ICYMI: Happy ending for puppy lost in vehicle hijacking
HALFWAY GARDENS – A miniature schnauzer puppy was on its way to its new owners when the delivery vehicle she was in, was hijacked.
With so much negativity being spread during the lockdown, there is one heart-warming story that is sure to put a smile on your face.
It is about a miniature schnauzer puppy that was on its way to its new owners when the delivery vehicle she was in, was hijacked.
The driver was forced out of the vehicle, which the puppy was still in, and when the vehicle was driven away, many thought Hazel would never be seen again.
Spoiler alert: Hazel was found, treated and delivered to her overjoyed owners within three days.
Hazel was being driven from Brits, North West to Joburg to be received by Sue Bezuidenhout, who lives in Halfway Gardens. But the vehicle was hijacked in Centurion. The driver, Phumlani Mahesh, only suffered very minor injuries during the hijacking.
The dog breeder, transport company, non-profit organisations and dog-lovers all over shared Hazel’s photo in case someone found her. “From Brits to Ireland, messages were shared and re-shared,” said Natalie MacGregor, Bezuidenhout’s daughter.
“Strangers tapped into networks, called on WhatsApp groups and did everything in their power to help bring her home.”
The vehicle was never recovered but Hazel was found next to the Soweto Highway in Orange Farm, 36 hours after the hijacking and was taken to the Craig View
Veterinary Clinic in Boksburg. There she was treated for dehydration and kept overnight for monitoring.
Chantelle Bronkhorst, operations manager of Animal Travel Agency, said the recovery of their vehicle was the least of their concern at the time. “We are so happy Hazel was found,” she said.
“Our mama is one happy mama, because her baby is finally in her new home resting well,” MacGregor added. “Little Hazel is resting warm in her new bed, well on her road to recovery from her ordeal.”
The owner’s daughter said without the help of Pet Empowerment in Townships (Pets) through their network, Hazel would never have been found. She has asked for those who can to donate animal food to the organisation, which goes to needy and hungry animals in townships.
Donations can be delivered through Takealot to the non-profit organisation at 31 Kildoon Road, Bryanston.
Details: Pet Empowerment in Townships jhb@pets.org.za; lauraw.pets@gmail.com
