When a starving, terrified dog was trapped on floating debris in a torrent of fast-moving water, one Cape of Good Hope SPCA inspector knew he had no choice but to face his biggest fear, Cape {town} Etc reports.
Inspector Lwazi Ntungele had never learned to swim, yet when he spotted the helpless dog clinging for life, hesitation wasn’t an option. Determined to act, he plunged into the current, risking everything to bring the animal to safety.
The daring rescue came just months after Lwazi and fellow inspector Lee Prins began swimming lessons with Finz Aquatics. The local swim school had generously offered to train the pair for free earlier this year after learning about their rescue work. Their patient coaching paid off when the moment of truth arrived.
The dog, later named Drifter, was trembling and weak when Lwazi reached him. But the inspector, fresh from conquering his own fear, understood exactly what the frightened animal needed: calm reassurance and gentle care.
Drifter was rushed to the SPCA’s Animal Hospital, where veterinarians discovered he was suffering from Paraphimosis, a painful and urgent medical condition. Immediate surgery under anaesthetic saved him from severe complications and spared him further suffering.
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Now safe and on the mend, Drifter is starting to rediscover joy. He barks eagerly at mealtimes, wags his tail at every friendly face, and works daily with the SPCA’s animal behaviourist to rebuild his confidence. Soon, he’ll move into the kennels, the final stop before finding the loving forever home he deserves.
Drifter’s story is more than a rescue; it’s a testament to courage, compassion and community spirit. It’s about a man who faced his fear for the sake of another life, a swim school that gave freely of their time and the people whose kindness makes every act of rescue possible.
Because sometimes, bravery isn’t about being fearless, it’s about love pushing you to dive in anyway.
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Picture: SPCA / YouTube
