Little Richie (owner surrender)

Yet another old dog unwanted and a long suffering one.

The owner didnt want her old dog anymore and asked us to take him away. She had no harness, collar or leash for him, as she had given it away long ago. He hasn’t gone out of the house for years, and hardly goes to the vet. In fact, its been so long, the owner couldn’t even remember the name of the vet clinic. He also hasn’t been showered for eons, and not groomed – his nails were so long, it curled almost full circle and the gunk in his ears literally overflowed from his ear canal.

 
Hardened by more than a decade of rescuing, I have become quite immune to how wicked some humans can be, although I often wonder how they can look at their dogs in that sad, neglected state day in day out and not feel anything for the poor dog. Have they forgotten the cute puppy they bought years ago, the puppy that brought so much joy to their lives? It’s been years since I’ve shed tears with the rescues but today, the volunteers and I were teary eyed when the small, old dog was given to us in a bag; double bag, just in case.

 
First thing that hit us was the smell – yeasty smelling. His fur was so long, we couldn’t see his eyes but when he lifted his fringe, his eyes were sunken! It is most likely that he is deaf and blind. His nails were so long, it must have hurt him terribly to even walk. One cant begin to imagine how long he has been suffering to reach this state of neglect.

 
We rushed him to the vet.

Estimated to be 13 to 14 years old, he is anaemic, some suspicious skin growths, nasal congestion and has difficulty breathing. He is presently on the nebulizer.
We hope he pulls through and be able to live some happy moments with us.

Here’s a summarized list of Richie’s health issues: 

• Corneal ulcers in both eyes, he is most likely blind

• Severe skin and ear issues, including a bad ear infection

• Pending ringworm test

• Anemic with mild inflammation

• Enlarged internal lymph nodes

• Suspicious lesion on chest requiring monitoring

• Nasal congestion

• Heart murmur detected, requiring scheduling for heart and abdominal ultrasound

• temperature slightly high (39.3°C)

• Severe disc disease between L3 - L4 of spine

• Both lower ribs are floating and in abnormal position - vet reckons he may have been born this way 

        *        severe dental disease with receding gums 

• Enlarged heart, recommending an echo ultrasound

If you would like to help save Little Richie, please email hopedogrescue@singnet.com.sg or drop us a private message.
Thank you.