Miley’s life saved by wonderful collaboration

Desire Webb

Miley’s heart-warming story has spread far and wide, and I’ve had many people asking about the details of what happened...

Our one-year-old golden retriever was bitten recently by a Boomslang, on our farm.

We discovered the snake in our garden just as we were growing increasingly concerned about a bleeding wound on Miley’s neck that wouldn’t clot.

We instantly rushed her to the vet and began the search for the anti-venom.

We were devastated to be told by multiple people and vets that there was little hope due to a lack of anti-venom for a boomslang bite.

Fortunately, my husband was able to track down a single vial from Jason Seale at Hartbeespoort Dam Snake & Animal Park, who very kindly and quickly transported the vial to Lanseria Airport, and into the hands of our dear friend, who was ready and waiting to get it onto the next plane to Cape Town.

We were willing to fly up to Lanseria to collect the meds, but the return trip would have added additional hours in a critical time frame. Our friend also kindly offered to catch the next plane out of Lanseria if he could find an available seat.

It was so stressful as time was crucial. Once I knew the vial was on its way to Lanseria I posted a plea on two social media platforms asking if anyone was flying from Lanseria to Cape Town, who could bring the vial to us.

Thanks to friends, neighbours and our community, my plea instantly spread across the country and was fortunately seen by a passenger at Lanseria.

Miraculously, our friend was able to get the meds through security clearance with the airline just in time for this kind stranger to collect it for his flight to Cape Town.

It’s because of their quick actions and kindness, along with those who instantly spread our desperate plea for help, that Miley survived.

We were beyond grateful to receive and administer the anti venom within four hours of our transport plea, as Miley was deteriorating rapidly and had started bleeding through her nose.

In total, her life-saving meds changed hands seven times before reaching her - a beautiful, true testament of so much love and kindness, most of whom were strangers to us.

Miley’s story spread quickly and so many people from across the country reached out.

We are so incredibly grateful to Jason at Hartbeespoort Dam Snake and Animal Park, our friend in Johannesburg, who instantly jumped in to help us, and everyone else who acted so rapidly to help us save our precious girl.

We are also so thankful for all the messages of help, advice, love and concern.

Miley was in critical condition for a few days under the care of Dr Wynand du Plessis, who was so kind and patient, but every 12 hours showed an improvement, and we were thrilled when she finally came home.

She’s still under close supervision and stays close by my side but our sweet girl seems to be on the mend. Her bite marks have healed nicely, her nightmares have stopped, her appetite has returned, and she’s back to swimming with our children and making us laugh with her mischievous antics.

She’s such an important, special part of our family and we all adore her. What a huge relief and blessing that we get to still embrace this precious pup. Thank you!