Simba’s story– a brave dog’s journey towards his forever home
Cecilie Hemsen Berg
Simba’s story is one of resilience, transformation, and the incredible power of a second chance. Found in heartbreaking conditions, his journey from a neglected and malnourished dog to a cherished member of our family is nothing short of remarkable. In this blog, we’ll take you through Simba’s background, his journey to recovery, and the steps we took to help him regain his strength and spirit. From his special diet and gentle exercise routines to the joy of his first zoomies in our garden, every moment has been a testament to his courage and determination. Join us as we share the highs, lows, and heartwarming milestones of Simba’s new life filled with love, health, and adventure.
From Neglect to New Beginnings
Simba’s life started under heartbreaking conditions. For most of his life, and for reasons we do not know – he was chained outside his owner’s house, with barely any food or water. Malnourished and severely neglected, he was eventually rescued by a compassionate neighbour and brought to Mdzananda Animal Clinic in Cape Town. He arrived extremely weak and emaciated, with painful ulcers on his hip bones. He had almost lost all his fur, and the future didn’t look too bright.
At the clinic, he was lovingly named “Wunder,” the German word for “miracle.” This name perfectly captured the awe and admiration of the staff, who were deeply moved by his unbreakable will to survive against all odds. Later, we would rename him Simba, a fitting title for a dog who embodies the strength and resilience of a lion.
The Road to Recovery
With immediate medical care, Simba began to stabilise under the dedicated attention of the Mdzananda team. Vaccines, fluids, and gentle nourishment helped prepare him for the next chapter. Moved by his story, we at Nala Health decided to offer Simba a foster home where he could continue to heal. By December 2023, he was ready to join our family, and we embraced the chance to support his recovery every step of the way.
When he came to us, Simba weighed a mere 15 kilos—far below the healthy weight of about 23 kilos for his size. Initially, he was fed small, frequent meals of Nala Health puppy food, packed with essential calories, fats, and protein to help him gain strength. We also included homemade bone broth to aid his muscle and tissue recovery.
Simba’s physical improvement was gradual but visible, and after just a month, he was able to explore dog-friendly areas nearby. Each small step marked a big win, and watching his first zoomie in the garden was a moment of pure, unrestrained joy. His personality blossomed from a shy and timid dog to a kind, curious and social dog. Much to our surprise, considering his brutal start to life.
Nutrition For Recovery
When a dog that has been starved gains sudden access to large amounts of food, it can lead to severe illness or even be life-threatening. While our first instinct may be to feed an emaciated dog as much as possible, the safest approach is a gradual, carefully monitored reintroduction to food under veterinary guidance.
The greatest danger in cases like Simba’s is “refeeding syndrome,” a condition where the body’s delicate balance of fluids, electrolytes, and vitamins is disrupted by sudden nourishment. This can impact vital organs, such as the heart and brain, and, in severe cases, can be fatal. Even milder cases can cause digestive distress, including diarrhoea, vomiting, and loss of appetite, all of which hinder the weight gain needed for recovery. A slow, controlled diet of nutrient-dense food, such as puppy food or formulations for active dogs, is essential to support a safe, sustainable recovery.
For Simba, we crafted a nutrition plan that would allow his body to heal steadily. Severely malnourished, he was initially fragile, with depleted muscle mass, thin fur, and an overall weak skeletal structure that made even simple movements uncomfortable. He also experienced digestive issues as his system adjusted to receiving consistent, high-quality food for the first time.
We began feeding Simba with small, frequent portions of Nala Health’s puppy food, formulated with vital calories, fats, and proteins to support healing. Omega-3 fatty acids helped soothe his sore joints, gradually easing his movement, while probiotics, prebiotics, and butyrate were key in stabilising his digestive system, allowing him to process food smoothly.
