Well, after the sadness of yesterday’s post, here is something to cheer us all up.This story dates back over 2 years. At the time the SPA was a very different place. We had no internet sites, no Facebook and very few volunteers. Dogs were put down on a regular basis due to lack of space. It was extremely difficult to keep going as heartbreak was the norm. There were not many volunteers, as the refuge was not a place for the fainthearted. I often returned home in tears.
A few of us long-term volunteers can remember as far back as Alex. He was a magnificent English Setter who was found and brought into the SPA; identified but owners untraceable. It soon became clear that Alex had leishmaniasis. The (former) SPA vet says it was a matter of weeks before Alex would die as his liver was affected, and nothing could be done. “That may be the case”, said the wonderful Evelyn from Doglinks, “but Alex does not have to spend his final days in the SPA”. So rather than being taken on a one-way journey to the vet, Alex moved to a family home. That was 2 years and 3 months ago, and here he is, looking happy and healthy with one of his sisters, Tarka.
So as well as saying thank you again to Evelyn (who is a huge supporter of this and other refuges), I want to highlight to you two things. Or three, maybe.
First, don’t turn your back on a sick dog. In the right environment and with lots of love, almost any dog can flourish.
Second, if you have dogs, read about leishmaniasis. It is spreading northwards through France and once your dog has it, he has it for life (although if caught early enough a dog can lead a normal life with treatment that is not budget-busting)
And (yes) thirdly, buy your dog(s) a Scalibor collar. This protects them from being bitten by the sandfly which is the sole vector for this uncurable disease. A vaccine is being developed, but it is only about 60% effective, whereas a scalibor is 100% (provided it is renewed regularly, about every 5 months). The refuge tries to put Scalibors on as many dogs as possible, most of them are donated by well-wishers under our sponsoring scheme.
It has been a long time since we have had a case of leishmaniasis at the refuge, and we are determined to keep it that way! Make sure you protect your dogs, too, and stop this horrid disease from spreading!
Here is the beautiful and incredible lucky Alex, busy defying the odds!
A lovely story. Long life to you Alex.
I am always happy to field questions about owning/adopting a dog with this disease and some of the variable consequences that can arise – it should be added that with Scalibor collars properly in use and changed regularly, a dog with Leishmaniasis is NOT a risk to other pets or people. I shall always be grateful to Alex for his wonderful nature and the rewards he has given our family in many ways. In return to know that this boy, however long his life from here on, has had two summers with happy days lying in the sunshine with his other 11 companions, sailing round the fields chasing birds, warm winters by the log burner, good food and lots and lots of fun! Not much to ask but it has saved and extended his life more than he could have expected thanks to Rowan showing him to me that day 🙂