WATCH: Heartwarming homecoming for dog rescued from a life of breeding

'No ordinary adoption' - that's how the Cape of Good Hope SPCA describes the happy homing of a crossbreed dog rescued from a life of constant breeding.

'McGonagall' was found in an informal settlement in Cape Town, where the under-weight, three-legged pup had been exploited for years.

It was the City's Law Enforcement Animal Control Unit who found her, seized her and brought her into the safety of the animal welfare organisation.

Here, the veterinary team treated the symptoms that came from years of neglect and overbreeding.

"That was the day she finally stopped being used and started being seen. She arrived underweight, exhausted, and nursing a litter of 4 puppies."

Cape of Good Hope SPCA

"She was sterilised, vaccinated, and given the kind of day-to-day care she had never known; regular meals, clean bedding, gentle handling and lots of love."

Cape of Good Hope SPCA

While McGonagall responded equally to this loveshe was given, the SPCA realised it would take time to find a family who wouldn’t shy away from her special needs when it came to adoption.

Then, Metro Police officer, Brendon Coetzee, approached the dog in her kennel, and the two bonded.

"Only when she turned to walk away did he notice her uneven gait. Three legs. It didn’t matter. He was smitten."

Cape of Good Hope SPCA

Back home, Coetzee showed her photo to his family.

His daughter, Tiffany, is adopted erself and had wanted to adopt a dog for a long time - "she knew better than anyone how adoption changes lives".

With that, McGonagall had a home. But there was even more to come.

The local SPCA relates how the community rallied around the Coetzees "as if welcoming a newborn".

The family and their new pet were showered with even more love and gifts, including a kennel, toys and pet care essentials.

"According to Michelle, Brendon’s wife, it felt like a baby shower. And maybe, just maybe, that was fitting for a dog who had been forced to deliver puppies year after year after year."

Cape of Good Hope SPCA

If you would like to help protect another dog like MacGonagall, visit the website to find out how you can donate to the SPCA.