Vet shares experience pertaining to Buddy
'The bullet went straight through his front paw and shattered his back leg...'
Wednesday, November 17, one of the West Rand K9 Unit’s most beloved sniffer dogs, Buddy got shot twice in a CIT-related shootout.
According to officials the incident took place around 08:20 in the Florida area near the Cecil Payne Shooting Range.
The dedicated Border Collie was shot in the upper right rear leg and the left front paw with an AK-47. Needless to say, Buddy sustained serious wounds and was immediately taken to the Florida Veterinary Hospital for emergency treatment.
According to the vet’s practice manager, Tracy Topper, Buddy was brought in at around 08:30 by his handler, Warrant Officer Bennie Wiese and his team.
“He was in critical condition. The bullet went straight through his front paw and shattered his hind leg. 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 so he could be transported to Onderstepoort Veterinary Facility for further specialist treatment and surgery,” she said.
Buddy was taken to Onderstepoort in a stable condition.
“Buddy has touched us all with his sweet nature and his willingness to protect his fellow officers. We all at Florida Vet are keeping him in our hearts and prayers,” she concluded.
On Friday, November 19 Buddy underwent his first operation wherein his front paw has been fused. Should the following operations be successful, Buddy is expected to recover with nothing more than a little limp. The Record will keep you updated with new information on how Buddy is doing as soon as it’s made available.
