It is sometimes the small things in life that make one feel appreciated like a simple “thank you” given in a heartfelt and not a perfunctory manner. On the other hand, one wonders whether animals always appreciate when they are being assisted by humans especially when they are being rescued.

A personal incident was brought to mind when viewing the seeming affection displayed by animals in these photographs towards other animals. This arose when I was driving next to the Northcliff High School many years ago. Ahead of me on the left hand verge was a hadeda. As it attempted to make its usual ponderous take off in the direction of the road, the vehicle in front of me grazed the bird in mid-flight.

As the vehicle sped on, I stopped to rescue it expecting the worst. Superficially it appeared to be unharmed but it was clearly stunned. What was I to do with this animal? If I merely left it on the busy pavement, its chances of survival were minimal. What option did I have? I placed the bird in the passenger seat with a seat belt around it.

The distance from Blackheath to Constantia Kloof is approximately 15kms. Initially this arrangement worked well. I drove and Mr Hadeda lay perfectly still on the passenger seat. This modus vivendi operated well for half a dozen blocks but gradually as it became more comatose it attempted to escape from the confines of the extemporised harness for which the seat belt was clearly not designed. Clearly the unwritten agreement had been unilaterally broken by this ungrateful animal.

I was now faced with the possibility of this huge bird attempting to flap its wings as I attempted to drive. Secondly of lesser danger but no less troublesome was the plaintive squawk reverberating within the confines of the vehicle.

I was left with no alternative but to grab the bird with my left hand and hold it against my chest. That meant changing gears with my right hand whilst attempting to mollify and increasingly anxious animal which had visions of becoming my supper.

Did this animal appreciate the fact that I was attempting to rescue it and did it ever thank me for doing so?

I doubt it.

At least I had the satisfaction of rescuing on animal that day.