DUNDEE KZN: Spikkel’s happy ‘tail’ (tale)
Spikkel made a speedy recovery and was soon running around again
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As the saying goes, “Curiosity killed the cat” but it very nearly ended this dog’s life too.
Spikkel was seven weeks old when he arrived at the SPCA, in desperate need of help. The curious pup was playing with a piece of wire when it somehow managed to pierce through his tongue. His desperate owner could not afford any treatment and phoned the Dundee SPCA for assistance. Knowing she wouldn’t be able to pay for medical treatment, she surrendered the pup to the SPCA so he could get the help he desperately needed.
Spikkel was taken to DunVet, where he underwent surgery to remove the wire. Thanks to the amazing staff there, the wire was removed without causing any further harm to the pup or before any infection or complications set in. Spikkel made a speedy recovery and was soon running around again. His inspirational tale caught the attention of SPCA Operations Manager, Stephan Joubert, who realised how the puppy could have ended up like many other dogs who are abandoned or dumped.
“On Christmas Day, we went to feed the animals at the SPCA and he was all alone in the isolation section. After talking to my wife, I took him home that very same day and gave him and myself a Christmas present.” Spikkel is now approximately four months old and doing remarkably well. He’s growing really quickly and has even taken over Stephan’s seat on the couch.
“Only if everyone plays their part in the community in reporting any form of animal abuse or suspected abuse can we attend to it and be the voice for the voiceless,” Stephan said.
“Also, people who are abusing animals must remember that it won’t be tolerated at all in any form and they can be convicted under the Animal Protection Act to face severe penalties or jail time,” he added.
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