Call to help with Jack the dog’s medical bill

The owners of a Jack Russell desperately need the community’s help with their dog’s medical expenses.

Jack escaped from his Witpoortjie owners’ property on August 23 and was later discovered in a bad condition by another Witpoortjie homeowner, who took him to a local vet for urgent treatment.

The dog sustained several injuries from a suspected attack which resulted in his hind leg becoming badly infected.

Jack is a rescue dog and had been taken in by Chantel and Ray Swart after his original owners had to let him go. They have no idea how he got out of their yard and are currently struggling to take care of Jack’s medical needs. Ray indicated that he was unable to work for over a year after he was involved in a motorbike accident and added that he is currently self-employed, but would not be able to afford Jack’s treatment at the Roodekruin Veterinary Clinic. Jack has been at the clinic for about two weeks now.

The Swarts said that Jack was excited to see them when they visited him at the clinic recently.

“When we arrived home on the evening of August 23, Jack was not there. We immediately launched a search. It was only later that we read what happened to Jack when we saw a post on Facebook,” Ray said.

Sophia van Deventer found Jack near the railway line not far from her property and took him to the vet before trying to locate his owners. She was unable to assist with any payments towards Jack’s treatment but fortunately, an anonymous Good Samaritan came forward and managed to cover the first phase of expenses.

“I just couldn’t fathom the thought of leaving the poor thing in the streets as I am a dog owner myself and would not have allowed it to happen to one of my dogs, so there would be a need for funds as the process is expensive,” Van Deventer said.

Jack was admitted on August 31 and Van Deventer said that the vet told her the dog has a long recovery process which could take six months to one year.

The vet calls every day with feedback and Jack is to be released on September 10, which is not advisable, but due to an unsettled bill. Considering the owners’ financial circumstances, it seems like they would need to still monitor Jack closely.

The Swarts are pleading to other good Samaritans in the community to donate anything they can to help the vet continue their treatment of Jack to better his chances of getting fit and healthy again.

Should anyone be interested in assisting the family, they are advised to get in contact with Chantel and Ray on 081 552 6834 for further arrangements.