Dolly steps out on prosthetic leg

DOLLY the sheep has a new lease on life and is adjusting to her new prosthetic leg at the Fallen Angels Pet Rescue farm in Melkbosstrand.

The organisation was started in 2014 after the purchase of farmland in the area, and now is a fully blown rescue organisation with about 200 dogs and some farm animals.

Fallen Angels Pet Rescue farm owner Gayle Basson took Dolly in last year during a trip to Sutherland.

“A farmer told us about a sheep, her foot had been caught in a snare when she was just a few days old. She was rushed to a vet and they had to amputate the lower part of her leg,” Basson said.

The farmer and his wife nursed the lamb and asked the organisation if it could take her in as Dolly could not be put back with the flock.

The farmers had coupled her up with a companion lamb named Angel, which the organisation also took with them.

“A few months ago we saw Dolly was walking on her stump, she was taking strain on the shoulder and spine,” Basson said, adding that she is about a year old now and heavier.

“We put out a plea on Facebook, asking if anyone can help, and a few people came back to us.

“A company in Sunset Beach offered to assist us and we were very excited.”

Eugene Rossouw, a local prosthetist took on the challenge and soon Dolly had a cast made and had a fitting.

Minor adjustments were made and on Friday, Dolly got her final leg.

“She is still a little bit wobbly on her leg but you can see she is doing very well.

“She handled the process so well, and she is used to visitors, she loves the attention.

“We put the leg on for her in the morning and take it off at night,” Basson said, adding that companion Angel was always by her side.

Basson said the response to Dolly's story has been overwhelming and her life had forever changed thanks to a kind donation.

To donate towards Dolly's care, along with that of the other animals at Fallen Angels Pet rescue, visit: www.fallenangels.org.za/support-us

For more information, email info@fallenangels.org.za or call 076 993 9670.