The tail of Nqotyi’s dog
That Monday morning I heard the very sad noise of my son’s dog, Danger, screaming in terrible pain. I went out to see what’s the problem. Danger was running into the yard, bleeding heavily, and out of her mouth came saliva. She ran straight to the back room where she usually sleeps.
When I came out I saw this car passing by and the driver was just driving past without stopping.
I called the SPCA for help. They came and said they can’t treat my son’s dog because it’s a serious injury. They only treat minor injuries. They said I would have to take her to the vet, which he guessed might cost around R1500.
I look at the man with sad eyes, because right as he was talking, I was pennyless. I told him it would be unjust for my beloved boy, Nqotyi, to hear that his dog could not be treated.
As Nqotyi was leaving the house for school that morning, I could see he was holding tears in his eyes – same as I was but I could not show him.
The man from the SPCA phoned the office and explained the condition my son’s dog was in. They spoke, and we took the dog to the vet.
After four days I went to see the man who put my son’s dog in hospital. I explained to him the consequences of his speeding past our house and I showed him the pictures of Danger’s injuries.
He said he had been in a hurry to take his wife to the hospital and couldn’t stop.
I asked him, if it had been a child, would he have done the same? I believe also that when you leave the house, you should leave early so you don’t have to rush. So that you don’t make excuses for not stopping when an accident occurs. I believe the rules of the road say when an accident happens, you should stop immediately and check for injuries.
I also believe that when you’re driving in the location, where there are lots of children and animals, you shouldn’t drive recklessly.
We suffered a lot me and Nqotyi over this. I would say people who drive should only drive fast on the freeway, where there are no children and animals allowed.
I thank the SPCA for coming when they are called, regardless, because they were the first to come after the accident.
I thank you the vets, Dr Clayton and Dr Gilfillan, who helped to fix the damage.
Lastly my colleague at work, who paid the costs of treating Danger at the vet. Many careless accidents happen because of drivers who don’t follow the rules. Beware of children and animals. The good news is that Danger is well on the road to recovery now!
Lindani Donyeli is a citizen reporter with Grocott’s Mail.
SPCA manger Mark Thomas explains about their policy on treating animals
“We will always take in an animal, but we require that an owner takes responsibility: we aren’t a free vet service. The owner needs to take a decision about their animal,” Thomas told Grocott’s Mail.
The SPCA has a means test, Thomas said, to allow for owners who can’t afford costly veterinary treatment for their pets.
“If people demonstrate a genuine need, we will assist. But we can’t pay for everything – and we have to avoid the situation where people call us to get free treatment for their dog, when they could actually afford it.”