Donut, the hit-and-run victim has been adopted!

Three years ago, Hope Dog Rescue’s group of volunteers were on their weekly stray feeding rounds and when they got to this particular car park, they noticed one dog was missing. Little did they know, Donut had been hit by a car and had gone to hide as she was in tremendous pain. Read about her rescue here.

The volunteers searched high and low for her and finally found her in a quiet corner. She was limping and tried to run when she saw the volunteers approaching but fortunately they managed to trap her and took her straight to the vet.

At the vet, her prognosis was poor. The accident had caused Donut to have a severed spinal nerve and sacrum and we were told that she might not be able to walk in future. Even peeing and pooing might be an issue. Like all Hope’s rescue cases, we never give up as long as the dog wants to fight it through.

Surgery was planned and Donut had a long road to recovery.

During rehabilitation, Donut had undergone many, many sessions of hydrotherapy and acupuncture. Those sessions helped her slowly gain mobility and build muscle strength again and after more than year, Donut could actually walk again, albeit one leg that is slightly shorter than the rest.

Donut and her best friend

From the accident, Donut was no longer able to pee on her own and has to have her bladder expressed few times a day. Her fosters were taught how to express her bladder and they did their best for Donut. It was a huge learning curve for all involved.

Donut on her very first boat ride 

Fast forward three years to now, Donut, a local dog with special needs is a happy dog who has gained a second chance to live. Gone are the days of scavenging for food and having to avoid large moving vehicles at the factory areas. All these would not have been possible without the continuous support of volunteers who spared no effort to care for her since Day One. Their determination to help the rescues have proven that miracles can happen and that there's always hope in life.

Donut, standing proud <3

We would like to thank Ann and Shun Li for braving the challenge and deciding to give Donut a forever home, making her the happiest doggie this Christmas.

By Ann

Helping a senior citizen and his senior dog, Taco

At HOPE, we believe in providing veterinary assistance to dogs who belong to low-income senior citizens. Not only do dogs provide the elderly with company, but they help keep dementia at bay.

Taco at the vet for his full medical

That said, we would advise potential owners to understand that their dogs need constant love in a forever home.

Mr Akira, a low-income senior citizen with his 10-year old beagle, Taco, recently went to the vet. Transport paid by HOPE as well.

Taco is slightly overweight at 19.5kg but as Mr Akira is a doting owner who loves his dog, Taco tends to be fed more whenever he asks for food. 

Getting checked by the vet

We recently paid for a full medical check at the vet for Taco – his blood works and heart were clear, but the X-ray showed that Taco’s lungs were inflamed. His ears were badly infected, and his paws were swollen. There was also a small cyst on his left hind. The lump was bleeding and though we wanted to do a fine needle aspiration and biopsy, the vet said we would only draw blood and to wait for another time when the lump is no longer bleeding.

Swollen and itchy paws 

Mr Akira was given medication and ear gel for Taco and to return for a review in about a week or so.

HOPE has also been providing dog food and dog shampoo to Mr Akira for the past 7 years.

Would you be able to help Mr Akira with the vet bills and to help him keep his dog healthy? Vet bill was $ 657/- and pet transport $50/-.

Email us at hopedogrescue@singnet.com.sg if you would like to help. Thank you in advance.

Written by: Felicia Tan

Vet visit for Isaac, the abandoned dog

Remember Isaac? The dishevelled Shih Tzu that was found abandoned a few weeks ago? We sent Isaac for a full medical checkup last week, which included ultrasound for heart/ abdomen, complete blood count, blood test for kidneys and liver, and heartworm and tick fever checks. 

Thankfully, the ultrasound and test results came back negative and Isaac is generally in good health. He has some allergy in the ears so he's currently on ear medication.

That said, we're still a bit concerned about his well-being as he is not putting on weight despite eating well. Isaac is currently 7.3kg, which is on the low side. According to the vet, it could be due to allergy or Cushing's Disease. In the meantime, we're monitoring him closely. If the meds or a change in diet doesn't help, we will send him in for a Cushing's Disease test.

During the check up, Isaac's left hind leg was found to be a little wobbly. The vet suspects he might have mild arthritis but this can be treated with joint supplements. He would need to go for an xray in order to get a proper diagnosis. His adrenal glands are also swollen so if we notice that he drinks a lot of water, he will need a Cushing's Disease test as well.

Like many shih tzus, Isaac has low tear production so his eyes tend to be dry. There is also a lot of tartar build-up on his teeth, which is not surprising as he may have been abandoned for a while before being rescued. He also loves to sleep under the car, so we think he used to hide under cars during his wandering days.

The good news is that Isaac is now ready for adoption! His actual age is unknown but estimated to be about 10-12. Despite all that he has been through, Isaac remains good natured. He is still alert and is generally a quiet and easy-going boy. However, he has mild separation anxiety (who can blame him for that?) and needs 4 meals a day.

We hope that he finds a loving home soon. One that will provide him with the quality care and affection that he so deserves. Please contact us if you are willing to give him a chance.

If you would like to help with Isaac's vet bills, please email hopedogrescue@singnet.com.sg.

Back story: http://hopedogrescue.blogspot.com/2020/11/yet-another-abandoned-dog.html

Written by: Alina Tee

Helping Seniors: Chinnu and Mdm Puspa

 At HOPE, our work goes beyond just the welfare of the strays and abandoned.

A social worker from Fei Yue Cluster Support contacted us recently to seek help for Mdm Puspa's dog. We were told that Chinnu, her 16 years old jack russell terrier, is unwell. We had provided help to Mdm Puspa and Chinnu two years back when she was hospitalised and she remembered us since then.

Mdm Puspa is a senior citizen earning a low income. It was a challenge having to make ends meet, let alone affording proper veterinary care for Chinnu.

We were shocked when we saw Chinnu again. He had bleeding open wounds all over his body, some filled with pus. His skin itched and he was constantly scratching. We learnt that this condition had persisted for the last 2-3 months. Fortunately there was no maggots.

It had started with rashes, which came and went. He also had bacterial and fungal infection in his ears. It must have been so uncomfortable and unbearable for Chinnu these few months.

We took Chinnu to the vet and he was diagnosed with Pyodermatitis. The underlying cause of it could be food allergy, cancer or hormonal diseases. Fortunately, he had no parasites on him.

Chinnu was prescribed with a new diet: Hill's Prescription Diet and given a cocktail of oral medication, including antibiotics, ointments and meds and cleaning solution for his ears. He also needed saline forflushing of wounds. If Chinnu's condition does not improve with these treatments, a biopsy or full blood count is recommended on his next review.

With the prescription diet and various medications needed, Chinnu's vet fees are a huge burden on Mdm Puspa. Much as we wish to help, we currently have our hands full with Sofie, Isaac and Harper.

While Chinnu is trying his best to get better, we would be very grateful for any support towards his recovery. If you are able to help Mdm Puspa and Chinnu with the vet bills, please email hopedogrescue@singnet.com.sg for details. Every bit of help counts.

By: Alina Tee