Puppy rescuer given a job
2008-08-13 12:23
Pietermaritzburg - Thulani Bernard Khwela, the rescuer and namesake of Bernard the puppy, has been offered a job.
The unemployed Khwela received kudos after he alerted the police to the pup's plight after he heard him whimpering in a covered grave at Camps Drift.
The puppy's little body had been pierced with two assegais before he was buried alive with dead chickens, candles, a mirror and clothing. It is believed that the burial formed part of a muthi-related ritual.
Khwela, hailed as "Bernard the Great" by a Witness reader, was offered a job by a construction company, Maureen Vida of the SPCA said on Tuesday.
She did not know which construction company employed him, but said Khwela told them he was starting work this week. The Witness was unable to contact Khwela for confirmation.
Khwela also received a hamper of food and blankets from the SPCA in gratitude for his good deed, and donations of money from the public. He has also been given dog food and veterinary assistance for his own dogs.
Vida said another spin-off has been that other stray dogs have been placed in the holding kennels at the SPCA with notes from people saying they had found the dogs wandering in the streets.
"We are very grateful for this and feel that the fact that Bernard's story was publicised has helped create an awareness of helping animals."