Gables Dogs & Cats Home have recently taken in a heavily pregnant dog from a puppy farm, who had been used solely for breeding to make money.
The poor girl, who the charity have named Wanda, had been living in a totally unsuitable location, exposed to the elements, knee deep in mud and freezing cold during the winter.
When she arrived at Gables she was taken straight to deputy manager Ruth Rickard’s home, where she could relax and begin bonding with Ruth in preparation for her imminent labour. She was given a large, comfortable whelping box and the best nutrition to help her and her puppies.
Wanda gave birth to five healthy puppies, who chose a very special day to arrive – Valentine’s Day! She proved to be a very good mother and helped her puppies to grow big and strong. Now that Wanda’s endless cycle of pregnancies is over it is time to focus on her.
Wanda is only a young dog, estimated to be around three or four years old, but she is already starting to show the stresses and strains associated with intensive overbreeding. Wanda seemed very unsteady on her feet and her leg would collapse under her when out for walks or playing with her puppies.
She was taken to Gables’ vet for X-rays, where several medical issues were sadly discovered. She is now facing several operations to enable her to go on and live as close to a pain free life as possible. She will also need to maintain her weight and build her strength up slowly, so she can become more active as time goes on.
Wanda has hip dysplasia in both of her hips and a luxating patella in her right knee. With such painful hips and a knee joint that pops out regularly, Wanda finds it difficult to run and play as a dog of her age should be able to.
As well as the surgeries needed to help her joints, Wanda will need to be spayed to ensure she never has to endure another pregnancy. The charity will provide Wanda with the very best after care, along with vaccinations and regular flea and worm treatment.
Ruth Rickard said:
“Wanda is a very sweet, clever girl who has a cheeky side which never fails to make us all smile. I have loved having her in my home and I know that everyone loves puppies, but I have to admit that it’s the poor mums and the older animals that I have a soft spot for.
“As Wanda’s puppies have now all found their forever homes, it is time for her to get the treatment she requires so she is fit and well enough to find the loving home that she deserves. We will give her the best aftercare and she will stay with me in my home to ensure I can give her the extra care and attention she needs until she finds her perfect forever home.
“We are confident that this treatment will greatly improve her quality of life so she can go on to have a happy and healthy future with her forever family.”
It is estimated it will cost Gables at least £2,000 for the surgeries that Wanda will need. If Gables is lucky enough to raise more money than is needed it will go towards helping the other animals in their care.
To make a contribution to ‘Wanda’s Wish Vet Appeal’, please call 01752 331602 or visit www.virginmoneygiving.com/fund/wandaswish to donate online.
