Full circle moment as journalist adopts miracle pug Ohana, whose recovery inspired many

Ohana, the miracle pug whose long and difficult journey to recovery touched the hearts of scores of people around the country, has not only found his perfect home, but he is healthy as well, says TimesLIVE journalist Jessica Levitt, who has described the adoption as a "full circle" moment. 

In February, Levitt wrote about Ohana's injury and attempts by animal rescue organisation Pug Rescue to save his life, which included a 16-hour drive from Cape Town to Onderstepoort Veterinary Institute in Pretoria. He had been run over by a car and faced losing the use of his hip, leg, bladder and bowels. 

Ohana's fighting spirit saw him fully recover.

His adoption by Levitt happened purely by chance. In January, she lost her own dog and  decided to donate his belongings, including food and blankets, two months ago, when her husband asked Pug Rescue about Ohana. 

Levitt says she had assumed he was not up for adoption due to having sustained serious injuries during the accident. When her husband enquired with Pug Rescue, she was in for a surprise.

"Cheryl Gaw, the co-founder of Pug Rescue, said he was available, but only to a 'special home'."

Levitt asked what a "special home" meant. Gaw replied: "A special home like yours".

Levitt said: "That got to me because I realised in that moment that it was meant to be."

Ohana is a miracle pug indeed. During his recovery at the sanctuary, he found a girlfriend, Taylor, who was rescued from a backyard breeder in East London and had never been in a home before, but loving and warm Ohana made sure she did not feel alone. 

Levitt adopted them both and has since renamed Taylor Lana.

"Like brother like sister, they play fight and have fun."

Scores of people were concerned about Ohana's recovery and would track his journey on Pug Rescue's Facebook page, sending heartfelt messages. Levitt says volunteers saved Ohana's life and he has become an inspiration for many.

"The fact that two volunteers took off to Cape Town and drove back with this injured dog out of their own accord shows that kind and generous people are still out there. We can all learn something from Ohana. This boy was so neglected and hurt but didn't give up and that is remarkable."

*Levitt is a journalist at Arena Holdings, the owners of TimesLIVE