Olivers Happy Ending
(continuation from previous blog post) … as we were driving away with Shush safe in our care, Cora and I noticed a small puppy laying in a patch of dirt on the side of the road. His condition was heartbreaking - emaciated, a huge distended belly, severely dehydrated, and was suffering one of the worst flea infestations I had ever seen. So we picked him up, brought him into the car with us, offered him some water and I let him sleep on my knee for the remainder of the trip - unfortunately this meant I got my share of flea bites too!
Once we arrived, the vet examined the puppy, which we had named Oliver by this point, and after a thorough drenching in flea treatment and a couple of worm tablets he was given the all clear to go to Cora’s home for on-going care while he awaited adoption.
Shush’s story didn’t have such a happy ending. Unfortunately x-rays showed he had suffered a broken pelvis, a broken hip and his severely broken leg had become infected. The vet said the kindest thing to do was to put him to sleep.
These two stories really illustrated to me the importance of providing veterinary services in impoverished communities in South Africa – had we not been there Oliver would have certainly died from dehydration in the African heat and poor Shush would have continued suffering and would likely have succumbed to infection from his wounds.
I am pleased to say that since returning from South Africa Cora has told me that Oliver made a full recovery. After the expulsion of a large worm burden and lots of good food he was fit enough for adoption. Oliver found a new loving home within a week -joining over 200 other dogs rehomed by CLAW this year alone.
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it amazing dog.
Posted by: masduqi | November 27, 2008 at 12:26 AM
I loved reading about Oliver! Do have any news on how he is adjusting in his new home? Please keep writing - I really enjoyed your blog.
Posted by: Cassandra Bailey | November 27, 2008 at 09:19 AM
Hi, My daughter Angela has adopted Oliver. I can assure you all that he is now in a very loving enviroment and will live a happy life with her and the other animals,
Posted by: Rob | November 30, 2008 at 12:47 PM
Angela has sent us some recent photos of Oliver...He is fat, fit, and sooo very cute. He is truly a very lucky little guy!
Posted by: Cora Bailey | December 01, 2008 at 02:22 PM
I'll say - he really has had a lucky break. Angie is my step-sister and her "pack" are very happy, well loved and spoilt rotten. He certainly has landed with his little bum in the butter!
Posted by: Cat | December 16, 2008 at 06:06 AM
Awww, yay, I love the before and after pictures - well, especially the after picture. Such a happy dog.
Posted by: Gabrielle | December 17, 2008 at 04:41 PM