An innocent life depends on human kindness

It is often of the opinion that people in townships should not own pets. We at the Mdzananda Animal Clinic have a different opinion.

It was a day like any other when an elderly man arrived at the Mdzananda Animal Clinic’s front gate carrying a dirty crate in his arms. It looked like he was carrying a crate filled with books or newspapers but what was inside was a thousand times more valuable – a little life.

The man gently put down the crate and out peered two large brown eyes, sad and confused, but tail wagging slightly. A fluffy Collie cross puppy was looking up at us.

The man from Site C in Khayelitsha who wishes to remain anonymous, had come to hand the little puppy over. His son, a drug addict, had brought the puppy home the previous night. The man did not believe that his son could take care of a puppy due to his drug addiction. He asked Mdzananda for help and to find her a good home.

“My heart always warms up when members of the community reach out to help pets, be it their own pets, a neighbour’s pet or a stray,” says Marcelle du Plessis, Fundraising and Communications Manger. I would like to thank this kind man for caring for this little puppy and for protecting her from a life of harm.”

Covered in car oil – an old wives tale remedy to get rid of fleas – the little puppy was lifted out of the crate and was named “Petal”. Petal underwent some check-ups which revealed that, apart from some fleas, she was a healthy ten week old pup. After receiving a much needed bath, she was fed warm food and was given a cosy place to sleep. After a few days rest, Petal was placed in our “run” where she played all day with our other stray dogs each of which is waiting to be adopted into a forever home.

“I am delighted to announce that Petal was adopted by a loving family. From a little pup covered in car oil to a happy family member with many human and furry friends. This would not have been possible if the kind community member did not look after her and bring her to Mdzananda for help,” says Marcelle du Plessis.

“There is a big misconception that everyone in townships abuse and neglect animals. If you visit the Mdzananda Animal Clinic you will have the pleasure of meeting owners who adore their animals. Lack of education and funds are what generally result in neglect, illnesses and injuries, but it does not mean that they are not loved. Education and lack of funds is a reality that is being addressed by Mdzananda every day as we work on educating the community while providing low cost veterinary services.”