Since it became sadly clear from our specialist vets report, that, following a sudden collapse at the kennels a few months ago now, Sanctuary dog, Henry, had failing kidneys, (with the added complication of a probable liver tumour), we knew that time would be against him and any additional quality time with Henry would be a bonus. When he was offered the opportunity to go into the home of a very supportive couple, Mark and Nikki, who already have a boy and girl greyhound of their own from us, we were initially worried he was not faring well, given his appetite had got worse, once the positive effects of the drip at the vets had worn off after his return to the kennels. However after daily visits from Nark and Nikki and their greyhounds, Ollie and Pearl, Henry became very attached to them and strangely restless in kennels and kept heading for the door and the gate every time they had to leave. It was as if Henry wanted the chance to live with Mark and Nikki and their hounds. Fortunately, they were up for the challenge of taking Henry on, out of the goodness of their hearts, given his inevitably limited life span; a burden many people could not have faced in the same circumstances. With dedication, patience and sheer hard work, Mark and Nikkis efforts to get Henry to eat eventually paid off, after nearly two weeks of him holding out and refusing practically everything he would once have happily eaten. As his steroids also by then, had been reduced gradually and could now be stopped, so thankfully, Henrys appetite returned and he began to eat again. He is now only on kidney support medication and is doing very well, even putting in two kilos in weight, since his illness had caused significant weight loss previously. Time is now very precious for Henry and his new family, but there is at least hope that he can have some more happy experiences in whatever time he has left with his new family who will now keep him as their own until the end. This is their latest update from them: Henry is going from strength to strength, from very little food as you know, to (at least) five meals a day. He is putting on weight and his toast rack like chest is almost back to normal. From fussy eater, to raw tripe hound. A few pigs ears and other treats thrown in for good measure!!!! The order of the pack seems to have sorted itself out. Henry has allowed Ollie to retain his top dog status by way of cunning rather than ability. After a couple of weeks, and some renewed strength in his back legs he has mastered the stairs. It must have seemed to him that he was missing out on something Ollie & Pearl were getting upstairs - yes, the additional dog beds! Henrys character is definitely starting to emerge. Far from being a nervous dog, he is inquisitive, independent, headstrong and loving. He is very intelligent. He knows the difference between different models of cars. Any Volvo estate car is fair game in an attempt to jump into the back - that may have something to do with you Carol? He absolutely loves a drive out in the car, would rather drive to the park than walk - not literally - thats next on my Henry training schedule!!. He sits with his head up looking out the window with a big smile on his face. He will also attempt a return to the car at the earliest opportunity!!! He is no longer animated about other dogs on our walks, for which I have alot to thank Ollie & Pearl for showing Henry the way, but is sly around little furries up close - if you know what I mean - drool ! I attach some pictures* (see photos) of him recently out on a walk with his Greyhound mates, and some relaxing at home. The last picture was taken about four weeks ago when he was still quite thin - its entitled who let the donkey in the house! from Mark & Nikki xx From everyone at Wimbledon Greyhound Welfare, and those who have been kind enough to walk, sponsor and to get to know Henry, we send all our love and best wishes to dearest Henry, his new hound family, Ollie and Pearl, and to Mark and Nikki who were kind and brave enough to give Henry the chance of a life outside kennels with a family who will always love him to the end.
Posted on: Sat, 21 Jun 2014 08:44:03 +0000