lil_angel Posted December 9, 2009 Report Share Posted December 9, 2009 Oldies Club is launching this appeal to raise funds towards the care of two elderly dogs with a very sad tale to tell. Shamrock Happy Shamrock, a black and tan Lab/collie cross, and Happy, a small terrier cross, are two of the dogs rescued from horrific conditions in Ireland recently. After their owner died, over 20 dogs were discovered living in dreadful conditions, kept in small wooden crates that they had seemingly not been able to leave for years. The dogs were in poor physical condition, with nails grown into their pads, urine burns, bald patches etc. and were also understandably frightened and bewildered. The vets in Ireland were planning to put the older dogs down, convinced no-one would want them, but rescue people asked for a chance to try to find rescue spaces for them in the UK and urgently set about trying to save these dogs’ lives. Oldies Club was contacted and quickly agreed to help a number of the older dogs. Towards the end of November 2009, a collie cross and terrier cross made the long journey to the UK. The terrier cross was given the name Happy by the vets as she enjoyed being petted and held; while the collie cross was given the name Shamrock after he arrived in the UK. Both dogs are currently being cared for in kennels in the UK on behalf of Oldies Club, until they are ready to be fostered/adopted. The kennels alone will cost the charity almost £500 a month for the two dogs. Sadly both dogs have presented health problems due to their previous living conditions/lack of care. Shamrock has an ear infection and is currently on antibiotics. He has had bad mange at some time in his life but this seems to have mainly cleared up. He has no movement in his hip, and possibly other problems (maybe ligament damage) in the leg that he is lame on, so he is now on painkillers and is likely to need an x-ray to see if he requires an operation. Poor Shamrock also has a bad heart murmur which the vet wants to monitor before deciding whether he needs medication. In addition he has possible prostate problems, which means he will be castrated as soon as possible. On a more positive note, although Shamrock was very frightened and confused at first, he is coming round with the help and patience of the kennel staff and has been trying to play a little in his kennel, which is wonderful news. Happy’s teeth are in an awful state so she is on antibiotics to clear up any active infection and will be having a dental very soon. The poor girl’s knees are not good and she is on painkillers/anti-inflammatories to keep her comfortable for now, with the vet to see how she manages with rest and good care, before deciding if she needs any other treatment Oldies Club does not yet know the full extent of the dogs’ health problems or the veterinary treatment that will be needed. Money donated to this appeal will be used for the kennel fees and veterinary bills for Shamrock and Happy. If you would like to make a donation to this appeal, you can do so via PayPal - either by using the PayPal button on the Oldies Club website: http://www.oldies.org.uk, or by sending your payment to [email protected]. If you opt to send the PayPal donation as a gift, we will not be charged fees, meaning more money will go towards helping these dogs. Alternatively, if you would prefer to send a cheque, please make it payable to Oldies Club and post it to our treasurer at: 49A Kinross Close Cinnamon Brow Warrington Cheshire WA2 0UT Please make a note that your donation is for the Happy Shamrock Oldies Club Appeal. Thank you so much, your support is very much appreciated. We will update with more information on Happy and Shamrock and their progress as it becomes available :-) **NB: Any amount donated over and above the amount required to care for these two dogs, will be used to help other older dogs in the charity’s care.** Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laura_E Posted December 10, 2009 Report Share Posted December 10, 2009 Poor Happy and Shamrock. Well done to the Oldies Club for stepping in to help these two. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greygal Posted December 13, 2009 Report Share Posted December 13, 2009 Hope their condition can be managed so that they are comfortable at least and can enjoy some care and love for however long they may have left. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lil_angel Posted January 4, 2010 Author Report Share Posted January 4, 2010 Sadly I have to update that Sham had to be pts this afternoon. His gums were white and his heart was racing and vets suspected a huge internal bleed and he was fading fast. We're so sorry we couldnt have helped you more Sham. At least in your final weeks you were happy and adored by the kennel staff. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cycas Posted January 4, 2010 Report Share Posted January 4, 2010 I'm really gutted about this, Sham seems to have had no luck at all, poor old guy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
olivea Posted January 4, 2010 Report Share Posted January 4, 2010 I am so sad to hear about this. He looked such a lovely little dog, one I would have been happy to foster. Such a shame he ended his days in kennels but at least he was saved from horrible conditions. Poor, poor boy - rip at the bridge little 'un xxxxxxx Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Whizzie Posted January 4, 2010 Report Share Posted January 4, 2010 I'm so sorry. I never got to meet Happy & Shamrock at the kennels over Christmas as I'd hoped. Great care was being taken as precaution against spreading suspected kennel cough from another dog. I have met the owners & staff at the kennels where poor Shamrock ended his days & can vouch for their kindness. I'm sure he received excellent care. I hope I might meet Happy soon. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moonbladez Posted January 4, 2010 Report Share Posted January 4, 2010 Run free at the Bridge Sham, without pain now. Im sorry you had to die in kennels, but at least you were safe and loved. Keep an eye on Happy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eve Posted January 4, 2010 Report Share Posted January 4, 2010 So sorry you didn't make it Sham. Sweet dreams old boy and I'm glad you knew kindness at the end Willing Happy to get well enough to have a lovely retirement and will send some sponsor money to help with her treatment. Thinking good thoughts for you, gorgeous girl. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
owl Posted January 4, 2010 Report Share Posted January 4, 2010 So sorry, Shamrock Have peaceful times over the Bridge. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zico's mum Posted January 4, 2010 Report Share Posted January 4, 2010 so very sorry Shamrock but glad you knew love in your last weeks.Run free at the bridge,free from pain. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jasmine Posted January 4, 2010 Report Share Posted January 4, 2010 So sorry Sham Have fun at the Bridge. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greygal Posted January 5, 2010 Report Share Posted January 5, 2010 Run free at the bridge sweet Sham, happy and healthy again. So very sorry that people failed you and those who cared at the end couldn't make it possible for you to enjoy the sort of life you should always have known. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
selina Posted January 7, 2010 Report Share Posted January 7, 2010 Run Free Sham, be happy and healthy at the bridge until a rescuer come gets you for the last time. Will Happy be placed in a foster home now he is by himself, pending one being available of course? Run Free Sham, be happy and healthy at the bridge until a rescuer come gets you for the last time. Will Happy be placed in a foster home now he is by himself, pending one being available of course? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fee Posted January 7, 2010 Report Share Posted January 7, 2010 Yes, because of the dog's background and not being vaccinated we have kept Happy in isolation for a while as a precaution, but she is doing fine and is now ready to move into a foster home as soon as we can find the right placement for her Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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