Five friends have been dubbed The Magnificent Five by Animal Welfare SA after they saved a dog that had apparently been left to die in a bush.
Last Tuesday, the chommies from Sweethome Farm in Philippi walked for more than 5km to take the dog to the AWS where vets managed to save the dehydrated and hungry pooch.
Zubenathi Bikhwe, seven, Luniko Mqombeni, nine, Onke Mantambo, nine, Agcobile Msutu, nine, and Sibabalo Mphithizeli, 10, found the skinny white labrador they named Champ.
AWSA spokesperson Allan Perrins says: “They looked as though they had just crossed the finish line of a marathon and won first prize as they in between hurried breaths excitedly took turns proudly explaining that they had found the dog lying in the bushes and went into great detail about the ingenious plan they hatched to help him.”
Little Onke said the friends are all animal lovers: “We are very happy to see Champ again and to play with him.
“We are very excited and happy and are now heroes to our other friends.”
To reward their good deed, AWSA gave the boys a certificate and goody bag and rewarded their families with groceries from Super Spar and Pick n Pay Hypermarket in Ottery.