HUMPHREY, the dog in a million, was that and more. He was well known in uMhlanga for raising close to R1 million for the Durban & Coast SPCA in just ten years through donations placed into statues in the area and parts of Durban. Now the figure is close to R2 million.

Sadly, Humphrey died two weeks ago.

Also read: Humphrey to contribute to Mandela Day in Glenashley

Alwyn Immerman, the border-collie-cross’s dad, said the idea to create and replicate these statues came to him after a visit to Cape Town. He had adopted Humphrey from the SPCA in 2011 and thought that something had to be done to help his friends at the SPCA.

“I am devastated. Humphrey was so well-known, so whenever someone sees me and offers their condolences, I relive everything and get teary. He was a special boy who touched so many lives. Everyone loved Humphrey,” said Immerman.

He recalled a few special moments, saying that Humphrey had a positive effect on the elderly and children.

Also read: New statue of Humphrey the hero

“There was a lady at an old age home who hadn’t spoken in months, but when she saw Humphrey, she started shouting ‘Doggy, doggy’. The nurses were stunned. He would also sit with a boy who had attention deficit disorder so that he could complete his homework. One time, he managed to calm down a person with a learning difficulty who had been throwing a tantrum. My boy was so special,” he said.

A commemoration of life service will take place at Humphrey’s statue on the Umhlanga Promenade (in front of Bellezaar) on November 23 at 14:30. The public is invited to pay their respects and bring along a can of dog or cat food for the SPCA. Alternatively, donations can be made directly to the SPCA.

Company Name: Durban & Coast SPCA
Account number: 6208 7236 925, FNB, cheque/current account
Branch number: 220 226
Reference: Hugs for Humphrey

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