Paralysed pup given new lease on life by loving benefactors

Nica Schreuder and Phindile Mahlangu

A seven-month-old dog has been saved after living in deplorable conditions.

Shimbungu was hit by a car a while ago and his owner reportedly did nothing to make his now-challenging life easier. He was even ignored after falling in a trench.

As a result of the accident, veterinarians have said that he will need to wear nappies for the rest of his life.

X-rays confirmed his back was broken between L5 and L6.

He got around by dragging his hind legs, a disturbing and tragic sight.

Residents in the area decided to intervene and he was taken to Grootfontein state vet.

Dr Lyndsay Scott treated Shimbungu and said he was terribly traumatised and clingy.

After his visit to the vet, Anthony Tietz and Natasha Fourie, residents of Grootfontein, sponsored material to build him a temporary wheelchair.

Luckily, Lex Austin from the All Hearts Foundation (AHF) in South Africa stepped in and arranged for Shimbungu to live there during rehabilitation before being eligible for adoption.

Provisions have had to be made for his transportation from Windhoek to Johannesburg and then to Hartbeespoort, where AHF is located.

Transport to the Hosea Kutako airport has been arranged, a travelling crate was sponsored by good Samaritan Sandra Lipper, and his flights have been sponsored by Air Namibia. He will be staying at Pride Vet Clinic until his flight to Johannesburg.

Shimbungu will be arriving in Johannesburg tomorrow, and Ortho Pets Africa’s Ruan du Preez has agreed to manufacture a custom-made rear support harness for him at no cost.

Shimbungu feels no pain and moves comfortably, but wants constant love and attention. He is still on a low dosage of cortisone.

The following parties pledged their love and support in getting Shimbungu the help he deserves to live life to the full: Oshana SPCA, Air Namibia, Ortho Pets Africa, Pride Veterinary Clinic, All Hearts Foundation SA and the Grootfontein state vet.