A miracle saves Caesar

2003-11-23 22:17

Marlene Malan

Cape Town - A German Shepherd miraculously escaped death after being washed out to sea at Melkbosstrand.

June Woodman of the Animal Care Clinic in Claremont said the swift action of constable Mike Mkentane of the Melkbosstrand police and Norman McQuin of the fire brigade saved the life of the exhausted dog, Caesar.

Mkentane and McQuinn pulled Ceasar from the water early on Friday morning after a member of the public informed them about the "nearly dead" dog in the sea.

"Someone had either thrown the dog in the water or a wave caught him," Mkentane said.

The current possibly dragged the dog deeper into the sea and later brought it back towards the beach. The officers tried to keep the dog warm and calm while getting him to an animal clinic.

Woodman said the dog was very scared and tired and was shivering continuously.

"Since he arrived here, he hasn't stopped drinking water because of all the salt water he swallowed. The vet and nurses have done everything in their power to calm him."

She said it was clear that the dog was well cared for, judging by its nice collar.

The dog's frantic owner, Gretha Holtzhausen, has since traced the dog to Woodman.

Caesar apparently disappeared from the Holtzhausen's yard in Melkbos on Friday morning.

Holtzhausen said Caesar was an excellent swimmer, but had had a "type of epileptic fit" before his disappearance.

- Die Burger