Durban - Recent heavy rainfall and flooding that resulted in the deaths of many people and others missing have shed some light on the work and sacrifice made by search and rescue dogs.
The dogs have been assisting in search and rescue missions since last week.
START Rescue spokesperson Warren Brauns said that, on Wednesday, their K9 heroes Kallista (Kalli) and Lutin were taken to MediVet for a check-up with Dr Kath.
Brauns said Kalli and Lutin were an integral part of our team as Search and Rescue dogs.
“Both Kalli and Lutin are still in training, and the past week gave them a huge amount of experience. Both dogs joined their dedicated owners in rural Molweni. The terrain and areas they covered were very unstable and considered rough terrain. Their owners were concerned that their feet were becoming sore and infected from cuts and scrapes,” Brauns said.
“Luckily, they were both suffering from just a mild case of inflammation. Kalli had a little soreness in her mouth from possibly biting her cheek from a slip, and Lutin had a bruised toe, but both were given the all-clear from Dr Kath.”
Brauns added that MediVet covered the costs and ensured these heroic dogs were properly cared for and ready for more gruelling days in the rural areas.
Both dogs received a Bravecto South Africa chewy each, making sure that they did not pick up ticks and fleas whilst in the valley, as well as a de-worming dose. They were also given specialised disinfectant for their feet to help with the inflammation in-between their toes and on their feet as they are working so incredibly hard.
Brauns thanked MediVet Hillcrest and Dr Kath for looking after their K9 superheroes.
“Both these two have an incredibly special place in the hearts of all our team members, and their health is of utmost importance.”
In another incident, Medi Response spokesperson Paul Herbst said that on Tuesday, K9 Odi sustained an injury to his paw during search and rescue operations.
“Along with a SAPS Search and Rescue K9, the two required veterinary care. Odi escaped with minor injuries, while his SAPS peer was a little more serious and was airlifted from the area,” Herbst said.
“K9 Odi took the day off to recover. He was treated to croissants, his favourite, for breakfast this morning (Wednesday) and kept Paul, his handler, busy with requests for pampering. He will be back in action in no time.”
Herbst sent well wishes to both K9s.
Meanwhile, it was reported earlier this week that it was arranged for vet Dr Elsa van Biljon to come and do a quick check-up on all of the K9s currently working on the Durban flood rescue and recovery operation.
Fortunately, all dogs were reported to be in good health.
Daily News