dog whom she saw at a coffee shop with his owner. The dog just had his fur shaven down and his very scrawny frame was very visible, rib cage and bones visibly protruding. The second time E and her friends saw this man and dog again, they managed to get the owner's contact and advised him to bring his dog to the vet for a check-up. However, the man was reluctant cos he doesn't want to spend any money on the vet check.
Got E to contact the owner last night to inform him that we are gonna visit him today to bring his dog to the vet. He sounded reluctant and even indicated to E that if we want to, we can have the dog. (?!)
When I arrived at his place this noon, this active little maltese greeted me through the gate. I can just barely see his face through the cover bottom partition and hey, he looks fine. Maybe I was at the wrong house? But when the owner opened the gate and the dog ran out to greet me, I see what E meant.
His fur has grown out a bit since E last reported to us. But that barely hid his very thin frame. And when I stroke him, all I feel are bones and more bones jutting out so uncomfortably against my hands. His body was so narrow and his hip bones so pronounced, I am surprised he still appears quite alert and lively.
His name is "Dog Dog", about 8 years now. Always has been so thin, according to the owner. I told him that Dog Dog is obviously very thin, aren't they concerned? And didn't anyone point it out to them? He said that Dog Dog eats normally, is very active, so they didn't wonder that anything is wrong. Again, he voiced subtly his concern about expenses and that he told his daughter he is going to give Dog Dog away to us.
Off we go with Dog Dog to the vet. He feels so feather light when I carried him. He was alert and curious in the car, looking everywhere and refusing to settle down.
Dog Dog will be put on a course of digestive enzymes to aid his body to absorb the nutrients and also vitamins to boost his health and immunity. Nutripet also will fatten him up. And he will have small regular meals as much as he can eat instead of just 1 meal in the evening. Owner said that even when they try to feed him more, he will vomit the excess food out. Seems like his body just doesn't function well, so he will do better with small frequent meals. We may also consider neutering him.
Got E to contact the owner last night to inform him that we are gonna visit him today to bring his dog to the vet. He sounded reluctant and even indicated to E that if we want to, we can have the dog. (?!)
When I arrived at his place this noon, this active little maltese greeted me through the gate. I can just barely see his face through the cover bottom partition and hey, he looks fine. Maybe I was at the wrong house? But when the owner opened the gate and the dog ran out to greet me, I see what E meant.
His fur has grown out a bit since E last reported to us. But that barely hid his very thin frame. And when I stroke him, all I feel are bones and more bones jutting out so uncomfortably against my hands. His body was so narrow and his hip bones so pronounced, I am surprised he still appears quite alert and lively.
His name is "Dog Dog", about 8 years now. Always has been so thin, according to the owner. I told him that Dog Dog is obviously very thin, aren't they concerned? And didn't anyone point it out to them? He said that Dog Dog eats normally, is very active, so they didn't wonder that anything is wrong. Again, he voiced subtly his concern about expenses and that he told his daughter he is going to give Dog Dog away to us.
Dog Dog on his way to the vet, curious and alert.
Off we go with Dog Dog to the vet. He feels so feather light when I carried him. He was alert and curious in the car, looking everywhere and refusing to settle down.
This is how narrow his hips are - a man's hand easily encircles it fully.
With the check up, his gums look fine, no anaemia. Temperature is normal. Appetite is also normal, according to owner which we later verified during his dinner time. In good timing, he poo-ed in the clinic and we checked that there were no worms/eggs in the stool so worms are ruled out for causing thinness too.
However, his stools are a strange pale colour which signifies that he has a very poor digestive system and enzyme deficiencies.
In short, whatever he eats, his body does not absorb, so his body is not nourished at all but is slowly wasting away. In a few more months, if Dog Dog does not undergo prompt treatment, he could possibly waste away despite his normal appetite and meals.
However, his stools are a strange pale colour which signifies that he has a very poor digestive system and enzyme deficiencies.
In short, whatever he eats, his body does not absorb, so his body is not nourished at all but is slowly wasting away. In a few more months, if Dog Dog does not undergo prompt treatment, he could possibly waste away despite his normal appetite and meals.
Dog Dog will be put on a course of digestive enzymes to aid his body to absorb the nutrients and also vitamins to boost his health and immunity. Nutripet also will fatten him up. And he will have small regular meals as much as he can eat instead of just 1 meal in the evening. Owner said that even when they try to feed him more, he will vomit the excess food out. Seems like his body just doesn't function well, so he will do better with small frequent meals. We may also consider neutering him.
Dinner totally welcomed by Dog Dog
Owner said that the whole family will be away from next Monday and asked if we can keep him from today till next Thursday. Else he had intended to board Dog Dog at a nearby petshop from Monday on.
When we told him about feeding Dog Dog his medication, he doesn't sound very keen and said he may not know how to administer. And I am personally concerned about returning Dog Dog to a family who has clearly not done anything about his obvious thinness and even more concerned about Dog Dog going to a boarding facility who may or may not have the time and heart to take good care of his health needs.
So, instead of wasting good time and effort in discussion, which at times I am honestly tired of, and fussing over a few tens of dollars, and most importantly for Dog Dog's health sake, the vital thing right now being to boost him up, we decided to let Dog Dog recuperate and be well looked after in the good hands of clinic staff from now till next Thursday when family returns.
In fact, taking the owner's hint that 'we can have Dog Dog if we want', we will also look for a better home for Dog Dog.
He is a friendly little fellow, takes to you almost immediately. Still active and alert. Small little maltese like him is easy maintenance. And once we fatten him up, he will make a fine and adorable home pet for a good-hearted family.
Do let us know if you can give Dog Dog a better, happier next half of his life. (small dogs tend to live a longer life, I know of malteses who live up to 17 years. Dog Dog could well have a good 5-8 years in him to share.)
* Dog Dog's medical bill plus hospitalisation costs about $180. His owner will foot part of it as much as he can offer, and we will raise the remainder. Please email us at projectjkteam@yahoo.com.sg to support Dog Dog's recovery. Thank you.
Owner said that the whole family will be away from next Monday and asked if we can keep him from today till next Thursday. Else he had intended to board Dog Dog at a nearby petshop from Monday on.
When we told him about feeding Dog Dog his medication, he doesn't sound very keen and said he may not know how to administer. And I am personally concerned about returning Dog Dog to a family who has clearly not done anything about his obvious thinness and even more concerned about Dog Dog going to a boarding facility who may or may not have the time and heart to take good care of his health needs.
So, instead of wasting good time and effort in discussion, which at times I am honestly tired of, and fussing over a few tens of dollars, and most importantly for Dog Dog's health sake, the vital thing right now being to boost him up, we decided to let Dog Dog recuperate and be well looked after in the good hands of clinic staff from now till next Thursday when family returns.
In fact, taking the owner's hint that 'we can have Dog Dog if we want', we will also look for a better home for Dog Dog.
He is a friendly little fellow, takes to you almost immediately. Still active and alert. Small little maltese like him is easy maintenance. And once we fatten him up, he will make a fine and adorable home pet for a good-hearted family.
Do let us know if you can give Dog Dog a better, happier next half of his life. (small dogs tend to live a longer life, I know of malteses who live up to 17 years. Dog Dog could well have a good 5-8 years in him to share.)
* Dog Dog's medical bill plus hospitalisation costs about $180. His owner will foot part of it as much as he can offer, and we will raise the remainder. Please email us at projectjkteam@yahoo.com.sg to support Dog Dog's recovery. Thank you.
1 comment:
The owner's attitude is beyond comprehension. Puts the entire world to shame.
kz
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