Hope : Second Snake Bite!
Hope’s Battle Against a Deadly Puff Adder Bite – Twice!
At Saving the Survivors, we often speak of resilience—of the incredible will to survive displayed by the animals we fight to protect.
But rarely has that resilience been embodied so fiercely as in the past few weeks by our very own anti-poaching dog, Hope.
First Puff Adder Bite – A Fight for Survival
While out on patrol with her handler at the Insimbi Reserve, Hope was suddenly struck by a venomous Puff Adder. These snakes rely on their lightning-fast strikes to defend themselves, and tragically, Hope suffered not just one but three bites—one to her face and two more to her neck. The severity of this attack meant she had six puncture wounds injecting deadly venom into her system.
The Insimbi anti-poaching team reacted instantly, administering first aid in the field before rushing her to the nearest veterinary clinic—a tense one-hour drive away. Every second counted as the venom began to take effect.
Upon arrival, the vet team wasted no time. Hope was given anti-venom, placed on fluids, and monitored closely through the night. The bites had caused massive swelling, but thanks to her incredible fitness and fighting spirit, she began to show signs of improvement within the first 24 hours.
The Road to Recovery and a Shocking Twist
Hope amazed us all with her swift recovery. Over the next few days, the swelling reduced, she regained her appetite, and she was finally discharged back to the Reserve, where she could rest and regain her strength.
Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, we were able to raise crucial funds to cover her emergency treatment.
But just as life had returned to normal… tragedy struck again!
Hope is Bitten Again—A Second Near-Death Experience
In an unbelievable turn of events, Hope was bitten by another Puff Adder while out on patrol—almost a year after her first encounter. This time, the bite landed on her neck, increasing the risk of anaphylactic shock due to the location of the wound on her throat.
Once again, her team responded with immediate first aid and raced her to the vet for urgent care. This second bite resulted in even worse swelling, and we feared the worst. But Hope, true to her name, fought on. She received anti-venom again, was placed on fluids to support her organs, and was kept under constant monitoring.
By the next morning, against all odds, she was standing, drinking, and even wagging her tail. The swelling was still significant, but crucially, it was not affecting her breathing. Even in the clinic, her playful spirit shone through—she was seen sniffing around and making friends with the vet’s cat!
Hope Returns Home—A True Survivor
After another miraculous recovery, Hope was finally discharged again and returned to the Reserve, where she continues to rest and heal under the watchful eye of her dedicated handler. She has defied the odds—not just once, but twice—proving what an incredible and vital part of the team she is.
Help Us Cover Hope’s Treatment
Hope’s two life-saving treatments have come at a cost, and while we have raised $500, the total medical expenses are closer to $1,000. We are incredibly grateful for the outpouring of support, but we still need your help to cover the remaining costs.
🐾 If you can, please donate to support Hope’s care and ensure she can continue her vital work protecting endangered wildlife.
💛 Donate here: https://www.savingthesurvivors.org/donate/
Hope’s story is one of courage, determination, and survival against the odds. She is more than just a dog—she is a guardian of Africa’s wildlife, and with your help, she will be back on the front lines, protecting the animals who need her most.
Stay tuned for further updates on her progress, and thank you for standing with Hope and STS.
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