love at first sight. I, along with my partner, decided to take you home and care for you until you gained strength and would be ready for adoption. We searched for a name that would symbolize what you had been through and we chose the name Zippo. In my home you met the whole gang made up of dogs, cats, my partner and me. We all welcomed you with love and licks and were sensitive to the confusion and sadness that were a part of you.
An inquisitive dog who wanted to learn and discover everything
Your first few days weren’t easy; we gave you your own place and tasty food, but you found it difficult to eat and we had to feed from the palms of our hands. By means of much licking, you finally did manage to get some nourishment and gain strength and slowly you learnt how to eat until you could manage on your own. With the help of many hours of sleep, nourishing food, games, licking and lots of love, you gained strength and we were happy to discover an inquisitive dog who wanted to learn and discover everything.
As a dog trainer and animal assisted therapist, I began to work together with you on discipline and basic education from an early age. We played many games, I exposed you to various stimuli such as noise, dogs, cats, people and especially, children, and for the months that you lived with us, we shared many happy experiences, much jumping and a little destruction, while you grew into a beautiful and energetic dog right before our eyes.
Everyone in the house fell in love with you and we got used to having you around, but then came the time when we had to part from you and find you an adoptive home. When you reached the age of three months, we began to advertise your photo and your story and we waited for the response. Afterwards we gave you to the SPCA so that visitors to the Society could see you and, in the long run, adopt you.
From right: Zippo aged one month, one and a half months and two months
The moment you were put in the shelter, my heart broke a little. As one who is in the Society on a daily basis I see the numerous animals being handed in. Watching a dog or cat put into its enclosure is never a simple matter, and putting you in was even more difficult. I comforted myself by the fact that you immediately integrated with your new friends through your positive energies, I sat with you in the enclosure until you got to know your fellow inmate, and every day I took you out to the garden and for practice exercises so that you wouldn’t forget all the things that I had taught you.
Since you got to your enclosure, two of your fellow inmates have left and gone for adoption and you were still there because I wanted to find you the perfect home.
A week ago a charming couple came to the Society and showed interest in you. They looked at you through the bars and you, as is your way, jumped with joy. They asked to take you out for a walk, heard your story, fell in love with you and applied to adopt you. We ascertained that they have the means to meet your needs and were glad to hear that they have another dog who would be a good companion for you. Since you had already been spayed and vaccinated, you could go out into the real world that very day, to your new home. I saw you leaving the Society with your head held high and your tail wagging and I knew that you would be in a safe and pleasant place.
Zippo, smiling and happy with her new owners – Shirley and Oren from Herzliah
My dear Zippo, on one hand it is hard to part from you and to know that that the start of my day won’t be shared with you, but on the other hand I am happy knowing that you are starting a new and better life. I wish you and your new family the best of luck and much joy. You will always be in my heart.
With love,
Reut
Lovesick Alex
Following a long rehabilitation process, Alex is looking for a warm and loving home
Three and a half months ago, Alex came here to the Society. She is a mixed-breed German Shepherd bitch who was found tied up and abandoned in the area of Kfar Kassem. Alex’s condition was very serious; her neck was cut down to the bone, apparently from being tied in an inappropriate manner, and she was suffering from extreme pain, was underweight and had a problem in her pelvis.
Hagit Levy, an adoption counselor in the Society, took upon herself to take care of Alex, and for long months Alex was the beneficiary of her attention and that of the Society’s veterinarians. She was treated daily with ointments and antibiotic medicines, very gradually her wounds healed and Alex gained weight.
Now that the long rehabilitation process has come to an end and only a small scar remains, Alex is ready to find new love in a caring home where she will be raised for the rest of her life. She is still a puppy, about eight months old, full of energy, well nourished, very friendly, healthy and looking forward to having lots of happy experiences that will help her put the suffering of the past behind her.
Please remember – alertness can prevent suffering. To help animals in distress, please notify us of any instance that you come across of abuse or neglect.
Alex with her new family
Update: A day after the video was published, Alex was adopted by Tal Levi. We wish all the best to Alex and her family
