WHEN the message went out last week that a severely injured dog was in need of an expensive operation for which his owners could not pay, no one expected the flood of donations that would come pouring in from the Zululand community.
Just 10 days ago Snowy was hit by a car and suffered a broken leg.
After a vet’s examination it was determined the leg was in such bad shape and with such severe nerve damage, that the limb could not be saved.
Neither the SPCA nor Snowy’s owners could afford the amputation surgery which would cost between R8 000 and R10 000, but thanks to the animal loving community from our region donations quickly came pouring in.
By the end of the day last Friday almost R4 000 had been raised, which was sufficient to secure Snowy a spot on the operating table.
The operation went ahead last Saturday and was carried out by Dr David Chelopo and Dr Rudel Zowitsky, who are carrying out their compulsory community service in Empangeni and Hluhluwe respectively.
They were assisted by a local vet who asked to remain anonymous.
ALSO READ: Injured Richards Bay dog needs community’s assistance
‘The operation went smoothly and comfortably, and I actually enjoyed it,’ said Dr Chelopo, who is based at the Owen Sithole Agricultural College near Empangeni.
‘It took a long time but was a success and I’m happy to see Snowy making a speedy recovery.’
After about four hours in theatre, Snowy’s limb had been amputated and the healing process could begin.
He returned to the SPCA last Monday where he remained under observation, and will go home today (Monday).
‘Snowy has made a remarkable recovery. No one would think he has had three legs for such a short time,’ said Richards Bay SPCA Chairman, Sarel Small.
‘We would like to thank the ZO for running the article, without which Snowy’s story would not have turned out so well, and to the many caring people out there who contributed to his surgery.
‘We were able to pay for Snowy’s operation in full, immediately, thanks to all the donations.’
‘I cannot thank the Zululand community enough for everything they did to ensure Snowy was given a fighting chance after the accident,’ said Snowy’s owner, Nokhuthula Chilli.
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