On Tuesday afternoon, December 28, the Animal Welfare Society of SA’s Trainee Inspector, Sivuyile Kilwa pulled off what is arguably “the spontaneous rescue of the year” by saving a lost Chihuahua that he noticed darting frantically in and out of the traffic on busy Weltevreden Road in Mitchells Plain.
What distinguishes this rescue from all others is the degree of skill and ingenuity Sivuyile had to employ to coax the frightened little dog to safety whilst motorists sped by hooting impatiently as he calmly persuaded the terrified little dog to crawl under his patrol vehicle so that he could gently place a lead around his neck before attempting to pick him up.
After a little while, the dog calmed down sufficiently enough for Sivuyile to pick him up and gently place him on the seat next to him. As soon as he started the vehicle the little dog jumped onto Sivuyile’s lap gazing lovingly at him as they made their way back to base.
In the meantime unbeknown to Sivuyile the Chihuahua’s owner was frantically looking for her missing dog that somehow managed to squeeze out of the gate without anyone noticing until much later.
In desperation, she finally turned to social media and posted a Lost Notice on Cape Town Lost and Found Pets that our Office Manager, Carmen Hoy (who was blissfully unaware of Sivuyile’s heroic rescue at that point) happened to read.
As you can imagine Sivuyile carrying the “wide eyed and bushy tailed” little dog in his arms attracted everyone’s attention including Carmen who mentioned that she had read a Lost Notice that fitted the dog’s description to a tee.
The Animal Welfare Society of SA immediately notified the owner who arrived within minutes to see if it was Duke her 10-year-old missing Chihuahua – and to her amazement and relief, it was.
“Before completing the formalities of the handover to an elated Gail Europa of Westridge Mitchells Plain (an area not too far from where Sivuyile rescued Duke) we wanted to know more about Duke and his escape”, says the Animal Welfare Society of SA.
Gail explained that Duke meant the world to her. He was 10 years old and quite fragile so she was overcome with worry that she may never see him again.
“We noticed that Duke had not been neutered or microchipped and was not wearing a collar so took the opportunity to explain the need and benefits of owning a sterilised, easily identifiable pet and are very happy to confirm that Gail unhesitatingly agreed to have Duke neutered and microchipped tomorrow in the hope that this will stop his urge to gallivant”, further added the Animal Welfare Society of SA.
Gail understands that it is only thanks to a massive stroke of luck, Sivuyile’s animal handling prowess and Carmen’s recollection that the team were able to rescue and reunite her with Duke so quickly and she wants to encourage everyone who is undecided about the benefits of sterilising and microchipping their pets to learn from her near costly mistake.
To book your pet in to be spayed, neutered or microchipped please call Savannah Small on (021) 692 2626.
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Picture/s: Supplied