You may have seen on our social media that one of our longest-staying residents, Stitch, urgently needs our help.
Stitch was preparing to begin an exciting new chapter after being matched with a potential new family when staff at Cardiff Dogs Home noticed she was struggling with one of her legs. Following an examination at The Rescue Hotel Health Centre, our vet suspects she has ruptured her cruciate ligament. This injury typically requires surgery followed by a carefully managed recovery, and we have been quoted up to £3,000 for the operation.
For Stitch, this means the fresh start she was so close to has had to be put on hold while we make sure she receives the treatment she needs. She is a playful girl who loves nothing more than getting out for her walks, so being restricted by this injury has been especially difficult for her.
Sadly, Stitch is not the only resident currently in need of orthopaedic treatment. Al Pacino and Isla also require specialist treatment, highlighting just how quickly unexpected veterinary costs can build up for the dogs in our care.
Al Pacino, a greyhound-lurcher, arrived at the Hotel as a stray. From his condition, we suspect he may have come from a very difficult background and may have been used in illegal dog sports. He has several old injuries that have left him with an intermittent limp. To help us understand the cause of his discomfort and determine the best next steps, The Rescue Hotel funded his x-rays this week totalling over £700. We’re keeping everything crossed that the results will give us a clearer picture of what’s going on, so we can make the best decisions for his ongoing care.
In the meantime, Al Pacino clearly decided to charm everyone at the vets! He came home with his very own “Top Dog” certificate, proudly proving what we’ve been saying all along: rescue dogs rock!
Isla, who is rarely seen without her kennel buddy Nev by her side, has also been a little reluctant to go for walks, prompting our team to investigate further. Following an examination at The Rescue Hotel Health Centre, Isla has been diagnosed with bilateral luxating patellas. This means that her kneecaps in both hind legs frequently slip out of place. She’ll need two separate surgeries to help get her back on all four paws, representing another significant cost for The Rescue Hotel.
Her first operation is scheduled to take place in the next couple of weeks. We’re hopeful that Isla will be back enjoying her walks with Nev right by her side soon.
At a time when our veterinary bills are already much higher than in previous years, taking on three orthopaedic cases within just a few weeks is a huge challenge. Only seven months into the year and we have already funded orthopaedic treatment for six residents, ranging from diagnostic x-rays to specialist referral surgery (remember Dave the lurcher?).
Orthopaedic treatment is often complex and expensive, but for the dogs at the Hotel, it can be truly life-changing. It means leaving kennel rest behind and most importantly, finally being ready for the loving homes they have been waiting for.
We are committed to being there for every dog who needs us at Cardiff Dogs Home, but we cannot do it without your continued support. If you are able to make a donation, no matter the amount, you will be helping residents like Stitch, Al Pacino and Isla receive the treatment they need.