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Meet a nine-year-old animal hero

  • March 31, 2017
  • South Africa

Lukhanyo Gala is nine years old. He lives in a rough shack with his mother, sister and brother in one of the poorest areas of Cape Town. Lukhanyo’s mom has cancer and is unable to work. She does her best for Lukhanyo with the tiny social benefit she gets, but the little family are dirt poor.

Lukhanyo is a hero. This tiny, ragged, barefoot child has made it his mission to seek out sick dogs in slum areas and see they get veterinary care. Each day after school, Lukhanyo wanders the narrow alleyways of dirty unwelcoming areas, looking for dogs in distress. When he finds one he walks to the nearby TEARS animal shelter who return with a rescue vehicle. Dozens of dogs, if not more, owe their lives to Lukhanyo.

Meet a nine-year-old animal hero 1

Lukhanyo lives among people who were not brought up to love animals. The dogs who live there are at terrible risk, because for many residents, they are no more than an irritation, to be kicked and beaten. When trying to save a dog Lukhanyo was cursed and chased away.

Why does he do it? “I want to be a hero and help dogs,” he says. “Often when a dog is sick the people don’t care.” Then displaying wisdom beyond his years, he added, “I like dogs better than people.”

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Lukhanyo can be sure of one thing. When he brings a sick stray dog to TEARS, we will make sure his act of love is repaid by restoring that dog to good health and hopefully to a family that will love and care for him.

Meet a nine-year-old animal hero 2

Since TEARS became active in Masiphumelele animal health has significantly improved. TEARS is our partner and we regularly support them. Our latest donation went to buy medical equipment that will help with spay and neuter programs.

We can’t let a nine-year-old to be a hero alone, so please give generously so we can reach out to more suffering dogs in need.

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By supporting our work, you are reaching out with caring hands to stop animal abuse

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Lisa-Mari Spence

Leadership Gifts Officer

Lisa-Mari was raised in South Africa and joined the NFA team as the UK fundraiser after relocating to Greece. With a background in public relations and a passion for helping animals her role at NFA is a perfect match.

Alissa Ford

Director of Leadership Gifts, USA

Alissa is the Director of Leadership Gifts in the United States. She has a background in nonprofit fundraising and marketing, but believes all paths led her to Network for Animals, where she is able to combine her professional experience with her personal passion for animal welfare. Alissa lives in Boston, Massachusetts with her husband and her fur-baby Ollie, who is treated like the prince he thinks he is, since his human brother and sister are grown and now living on their own. Alissa loves speaking to our supporters who she truly considers a community of fellow animal lovers.