Sipho the Young “Animal Warrior” on a Mission to Save Dogs

Hermanus Animal Welfare Society (HAWS) has been blown away by the response from South Africans to one of their posts about a young guy called Sipho who has made it his job to save every single sick dog he possibly can in his area.

On Thursday the welfare society posted this message:

“About 8 months ago, a little chap marched into our reception area, stating “N’difuna i-band!” (Isi Xhosa for “I want a leash”) and then he said “N’difuna i-dogmor!” and we kind-a went “HUH?!?!?”

“Well, he got his ‘band’ and his ‘dogmor’ [dog food] and proceeded then to come and visit us just about every week, each time bringing his dogs along with him.

“Time passed and lots of ‘dogmor’ later, we learned that his dogs names were Government, Policeman and Social Worker.

“And more time passed and we learned to know each of the 3 dogs pretty well, as this young fellow brought them to us when they needed help.

“But then we noticed something odd… the little guy, whose name emerged as Sipho, was bringing us waaaaaaaaaayyyyy too many different dogs and puppies.

“So we began asking questions.

“At first, Sipho was having none of it.

“But then, slowly, the story began to emerge…

“Sipho had made it his self-appointed task to round up EVERY. SINGLE. SICK. DOG in his neighbourhood, and see to it, that the animals came to HAWS to be treated and healed.

“But Sipho went even further, and rounded up every single puppy and its owner in his local area, insisting that they come to HAWS and get the puppies dewormed, kitted out with fancy leashes and collars, and generally health checked (for the puppies) and healthy handling checked (for the owners) by us here.

“Obviously all of this “care” has cost quite a bit of cash and Sipho, bless his little generous heart, has thought it’s all been for free. Sadly, though, economic realities must intrude for most of us and they have done so with Sipho.

“This poor fellow is devastated that he can’t have free “muti” [medicine] anymore. We simply cannot afford to keep carrying the costs for Sipho, despite his sterling efforts cleaning up our forecourt, and trying to “earn” all his animal care.

“Thus, we’d like to ask the folks in this town of ours, if there are any out there who’d be willing and able to help us start Sipho’s Fund, to which folks can contribute so that this little animal warrior can carry on being the shining example he is trying to be.”

HAWS says: “Folks in the fortunate position to be able to help us, please either call Lenke on 0283121281 or email her at adoptions@hermanusanimalwelfare.co.za so that we can help this future leader of ours succeed.”

HAWS says it has been “humbled by the unbelievable generosity” as offers have poured in to help.

They have also promised to post regular updates of Sipho and his continued development, and said that next week they will visit his home to make a full assessment of his education needs, home and yeard.

HAWS said: “He has asked for a job and we give him one, but as he is very young and we are determined he does his school stuff too we are being careful with him.”

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The Hermanus Animal Welfare Society, Standard Bank Cheque Account No.: 082263310, branch code 051001 and use “Siphos Fund” as your reference.

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