We were made aware of Benji's plight by a neighbour, Pam,
who noticed that a lump on his leg had grown to a size that made his leg look
as if it were swollen. Benji, a sweet-natured 9-year-old miniature schnauzer,
once belonged to the daughter-in-law of the elderly couple, Uncle and Auntie
Soh, who now looks after him. When the marriage soured, the daughter-in-law no
longer wanted Benji and had even wanted to put him down. Fearing for his life,
Auntie Soh swooped in and took him in, though she and her husband knew little
about dogs.
 |
| We received this photo by email and immediately agreed to help |
Despite being in their late 60s, both Uncle and Auntie Soh
are still working so that they can provide the very basic necessities for
Benji, like food. They even, conscientiously, take Benji for his yearly vaccinations.
Auntie Soh walks with a limp. Though her legs hurt, she never fails to take
Benji out for his walks, once in the morning and another time at night, because
she says he loves his walks. To save on grooming costs, she bought a shaver
many years ago just so she can shave him herself. But now, the shaver has grown
dull, and she says she will need to get another one soon. Benji eats Pedigree
kibbles in the morning. In the night, Auntie Soh rushes home so she can steam
some pork and rice to feed him. Benji's harness is very old
and his leash is made up of a tattered leash and a rope tied together, yet we can see how much
Auntie Soh clearly loves Benji. We were so touched that we gave her a new spare
leash that we had on hand. She was so happy and offered to pay for it, even
though we know she is not well-off.
 |
Sweet Benji at the vet with Aunty Soh
|
 |
| His teeth are really bad but this would have to wait as the lump on his right front leg is of greater urgency |
We went to the vet last night as scheduled. The whole
family, and even Pam, turned up for moral support. The vet saw the lump and
warned that it did not look good. It had grown very large and very hard over
the last 6 months. Thankfully, it does not seem to be causing Benji any pain or
significant discomfort and he was still very happy and active. Thinking that,
if it were cancer, it might have spread to his chest, an x-ray was done. If it
truly had spread to his chest and bones, then the future would look grim as
little can be done. Thankfully, the x-ray results did not show any metastasis.
Benji is still not in the clear, though. A biopsy was done and the results
expected in 4 days. For now, his wound is stitched up and will need to be kept
clean. Kind neighbour, Pam, will check in on Benji regularly to ensure that his
wound remains clean and uninfected. She will get Benji an e-collar if required,
until his stitches come out in 10 days.
 |
| Poor Benji, such a brave boy. Look how huge the lump has grown to. It's almost the size of his head! (Oh, that's the new leash we gave him.) |
Regardless of the biopsy results, Benji will require
surgery. If it were cancer, then his whole leg will have to be amputated to
prevent it from recurring. If it were benign, then only the tumour will be
removed. All we can do now is wait with bated breath for the results. No matter
the result, surgery will take place next week. Costs, depending on the surgery,
will be around $1.5k-$2k, including a 3-5 day stay as Auntie Soh may not be
able to adequately care for Benji during his recovery.
 |
| Poor Benji looks like a wounded soldier with bandages and stitches |
 |
| Aunty's grooming is pretty good! |
 |
| Except the shaver is dull so poor Benji ended up with bald patches |
Seeing the love Auntie Soh has for Benji, we really want to
help them out. Yesterday's vet bill amounted to $790, and we need a further
$1.5k to $2k for Benji's surgery next week. We would also like to buy Benji a
new harness, shaver and a better brand of kibbles. If possible, we would also
like to pamper him with a proper grooming session after his surgery! If you can
help with any of these, please email hopedogrescue@singnet.com.sg.
 |
| Don't worry Benji, we'll do our best to help you. |
