The family were in absolute shock after their dog collapsed while walking on the beach.
Garden Route, South Africa (28 March 2022) – The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) Wilderness team assisted a family on Kleinkranz Beach after their family dog collapsed.
The NSRI is a voluntary non-profit organization in South Africa tasked with saving lives through drowning prevention. It operates 41 bases comprising coastal stations and inland stations on dams, and there are over a thousand volunteers on standby at all hours.
The family were in absolute shock after their dog – Rex – collapsed while walking on the beach with their four dogs. A fair distance from the car park, the local husband and wife, who have not lived in the area for very long, reached out to The Barnyard Kennels for advice. Staff at the kennels suggested calling NSRI.
On receiving the call without hesitation, a crew was activated, and an NSRI rescue vehicle responded to the closest access point.
“On arrival on the scene, the elderly dog, suffering a long term illness and unable to continue on their walk, was assessed and in a stable condition; the dog was secured into our Stokes basket stretcher and assisted by the family, we hiked carrying Rex in the stretcher to the car park,” Mike Vonk, NSRI Wilderness station commander said.
Their other three dogs displayed visible concern for their ill family member. The team said that the compassion displayed was heartfelt and that the husband and wife were grateful for the assistance.
The family took Rex to a local Vet who treated him with medication. The pup’s long term illness appears to be the cause of Rex collapsing on the beach, so the family took him home to be with them for comfort and care.
“On Sunday morning, we have heard that Rex is comfortable at home and showing signs of recovery. We are all hopeful that Rex fully pulls through to live a longer life with his loving family.”
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