Meet Belle, a resilient  canine warrior who, in September, caught the attention of animal-rescue workers in the streets of Johannesburg, South Africa.

Belle’s condition was heart-wrenching, covered in thousands of blood-sucking ticks that gave her the appearance of having a severe skin ailment. The infestation was so intense that Belle, with her thin skin around the ears and eyelids, looked almost like she was suffering from mange.

The ticks had mercilessly drained her of blood, leaving her practically anemic and struggling to walk. The plight of Belle, depicted in hard-to-see photographs, serves as a poignant reminder of the harsh reality faced by  dogs left to fend for themselves.

CLAW, the compassionate organization that discovered Belle, faced a challenging task – they couldn’t remove all the ticks immediately due to the risk of severe blood loss. Instead, they opted for a careful treatment plan, patiently waiting for the ticks to fall off.

Despite the initial agony, the treatment proved successful. Belle’s transformation is nothing short of remarkable. As the ticks gradually fell away, Belle’s healing journey began.

Although scars may be a lasting reminder of her ordeal, Belle seems unfazed. Today, she stands as a beautiful, joyful  dog with a glossy coat of fur, a testament to her resilience and the unwavering dedication of those who rescued her.

While the road to recovery may have been arduous, Belle’s story takes a heartwarming turn. She has not only regained her physical well-being but has also found a forever home with her new owner, Hannah.

The bond between Belle and Hannah is described as a match made in heaven, with Belle bringing immeasurable joy to her new human companion.

In the words of CLAW’s Facebook page, “Belle quite literally grabbed Hannah’s heart within seconds of them meeting, and it has been a match made in heaven.

Belle landed her bum in the butter and hasn’t looked back, improving daily!” Belle’s journey from the depths of a tick-infested ordeal to a life filled with love and care stands as a testament to the resilience of animals and the transformative power of compassion.