IFAW/Mdzananda Animal Clinic via Facebook Lily used to hang around a school in Cape Town, where she was probably given some attention and some food by the children. However, her presence and continuous barking were not tolerated by the principal of that school. Instead of reporting about her to a rescue group or a shelter, he ordered two janitors to "get rid" of her by any way possible. The janitors did something no one could imagine—they buried poor Lily alive in a five-foot hole.

IFAW/Mdzananda Animal Clinic via Facebook Thankfully, Lily was able to cry under all the dirt, and the school's kitchen staff heard her. Without wasting any minute, the Kitchen staff called the Mdzananda Animal Clinic for help. They instantly came to the scene and brought out Lily, who thankfully wasn't suffocating.

IFAW/Mdzananda Animal Clinic via Facebook The International Fund Animal Welfare (IFAW), an organization that also funds Mdzananda Animal Clinic, also got involved in the case of Lily and worked to make sure Lily had everything she needed, including justice. When the rescuers took Lily to the clinic, they found out that Lily had been partially paralyzed, which happened due to a spinal injury she got when she was just a puppy. Although she was in safe hands now, Lily had a long road of recovery to travel. She required hydrotherapy to gain more muscle and coordination. In addition, she also got acupuncture and physical therapy.

IFAW/Mdzananda Animal Clinic via Facebook Lily also had a lot of weight to gain. The IFAW and the clinic then posted a story about Lily on their Facebook page and asked everyone to send Lily hopeful message on swatches of fabric.

IFAW/Mdzananda Animal Clinic via Facebook Then, they did something amazing—they sewed together all the messages she received and made her a very inspirational quilt that helped to keep her warm and comfortable.

IFAW/Mdzananda Animal Clinic via Facebook Finally, a wonderful freelance journalist, Helen Walne adopted Lily. She also serves on the board of the Mdzananda Animal Clinic.

IFAW/Mdzananda Animal Clinic via Facebook On the other hand, the two janitors who buried Lily were charged with animal cruelty.

IFAW/Mdzananda Animal Clinic via Facebook The principal was harder to prosecute and was given the option to introduce a program to teach children against animal cruelty instead of going to jail. But he refused, and hence, he was jailed and charged.

IFAW/Mdzananda Animal Clinic via Facebook Thankfully, Lily is finally happy in a life she deserves to live and the people who wronged her are serving their punishments!