Brave Kei that took a bullet to protect her adopted family, is going in for her big operation this week; the Boksburg SPCA paid her a visit to wish her luck.
Boksburg, South Africa (18 November 2021) – Kei, a Malinois cross, was adopted by the Lamont family in 2020 from the Boksburg SPCA. The family welcomed a sweet, loving dog into their home; little did they know, she was also a hero!
One harrowing night in early October, the Lamont family home was broken into, and two armed robbers attempted to violently take control of the family. The first robber was killed in the crossfire that took place when he entered the main bedroom. At the same time, the second armed robber entered the room where Kei lay protecting one of the Lamont’s daughters.
Kei jumped into defensive mode to protect her family and was shot through the snout and jaw in the process. Her story spread far and wide as people celebrated her heroic actions to protect her adopted family.
After Kei was taken to the animal hospital, it was determined that the bullet had entered the side of her nose, shattering her two top molars, severely injuring her tongue and breaking her jaw.
The damage was extensive, and she underwent surgery to repair some of the damage. This was the first of a series of medical interventions to restore her canine smile.
South Africans came together to help the family cover the mounting medical expenses, and a few days after the news broke, R120,000 had been raised. It was such a heartwarming act that pet insurance company Dotsure stepped forward to cover the entire expense of her big surgery.
Speaking to Good Things Guy, dotsure.co.za told us that they knew the BackaBuddy had reached the full target for Kei’s costs thanks to kind South Africans, but that money belongs to Kei, and she can spend it on whatever she wants.
Speaking to Sarah Lamont, she shared the funds raised would be donated to the Boksburg SPCA for all their efforts in supporting the family. The donation was made in honour of their dog Holly who didn’t survive the shooting that harrowing night.
“With all the generosity we have received from far and wide, we have chosen to donate all remaining funds to the Boksburg SPCA in loving memory of our sweet little Angel Holly.”
The Boksburg SPCA visited Kei yesterday to hand over her bravery award and to wish her well before her big surgery takes place next week.
“Today was the day our hero dog, Kei was presented with her bravery award for saving the lives of her family as well as a posthumous bravery award for Holly who died while attacking the intruders.
In 2020, Kei was adopted from the Boksburg SPCA. In October 2021, Kei risked her life to save her family from two armed robbers that broke into her home. Shots were fired and Kei took a bullet to her jaw while her brave little sister, Holly the family Yorkie, was shot and killed trying to attack the burglars.
Kei sustained severe wounds to her mouth and jaw but is currently undergoing extensive treatment at Onderstepoort veterinary hospital.
It was upsetting to see Kei’s deformed bottom jaw today but she was certainly in good spirits. She was playful and affectionate and bounced around like a bunny rabbit when we arrived.
On Tuesday Kei goes back to Onderstepoort for the big operation we’ve all been waiting for. The specialist surgeons will fit a titanium plate in her jaw to replace the shattered bone & realign her jaw – she should be able to live a normal life a few weeks after recovery.
It was wonderful spending the afternoon with Kei and her lovely family. They can’t express how eternally grateful they are to everyone who’ve supported them through this difficult time.”
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