Charlie’s Journey: From Mange to a Loving Home

By TEARS Animal Rescue

TEARS Animal Rescue is honouring the golden oldies and long-stay legends—the dogs with greying snouts and patient eyes, the quiet souls in the back kennels who’ve waited far too long for a place to belong. And one of those legends, Darwin, now renamed Charlie, has finally found his forever home.

Charlie’s story began in heartbreak. Rescued by TEARS in June last year, the young Greyhound-Pointer-Africanis mix arrived in a state of severe neglect. Mange covered his entire body, leaving him almost hairless, with thick, scabby skin and a compromised immune system. But even then, he had something special. “He honestly seemed to have such light in his eyes,” recalls Josh, who adopted him with his wife Christie.

Under TEARS’ care, Charlie recovered enormously. His pointer-patterned fur grew back almost entirely, with just a few small scars left behind. He became calm and confident, enjoying the company of other dogs and humans alike. But going home with two strangers? That felt like a stretch.

Christie and Josh had just moved to Durbanville and were committed to finding the right dog. It was Christie’s first time adopting, and she was understandably apprehensive. Ruth Morrison at TEARS introduced them to a few dogs, but Charlie stood out. “Given his history with mange, we figured he was well overdue a loving home,” Josh says.

Charlie was sweet but cautious when they first met. “It’s important to remember that when you meet a dog at a shelter, they’re in a high-stress environment,” Josh explains. “They often act differently to how they would at home.” Once Charlie settled in, he opened up completely. “He has more than exceeded our expectations.”

The couple had been looking for a relatively independent dog, and Charlie’s well-balanced demeanour ticked that box. But what they’ve found is a deep, joyful bond. “Now, more than anything, he just wants to be involved in whatever we’re doing,” Josh says. “When Christie works from home, he sits next to her all day. Spending time with him and Christie on our daily walks is the most positive outcome for me.”

Living next to a park in a dog-friendly area, Charlie sees other dogs most days. “Whether it’s because of his time in the shelter or just his temperament, he’s very well behaved,” Josh adds.

TEARS spokesperson Tinka Shapiro says, “Senior pets are often passed over for younger, cuter animals. Some have waited months, others for years. But they still greet the world with cautious hope, ready for one last great love.”

She continues, “We’re at capacity, and we need your help. For every dog adopted, another life can be saved. Some of our dogs have been in the kennels for over 1,000 days. That’s more than 1,000 sunrises and 1,000 nights spent waiting—for a home, a warm bed, a forever human. They haven’t given up, and neither have we.”

Josh and Christie have no regrets. “I would highly recommend TEARS. The team was open, professional, and really helped us find a dog that would suit our home and lifestyle.”

Josh and Christie have found their unexpected missing puzzle piece.  Maybe yours is waiting patiently for you at TEARS?

www.tears.org.za