NELSPRUIT – One of the two four-legged victims of a recent bee attack is home again and recovering well. A Maltese named Jack and his Scottish terrier brother, Max, were admitted to the West Acres Animal Hospital last week after suffering severe poisoning as a result of the insect onslaught. Max’s mother, Kilty was killed in the incident.
The owner of the two animals, Ms Tanya Combrink, said her pets, although still drowsy from the medication, had started eating regularly and were looking healthy.
“Both my babies were recovering well at home, for at least a few days until Jack fell terribly ill over the weekend. I believe that it is his age that is counting against him as his kidneys have now started failing. We will unfortunately have to make a very difficult call this week as he is back on life support at the hospital.”
Max, significantly younger, on the other hand is recovering well. “Max is definitely pining after his mother though. This is a real turning point for him as it is the first time in his life that he has to sleep alone in a bed he and Kilty shared for many years,” said Combrink.
The medical costs for these two dogs are very high and even though their veterinarian accommodated their owner by offering her a discounted rate, they are both still on drips and receiving medication.
“We are so grateful to Dr Johann Viljoen and all his staff for going the extra mile. Were it not for their expertise and quick reaction to the situation, we could possibly have lost all of them.”
According to the animal hospital, two members of the public have already pledged donations towards settling the account. “When Lowvelder appeared on Tuesday I started receiving phone calls from members of the public who were interested in helping us settle the account. I am not sure what the exact amount is, but I have left it in God’s hands. I really cannot thank the community members enough for opening their hearts to complete strangers. We all appreciate this act of kindness tremendously.”
Any person wanting to assist in the rehabilitation of Jack and Max can contact West Acres Animal Hospital on 013-741-2026 or Tanya Combrink on 082-977-6728.
