Lily, a stray dog, came running into a schoolyard in Cape Town, South Africa. She barked loudly, hoping that the children would share their breakfast with it. This has happened many times before. The school principal was annoyed by the dog’s barking. He instructed the janitors to get rid of the dog by any means necessary.
The janitors dug a hole a metre and a half deep and buried the dog alive. Lily whimpered under the layer of rubbish and dirt.
Schoolteachers came to the dog’s rescue. They called the Mdzananda Veterinary Animal Clinic. The rescuers dug up the barely alive dog and took it to the clinic. On examination, it turned out that in addition to being severely emaciated, it was also partially paralyzed as a result of an old spinal injury. Lily was treated and gradually gained weight.
Mdzananda Clinic posted Lily’s story on the Facebook page. The clinic asked users to send pieces of fabric with wishes for the dog. The patchwork quilt sewn from them not only warmed Lily but was also filled with good wishes.
Freelance journalist Helen Valne, who is a member of the directorate of the Mdzananda clinic, took the dog home. Now Lily is surrounded by care and love.
Lily’s case has helped raise public awareness of animal cruelty in South Africa. The janitors and the director received prison sentences.
