A passion for helping animals
DURBAN’S Dr Sanil D Singh once pulled out a thermometer from his pocket and muttered: “Oops, some bum has my pen!”
The jovial and sprightly doctor holds court at his busy Sherwood practice where it seems people visit for the banter and conversation rather than treatment for their fur-babies.
He is a vet and holds a PhD, which makes him a double doctor – Dr Dr Singh – or the only doctor with a stammer in his name. If I appear tall, it’s only because I stand on the shoulders of people like him. Once – quite literally – I had to stand on his shoulders after climbing through my home office window after I locked myself in.
Readers on social media were asked to share their adventures, misadventures or humorous incidents with Dr Singh. A selection of the responses appear below:
Allison Nicole Moodley: Dr Singh truly has a passion for helping animals. He is compassionate, caring and hilarious. His staff are also warm.
Kim Solomon: I had a pup that was the runt of the litter. I was in tears as the female vet said there was nothing they could do. He said: “Wait, we will try our best and put him on a drip.” Unfortunately, Champ didn’t make it, but I will never forget the love and care Doc showed us.
Nae Zhane Jackson: He saved my dog’s life when she was a pup, and till today, Kylee’s the healthiest dog ever. I will always appreciate him. One of the best vets ever.
Safeena Perumal: Dr Singh is the best, including the staff. He is always so jovial and even if you are sad about your fur-baby being sick, he manages to make you smile.
Jaden Clarisse: I remember frantically running into his vet sick and worried with my dog in my hands, and the first thing he said to me was: “Oh no, why did the dog eat your jeans?”
Yashik Singh: I recall this starting over 15 years ago when I decided to go to him and he saved my dog and added three more years to her life.
Surely he is a life-saver, I thought. Witty, friendly and down to earth. A vet, humanitarian and brilliant citizen. I’m delighted to add that this man, who doesn’t seek self-praise or to be featured in the limelight, has always given the greatest gift that is his time and resources.
Kiru Naidoo: Forget the apparent virtues of the doctor or the wagging tails of the patients, I’m charmed by the ladies at the front desk.
Ashika Teja: We know Dr Singh likes doggies, cats and birds. He does not like snakes, however. I know. I had them all and he would always be the man to go to. I know him for the last 26 years and he has been all my pets’ vet. Yes, I had a zoo. He told me I was mad at one stage for keeping so many pets.
Deshina Singh: Dr Singh was the reason we got to spend many, many more beautiful years with our baby, He completely saved our baby from a terrible case of parvo.
Solly Singh: Since our first encounter, Dr Singh had made a great impression of being a very passionate and caring vet.
Sammyjoe Arumugam: Dr Singh treats everyone with so much respect and speaks to you like he knows you for many years. Thank you for being the person you are.
Idries Lyson: My first encounter with the great Dr Dr Singh was when my pit bull had parvo and I took him to see the doctor, and while there, I was in tears telling him: “Son ain’t gonna make it.” And I saw my other fur-baby pass on, so I thought I had no hope, and guess what the Doc told me? “Stop crying. Your dog just has the flu.” And he was laughing the whole time saying this.
Ishan Maharaj: You cannot beat this man. His witty sense of humour, his way with animals and overall demeanour makes him the best vet in Durban.
Brendon Joseph: I grew up with Dr Singh’s parents. What a classic man. He’s highly respected in the community. Always gives alternative names to people. This doctor is born happy.
Desa Gounden: I had a husky years back and she loved her visits to Dr Singh. Her name was Diva and he called her Divarani.
Amy Moodliar: Dr Singh is an absolute Godsend. He has so much love and compassion. When we had to put my baby Diesel down, they graciously held the space for us as we said goodbye. Blessings.
Ursula Rajkumar: Dr Sanil Singh is indeed very dedicated to the veterinary profession. He was there for my family when our first pet, Jackie Ramdass, passed on. He ensured that our little Jackie had a private cremation and a dignified send-off. Our family at that time was going through a difficult time, with my dad in his last stages of cancer. On behalf of my family, Drs Ramdass and Onisha Devchund, I want you to know that your kindness was indeed deeply appreciated.