Florry

In May 2010 The Little Dog Rescue was informed of a female Jack Russell Terrier in the pound at risk of being put to sleep. Found as a stray and unclaimed, she was judged to be around 14 years old, had eye problems and was underweight, and had already given the staff at the pound some concern for her general health.

The local Coordinator arranged to collect Florence from the pound, and transported her to meet her new foster Mum, who was rather fond of Jack Russells. Florence quickly became known as Miss Florry, and settled easily with the resident dogs.

The first week was worrying for Florry's foster Mum as her health deteriorated despite antibiotics. She had dry eye, a condition which had left her virtually blind, a chronic untreated ear problem had left her with permanent loss of hearing, and rotten teeth were causing infection to drain from her gums into her throat. The vet had also noted that Florry had muscle wastage in her back legs, as well as needing to gain around 2kg in weight.

After one very worrying day, an emergency visit back to the vet meant high doses of both steroids and antibiotics given by injection, and a cautionary 'if she makes it through the next 6 hours it's a good sign'.

The whole family sat with her, watching and waiting, fearing the worst but determined not to give up on a little lady who had already earned a special place in their hearts. Almost exactly 6 hours later Florry woke bleary-eyed and made her way to the water dish, and then the back door. The turnaround was rapid, and within days Miss Florry was beginning to act like a much younger dog, playing with the resident larger dogs, eating heartily and enjoying pottering around the garden in the sun. She also discovered her bark, having been silent for two weeks after arriving!

Having had the bad teeth removed, Florry still has a need for long-term care as it has been discovered she has a skin allergy. She needs a weekly bath with a special shampoo, and is taking Atopica to reduce the symptoms; this is around £35 a month. Her eye condition is being treated twice a day with a cream called Optimmune, which at a cost of £40 for a small tube is an expense many owners would be unable to consider.

Florry has become a part of the family in her foster home and it has been agreed she will remain there as long as she is happy, with medical costs covered by The Little Dog Rescue. Florry's foster Mum says she's a true delight and pleasure to know and wins many hearts on her walks and trips out. And her poor sight and hearing do not hinder her locating the whereabouts of any person eating a bacon sandwich or buttered toast!

Florry is a very special Sponsored Dog with a lifetime foster home, and receiving the ongoing support of The Little Dog Rescue. If you would like to read more about Florry, view more photos and hear from her foster family about her progress please join our forum where you will be able to find Florry in the Sponsored Dogs section.

Donations to assist with the ongoing care of Florry or other Sponsored Dogs can be made through the Paypal link on our forum, and it is also possible to arrange a regular payment via Standing Order. Please contact us for further details.