Emergency services mascot makes herself at home
Local ambulance base adopts neglected dog.
AN abused and neglected labrador has found a safe and loving home as the new mascot for the KZN Emergency Medical Services base in Wentworth.
About a year ago, staff at the base reported seeing movement in the long grass and trees behind the property, but when they approached, they found nothing. Soon after they noticed a black dog hanging around the base. The animal was skittish and would run away when approached.
Eventually, the staff gained the animal’s trust and were able to feed and pat her. This was when they discovered the labrador cross had been abused. She had bruises, open wounds, an eye infection and was pest-ridden.
The station adopted the dog, cleaned and took care of her medical needs and she quickly became a much-loved member of the team. She was later christened ‘Blackie’ because she was completely black, save one white spot.
According to Emergency Medical Services media liaison officer, Robert McKenzie, Blackie quickly learnt a route and daily routine to visit all staff members to ensure she got a treat from each.
During the holidays, administration staff set up a roster to ensure she was fed daily and taken for a bath while they were on vacation.
“Speaking to the staff at the base, ranging from the administration staff to the paramedics and even to the managers, they all have a story to tell about Blackie, with one of the managers even joking that she is now such a part of the base that she is even on the asset register,” said McKenzie.