For his skeletal and dental health, the calcium and phosphorus content in Nala Health played a crucial role. Slowly but surely, his bones grew stronger, and with regular, nutritious meals, he began to regain muscle mass. His coat, once almost non-existent, started to grow back thick and healthy. Even a small lump on his leg, which had worried us, eventually disappeared as his overall health improved. Simba’s transformation through nutrition has been profound, restoring not only his physical strength but also his zest for life, one meal at a time.
Simba’s diet evolved as he grew healthier and gained weight, eventually transitioning to Nala Health food for medium to large breeds. In three months, he had gained a healthy 3.5 kilos, to 18.5 kilos. His coat grew back lush and smooth, and his digestive health improved significantly. Today he weighs 24 kilos, and he joins me on my daily walks either in our neighbourhood, in the forest or up in the mountains. When I’m working in our little vegetable garden, he loves to join me, eagerly sniffing every new sprout along the way.
Finding His Forever Home
Though we had only planned to foster him, Simba quickly found a permanent place in our hearts, and we couldn’t imagine life without him. We made it official and decided to give him a new name. Our previous dog, Nala, was the one who inspired me to delve into healthy nutrition for dogs. So, it felt only natural to call him Simba; it means “lion” in Swahili, and perfectly captures the strength and courage he embodies. Simba embraced his new name with enthusiasm and he has adjusted to his new home beautifully. His journey shows just how life-changing a loving home and consistent care can be for a dog in need.
Despite the neglect and lack of care he experienced early on, Simba still found it in his heart to trust humans—and he’s formed a special bond with our family.
Being a foster parent is so rewarding, and it gives the dog a better chance of finding a new forever home. Having been in foster care, one can give a good indication on what kind of family situation it will thrive in.
Fiona Miles, Director of FOUR PAWS in South Africa, states, “Fostering can be a lifeline for many animals. It offers them a chance to experience love and care, making them ready for adoption. Foster homes help animals adjust to a home environment, improving their social skills and behaviour”.
Life With Simba
He adores everyone—whether it’s a dog we meet on our walks or a friendly human who stops to say hello. He’s full of life and wonder, eagerly exploring the world around him. The way he delights in the scent and taste of grass, and how he sniffs out every new discovery, is a joy to watch. His boundless curiosity and infectious energy make each day an adventure. Seeing him play and romp through the forest is a constant source of happiness. We feel incredibly lucky to have him in our lives, and we can’t wait for all the adventures still ahead. Simba truly is a bundle of joy and the perfect addition to our family!
Simba’s Roots
Simba is an Africanis dog, a resilient breed native to Southern Africa. Known for their loyalty, intelligence, and adaptability, Africanis dogs have naturally evolved to survive Africa’s diverse landscapes. It is one one of the few remaining natural indigenous dog breeds in the world. They are considered a “landrace,” meaning their development occurred without human intervention or selective breeding; nature itself shaped them to thrive in African conditions.
Africanis dogs are known for their friendly and loyal nature, forming deep bonds with their human families. They most probably descended from ancient Egypt around 5,900 years ago. Traditionally used as farm and hunting dogs, they are instinctively protective and can be territorial, often guarding livestock and loved ones with a watchful eye. Their natural abilities make them excellent trackers.
Enduring harsh conditions and challenges over the centuries, the Africanis has become a tough, resilient breed with a keen survival instinct. Known for their intelligence, agility, playfulness, and active nature, they embody the spirit of endurance and adaptability.
A “Fairy-Tail” With a Happy Ending
Simba’s journey hasn’t been without scars; his joints still bear the marks of early malnutrition and his teeth bear signs of gnawing on rocks and sticks to ease the hunger. Yet, with the love, patience, and care we’ve provided, Simba’s resilience shines through. He’s a constant reminder of the impact of compassion and the power of second chances. Simba has found his place in our hearts, and he now carries on Nala’s legacy, creating his own inspiring pawprint.
Each day, he inspires us and reminds us that any dog, with the right care, can thrive no matter their past. We’re excited to continue sharing Simba’s adventures, knowing his story will touch the lives of others as he explores his new, loving world.
