Disabled Khayelitsha dogs get a second chance at happiness
Author: Madzananda Animal Clinic
The staff at the Mdzananda Animal Clinic in Khayelitsha have expressed their pride in the extra lengths they go for every individual pet. “It’s not just a shelter; it's a place where compassion and care know no bounds,” says General Manager, Sr Heidi May.
Mdzananda’s shelter doesn’t just house healthy and good-looking dogs. They open their hearts and doors to all, including the disabled and special needs.
“We ensure that every pet receives the care and love they deserve, irrespective of if they are disabled, until they find their forever homes,” says Marcelle du Plessis, Fundraising and Communications Executive.
Boogie's story encapsulates the spirit of Mdzananda. Du Plessis recounts her encounter with Boogie, a one-eyed dog who captured hearts from the moment he arrived at the clinic.
"When I arrived at Mdzananda yesterday, our veterinarian told me that there’s a really special dog that I need to see. She led me to our homeless shelter, and there he was - the cutest one-eyed guy I've ever seen. His name is Boogie."
Marcelle vividly described her meeting with Boogie: "I went into his kennel and plonked myself down onto the floor, ready to smother him with love. And love I sure received. He hopped around me on three legs as his hind leg is lame and gave me a googly eye with big smiles and tail wags."
The bond between Marcelle and Boogie was instantaneous. "I wrapped my arms around him and snuggled my face into his neck. He wasn't quite sure what I was doing, but he soon leaned into it and lapped up the love and kisses."
Boogie's journey began when he was brought to Mdzananda’s hospital as a patient with a fractured hind leg. The clinic's dedicated veterinarians invested considerable time and effort into healing him. However, when he was ready to return home, his owner decided they no longer wanted him. Boogie entered Mdzananda's homeless pet shelter where he now awaits a new forever home.
“Our veterinarians and staff have fallen absolutely head over heels for this kind, loving, and gentle boy. We are all hoping that he will find a forever or foster home soon,” says du Plessis.
Another dog currently in their shelter is blind Ben, a five-year-old Africanis who was handed over as his owner felt unequipped to care for a blind dog. The Mdzananda team eagerly anticipates the day both dogs find the perfect homes.
Mdzananda Animal Clinic and Shelter encourages individuals to consider adopting or fostering dogs like Boogie and Ben who are waiting for their second chance at a loving home. To make a difference in a dog's life, please contact admin@mdzananda.co.za. View videos of Ben and Boogie on Mdzananda’s website www.mdzananda.co.za.
It costs the shelter approximately R1500 to care for a pet for two months. Many of them stay much longer, even up to two years. To make a donation, bank details are: Mdzananda Animal Clinic, Standard Bank, Account 075595710, Branch 025009, Savings, Reference: Boogie + your name.
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Ben and Boogie. Photos by Kelly Arendse.
About Mdzananda Animal Clinic (www.mdzananda.co.za)
The Mdzananda Animal Clinic is a permanent, veterinary council registered, NPO animal clinic in Khayelitsha, a township just outside of Cape Town, South Africa, home to 400 000 people (2011 census) and their pets. The clinic serves an average of 1500 animals per month through consultations, hospitalisation, general and orthopaedic surgeries, a sterilisation clinic, mobile clinics and an animal ambulance. Mdzananda has a strong focus on community empowerment and education to ensure responsible pet ownership into the future.