Beloved Buddy on the road to recovery
'What happened wasn't part of his job. He's such a sweet, kind, friendly and hardworking boy.'
The relationship between dogs and humans has been very well observed and documented throughout history. When you add to that kinship the forces of danger and duty, the relationship finds a whole new strength.
Much like human police partners, there is a deep level of trust between a K9 officer and his canine companion. This alliance is not just a ‘special relationship’ from an outside perspective – it’s a bond that saves lives.
It was the morning of Wednesday, November 17 when an unexpected incident threatened to end this bond between Warrant Officer Bennie Wiese and his sniffer dog, Buddy.
“We were driving along Albertina Sisulu Road when we passed Nadine Street and noticed some commotion a few metres into the street. At first we thought it was a collision, but as soon as we heard the AK-47 shots and realised it was an active crime scene, one of the suspects was already on our tracks, shooting at us,” WO Bennie explained.
After two handbrake turns, Bennie managed to get behind the suspect’s vehicle, following it into a Maraisburg suburban area.
“With each turn they managed to get in a few shots. However, after a long chase and a great deal of shots that were fired the suspects fled. It was only once we returned to the initial crime scene when I noticed that one of the bullets had penetrated the rear driver side door which badly injured Buddy,” Bennie said.
The beloved Border Collie was shot through his right front paw and left rear leg, shattering the bone. He was subsequently rushed to the Florida Veterinary Hospital where he received emergency treatment.
Dr Paul Elshove and Dr Claire Phillips managed to stabilise him, put him on a drip for shock and blood loss, administer pain medication and clean and dress his wounds after which he was transported to Onderstepoort Veterinary Facility for further specialist treatment.
Even though the duo is used to teaming up in efforts to stop crime in its tracks, Bennie stressed the fact that this is not the type of work that Buddy is used to. He has been trained to sniff out drugs including cocaine, heroin, mandrax, crystal meth, ecstasy and cannabis.
In fact, Bennie boasted, Buddy has sniffed out more than R90 million worth of drugs this year alone.
For the past three years this duo has been a force to be reckoned with. It comes as no surprise that Bennie is devastated about his best friend’s injuries.
“The shootout doesn’t bother me that much – I’m used to it by now after many years of service. But what gets to me, is the fact that Buddy has been hurt in the process. What happened wasn’t part of his job. He’s such a sweet, kind, friendly and hardworking boy; it pains me to see him like this,” he said.
Luckily, there’s a hopeful light flickering at the end of the tunnel for both Buddy and his handler.
“After a stressful 48 hours, Buddy’s first operation has been announced successful. His front right paw has been fused. He will now remain at Onderstepoort where he will undergo a second operation on his hind leg in two week’s time. This will be followed by physiotherapy,” Bennie said.
He also believes that once his beloved canine has fully recovered from the ordeal, he will be able to serve with him in the field again.
“He is a strong dog and I truly believe he will make it through this. He’s my partner and I need him with me. With this I would like to thank every single person who has offered genuine support in this matter. I am grateful for everyone who has been with us on this journey,” Bennie concluded.
With a solid partnership and true friendship, the K9 officer is looking forward to performing truly heroic acts with his partner once again. He knows that neither of them would be able to serve without the other.
