Achi, the 11-year-old guide dog on death row, is riding a wave of public support. On Saturday, 53 locals and tourists literally took to the waves in support of the shipwrecked chocolate Labrador, under the determined care of Dr Pete Wood at his Nahoon Bird & Animal Clinic, and went out to sea where they were buffeted and splashed by a rising swell.
They had all paid a discounted fee to John and Kathinka Barry, of Southern Cross, who put all four of their boats worth millions towards the cause, carrying all the costs, and donating about R11,000 towards a fund set up by the NSRI and managed by Wood.
The money is being used to defray costs for Achi’s treatment.
His owners, Swiss father Oliver Schmid and daughter Sarah Shalle were staying in a guest house.
Achi, Hebrew for “my brother”, faced three orders from Pretoria vets to be put down for failing to following animal immigration procedures, but each time was given a stay of execution by agriculture minister John Steenhuisen.
The protest was that there was no rational reason to euthanase Achi: he had a valid rabies certificate and was a low biosecurity risk, his remaining tests for diseases were being conducted and results were pending, and he was in state-imposed quarantine — a matter of pain for the Nahoon veterinary clinic, since it too was placed under quarantine.
No animals were allowed to enter or leave the property, and there were five pets under their care, Wood said. Most owners were understanding but one or two of the pets had medical issues and it had been emotionally stressful.
It is unusual for the NSRI to have to carry out two rescues, but this happened with the dog who was picked up with his owners in a life raft after their 16m yacht, Izma, was smashed by a massive southwesterly buster and 10m seas on August 1. On Saturday, August 2, the wind swung to a vicious 74km/h southeasterly.
By then, Izma’s sails were shredded and flapping unable to be lowered, the engines not working and the yacht was filling with water in the 6m swells. East London port control had picked up a Telkom maritime radio communication from the stricken sailors and the NSRI’s East London station 7 rescue base was contacted at 7am, according to station commander Cathrine Prentis.
By 11am, Spirit of Lotto had travelled 39km out to sea and in gale-force winds. Five efforts to take the Izma under tow failed. Hard points came loose and the towline chafed so badly it had to be adjusted five times.
Finally, the decision was taken for the dog and sailors to abandon ship and take to their life raft and the shipwrecked souls were taken on board at 6.47pm — the drama had taken 12 hours.
On land, the sailors were kindly put up by a local hotel group, but when it became known that both the sailors and the dog were in an emaciated state, a local dog lover persuaded the owners to let her take Achi to Wood.
On Monday August 18, the NSRI learnt about the order to destroy Achi, and again, the institute went into rescue mode, mobilising awareness and appealing to the authorities and the public to spare an elderly dog, now 70 in dog years, which had itself dedicated its life to service.
The public was not taking it and through the week there was a flurry of online protests, a petition from a local animal-loving schoolgirl, and other efforts.
Donations can be made to Nahoon Animal Clinic, Nedbank, account number 1017439680, branch code 198765, swift code NEDSZAJJ.
The Barry’s said of the fundraiser: “It was successful. People loved it even though the sea was windy.”
Wood said Achi had bounced back and was in great form.
Go! went out on the boat. Achi’s supporters, all safely bulked up in their orange life vests, enjoyed a rocking time — the rising swell and chop sent an occasional spray over the front rows, making the experience a real adventure.
One whale was spotted, causing great excitement. Thabiso Fitzgerald, 12, owner of a dog called Dingbat, said: “It is not fair to euthanase a healthy animal.”
Moira Temple, who was there with family and friends, said: “Dogs are part of the family. We can’t believe you would want to put down someone’s guide dog!”
NSRI spokesperson Craig Lambinon said: “We have 100% confirmation that Achi will remain alive and healthy and our gratitude to all involved, including the local community and media.”
Thanks to a generous sponsorship from the NSRI, Achi was driven in a special vehicle to Cape Town this week to finish off his quarantine and tests, and Dr Wood’s clinic was being opened for business.
