Lisa Cant-Haylett, IFAW - I love my weekly visits to Mdzananda Animal Clinic. Even though I drag myself back home in the late afternoon, hot, sweaty and smelling like 'dog', the one on one interactions with the 'patients' and the fact that the Clinic is currently the only permanent veterinary facility in Khayelitsha for dogs and cat, makes it all worth it.
This past Friday I met "Brownie", who was one of about six patients in the Clinic's hospital. Brownie had been stabbed in the face by an angry neighbour, possibly as a result of him straying from his owners property to look for a mate. The stab wound to his face has been stitched and is healing well and Brownie has been neutered to ensure that from now on, he doesn't stray from his home.
What a character, when I walked into the hospital ward container, he made it quite clear that he was feeling much better and wanted to go outside. No amount of ignoring him from my side (and believe me its hard to ignore the "pretty pleases" being thrown my way) whilst I was busy taking down case details and pictures, deterred him from letting me know what his intentions were.
And so, Ayanda, one of Mdzananda's dedicated Clinic staff lent assistance in taking Brownie out into the paved courtyard for a stroll.
After an initial stroll around the courtyard Brownie thanked us for remembering this very important part of the recovering process, with nose nudging and alot of licking on Brownie's part.
It is important for the psychological wellbeing of all animals hospitalised that they are given the opportunity to be removed from the confines of a cage, at least three times a day.
Brownie was certainly grateful for a chance to stretch his legs and smell the, well, relatively fresh air!
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