For those of you who are members of the Newfoundland Club of NSW you will know we care about all Newfoundland dogs – it’s not just about the show dog or the most obedient but it is all about the breed.
We have been quite lucky with the number of dogs that have been offered for rehoming or that have needed rescuing but the following story is really sad and unfortunately we could not help this dog, no matter how much we tried.
Imagine at around 8yrs of age just letting your Newfoundland out the back door knowing that you never wanted to open that door to him again! I can’t it breaks my heart.
We don’t actually know where this elder came from all we know is that that a local animal shelter had the dog, he had no microchip and he had been found in the bush. They said he looked as if he had been out for a while – not just his coat but his health too was failing – so much so that he was under a duty of care to their vet. NO-ONE apart from the club inquired about this dog despite him being on the site.
We kept in close contact with his carers – we offered our support and the hope of finding a family to love him. After a couple of months the news we all didn’t want to hear came along.
Our email read:
‘he arrived into care at the shelter as a stray without ID in late March and has been under vet care due to his emaciated condition and being unable to walk. His condition has been built up; however, he still has a long way to go and would benefit from being in a home that can support his extensive ongoing needs. He has been on limited exercise but is managing very short walks. He has not completed a behaviour assessment, and his behaviour around other dogs has not been explored given his medical limitations.
Medical concerns:
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Underweight – requires repeat blood tests, may be treatable.
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Masses x 3 – requires surgical excision, may/may not be treatable.
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Dental disease – treatable with a procedure
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Bilateral conjunctivitis – requires further diagnostics to explore Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (dry eye), likely requires lifelong treatment.
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Degenerative Joint Disease – requires life-long treatment.
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Urinary incontinence – requires further diagnostics (urine culture, prostate ultrasound), may/may not be treatable.
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Requires desex.
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Current weight: 46kg
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DOB unknown – currently aged 8yrs+
They did complete further tests and the decision that was made is that it would be kinder to allow this boy the last chance of respect and dignity they could offer and to allow his life to end. We asked if we could provide this care for the dog but they said he would not cope.
Please before you purchase your Newfoundland ensure you have your paperwork, make sure they have a microchip and please keep you microchip details up to date. Microchips have enforced in all States and Territories on 1st January 2012.
The breeder of this elder did not care enough to do this for the dog they breed