Every rescue has a story.
Some begin on the streets. Some come from breeding farms. Others begin with a knock on our door and a family making one of the hardest decisions they will ever have to.
At HOPE Dog Rescue, we take in many owner-surrendered dogs. Every case is different, but our hearts are often drawn to the old, the sick, and the forgotten. The dogs who have spent years giving unconditional love, only to find themselves needing someone to love them back.
This week, we welcomed two such dogs into our care.
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| This dog, looking like a lion, was surrendered to us |
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| That’s her “brother” - he wore diapers / male wrap 24/7 till his fur colour changed |
Meet Hugo, a 12-year-old Schnoodle, and Sandy, a tiny Poodle we assumed was his older companion.
Imagine our surprise when we learnt that Sandy is only three years old.
Three.
Years.
Her worn appearance, fragile skin and tired expression made us believe she was a senior dog. Instead, she is a young dog whose body has simply endured far more than it should have.
As with all HOPE rescues, both dogs were brought straight to the vet for a full assessment.
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| Hugo was so unkempt that the nurses had to help groom him |
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| Sandy. Only 3 yrs old. But looks like a senior dog |
Hugo
Hugo weighs just 8.2kg, around 2kg underweight for his frame.
He has poor muscle condition, Grade 2 luxating patella in both hind legs, a severe ear infection with a strong odor, extensive skin disease from his neck down his body, multiple skin sores, and painful raw skin around his penis from wearing nappies around the clock.
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| Infected and sore penis from wearing male wrap 24/7 |
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| Hugo has skin infection on most of his body |
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| Hugo also has an ear infection |
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| Flaky skin |
His teeth are in an extremely poor state. The green nasal discharge and sneezing he's been experiencing may even be linked to advanced dental disease.
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| Inflamed gums and bad teeth. Needs dental asap |
For now, Hugo has gone home with medicated shampoo, antibiotics for his ears, and strict instructions for regular medicated baths while his skin heals. He will also require an ultrasound, dental treatment and sterilization before he's ready to find a forever home.
But despite everything, Hugo has remained exactly what everyone hopes for in a rescue dog.
Sweet, Gentle and Calm.
Sandy
Then there's Sandy.
At only 6.2kg, she needs to gain weight, but her biggest challenge is her skin.
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| Feeling lost & confused |
Large areas of her body are almost completely hairless, inflamed and uncomfortable. According to her previous medical history, she had been receiving Cytopoint injections, although they don't appear to have adequately controlled her condition. A stronger dose has now been given, and once she has settled into foster care, we'll be reviewing her diet and investigating possible underlying causes.
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| Raw, inflamed skin |
She also suffers from dry eyes and a painful ear infection that now requires treatment.
Yet beneath all of that is a young dog who is sweet, slightly anxious, and still wants to play.
Perhaps that's what amazes us most.
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| There is HOPE. Sandy will be happy again. |
Dogs don't dwell on yesterday.
Give them kindness today, and they'll often choose to believe tomorrow will be better.
Both Hugo and Sandy will return for a review in three weeks' time, and we're hopeful this is just the beginning of a much brighter chapter.
Sometimes, surrendering a dog is the most heartbreaking decision an owner can make.
And sometimes, it is also the kindest.
Because if Sandy had remained where she was, she may have faced years more of untreated discomfort. Instead, at just three years old, she now has something every dog deserves.
A chance.
A chance to heal.
A chance to be comfortable.
A chance to be loved.
Their combined veterinary bill comes to $1612/- and there is still more treatment ahead.
If you would like to help Hugo and Sandy on their journey to recovery, please email us at hopedogrescue@singnet.com.sg.
